Chapter Events

The acres that make up Half Day Forest Preserve were some of the first acquired by the Lake County Forest Preserve District. Half Day provides the opportunity to see the powerful effects of water and fire. Prior to settlement by Europeans, human and natural caused fires were an important disturbance that helped shape the natural communities we find along the Des Plaines River.??As a result, Half Day, which is situated west of the river, supports the oaks and prairie plants that thrived under fire?s influence. Though many natural areas at Half Day were degraded by farming, some survived and others are being restored.?This preserve was named after the Potawatomi chief?Aptakisic, whose name means "sun at its meridian" or "half day."
Some of the preserves wildlife include nesting field birds like the?Eastern bluebirds, tree swallows, and red-tailed hawks that are commonly seen in the more open area while wood ducks, scarlet tanagers, and ovenbirds use woodlands for nesting.?A footbridge spanning the Des Plaines River links Half Day to Wright Woods Forest Preserve. Together they offer some of southern Lake County's most scenic outdoor sites.?
Please join us for a beautiful morning walk with our Lake County Forest Preserve guide Dr. Randy McCool.
The entrance and parking area are located on Route 21 (Milwaukee Avenue) at the light for Woodlands Parkway, south of Route 60 (Townline Road) and just north of Route 22 (Half Day Road).
Outing is free and families are welcome but registration is required.
Please RSVP by July 27, 2016