It’s Maple Syrup Season at Ryerson Woods near Riverwoods

The trees will be tapped at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 14 at Ryerson Woods. Maple syrup hikes will be offered the first three weeks in March.

A sure sign that spring is on the way is the tapping of sugar maple trees at Ryerson Conservation Area near Riverwoods. This year, however, drought conditions that have continued since spring of 2012 are being taken into account. With the recent snow and cold weather, last summer's dry heat seems like a distant memory. Yet, it was only this past week that the National Weather Service officially changed its "moderate drought" designation to "abnormally dry" for most of Lake County. While every drop of rain and flake of snow are helping to slowly ease our way out of last summer's dryness, the damage already done by the drought will determine the sweetness of this spring.  Ryerson is one of the few local areas where climate conditions are …

• Photos (1)

Patch Picks

Patch Picks For Fall Foliage

Find ways to enjoy the beautiful colors in and around town.

After a long hot summer, the crisp air of fall and the bright colors of the leaves are a refreshing change. Take this opportunity to get outside for a walk or a bike ride in one of the many beautiful places we've found to enjoy the foliage. Or let us know where you like best in the comments section below. Heller Nature Center, Highland Park This 97-acre property maintained by the park district offers three miles of marked trails for casual strolls to admire the scenery or serious nature hikes, as the land is maintained as a haven for native plants and animals. Here you'll find a forest, prairie, wetlands and savanna. Visitors can bring picnics on the trails through this oak-hickory forest, but must leave bikes and motorized vehicles in the…

•  1 Comment
• Photos (2)

Joanna Schneider

12:17 pm on Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Fall is by far my favorite season! Crisp air, stunning colors, what's not to love? I definitely want to grab my bike and check out a few of these spots. Thanks for the round-up, Joanna!   more ›

5% of Sales Go to Ryerson

Whole Foods raises money for local organization.

Friends of Ryerson Woods wants you to stock up on groceries at Whole Foods on Wednesday. That’s because the Deerfield location will be donating 5 percent of its net sales from the day to the local organization. Friends of Ryerson Woods uses the Lake County Preserve to improve resident’s understanding and appreciation for nature as well as provide opportunities for them to enjoy it. Organizers say they’re honored that Whole Foods picked them to be the recipient of this fundraising event and are encouraging the community to come out and shop. 

• Photos (1)

VIDEO: Explore Lake County While You Can

Before the white stuff disappears for good there are some things we should watch out for.

I know I’m not the only one who likes to go on an adventure every once in a while. But what if I don’t want to travel very far to do it? The good news, there are new things to discover in our own backyards thanks to Mother Nature’s recent winter wonderland.       While at Ryerson Woods in Deerfield last week I asked Lake County Forest Preserves Director Nan Buckardt exactly what I should be looking for and she had plenty of suggestions. Click on the video clip to see what she had to say. 

• Videos (1)

Daily PatchCast: Huge Fraud Scam, Teacher Cuts, & Squirrel Attack

A roundup of the region's major developments for Tuesday Feb. 8.

Here are the top stories from Patch sites in your area: $2 Million Verdict in "A Bernie Madoff Scam” District 219 Lets 10 Tenured Teachers Go VIDEO: Lack of Food Turns Squirrels on Deerfield’s Trees Morton Grove Resident Treks "Into the Cold" of the North Pole Photo Gallery: Kiss FM Co-hosts Students' Battle of the Bands

• Videos (1)