ENVIRONMENTAL UPDATES
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ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES
The Crystal Lake Park District has adopted the following strategic areas to direct environmental initiatives.- Open Space Planning and Preservation
- Environmental Education and Interpretation
- Wise Use of Air, Soil, Water and Wildlife
- Wise Use of Energy Resources
- Reduction and Handling of Waste
- Environmentally Safe Products
OPEN SPACE PLANNING AND PRESERVATION
With the addition of a Manager of Natural Resources position, the Park District is developing and implementing ecosystems re-establishment and restoration plans for park natural areas. Recreational access to park natural areas continues to improve with planning and implementing projects such as parking lot and trail establishment at Shamrock Hills. Nature Center programs, social media postings and updated informative signage provide enhanced public interaction with park natural areas. Specific initiatives such as promoting a habitat tree preserved at the Nature Center have served to provide exemplary natural area stewardship for landowners.environmental education and interpretation
The Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center serves as the primary provider of environmental education throughout the district. Open year-round, the Nature Center provides a unique opportunity for young and old alike to experience nature through progressive programs, hands-on activities, seasonal exhibits and volunteer opportunities. Demonstration gardens that include native landscaping and rain barrels are used to educate visitors.wise use of air, soil water and wildlife
The Park District owns and manages two Illinois Nature Preserves, the 185 acres Sterne's Woods and Fen and the 40 acres Wingate Prairie in Veteran Acres Park. More than 300 additional acres of natural areas are also located in the district, including Veteran Acres Park, Lippold Park, Willows Edge Park and Prairie Ridge Conservation Area. Natural resource management in these park natural areas includes control of invasive vegetation, reintroduction of diverse native vegetation and monitoring of ecosystems.
As the owner and caretaker of Crystal Lake, the Park District performs a variety of management tasks each year, including water quality sampling, hydrology monitoring, aquatic macrophyte sampling, aquatic weed control, and fishery management. In addition to Crystal Lake, the park district manages ponds and waterways in twelve other parks.
The Park District grounds crews discontinued the routine use of fertilizer and herbicide for general turf care more than ten years ago. Currently, only athletic fields are treated with routine fertilizer (non-phosphorous) and herbicide. Spot application of herbicide by licensed individuals is performed judiciously as needed to control weeds along fence lines, in mulch tree rings and in landscape beds. Cultural weed control practices are used as much as possible, following integrated pest management principles, to reduce the need for herbicide use.
WISE USE OF ENERGY RESOURCES
To increase the efficiency of existing buildings, improved insulation and other upgrades are carried out, while energy saving devices are installed to replace outdated switches, appliances, lights, hand driers and other items. When remodeling or constructing new buildings, green technologies and building products are preferred. A restroom in Veteran Acres Park was constructed to use solar powered electricity.reduction and handling of waste
When visiting high use parks like Main Beach, West Beach, Veteran Acres and Lippold Parks, you will see blue bins for approved recyclables. All other items should be placed in a trash receptacle. We ask for your help in recycling as we continue to improve our efforts to make the world a better place for us and future generations.
The following clean and empty items are allowed to be placed in the recycling bins:
- ACCEPTED RECYCLABLES
- Newspaper, copy paper, magazines, junk mail
- Corrugated cardboard
- Chipboard (i.e. - cereal box and pop case)
- Steel cans
- Aluminum Cans and clean aluminum foil
- Plastic bottles, tubs, jugs and jars only - coded 1-7
- Glass (green, brown, clear) bottles and jars only
- Aluminum Cans
- Cartons (i.e. - juice boxes and milk cartons)
- NON-RECYCLABLES
- Styrofoam, including packing peanuts
- Shredded Paper
- 6 pack rings
- Oil containers
- Grocery bags
- Plastic bags, bubble wrap
THANK YOU FOR RECYCLING!
ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE PRODUCTS
As part of a commitment to reducing the use of products that pose a hazard to human health and the environment, our custodial and facilities staff have shifted toward utilizing cleaning products with a more positive environmental profile such as using hydrogen peroxide based cleaner/disinfectant where applicable. Several of the frequently used cleaning products are Green Seal Certified. Disposable paper towels used for cleaning have been replaced, where possible, with microfiber products. Ready-to-dispense cleaning products make our bottles refillable. Vacuums with CRI approval and HEPA filters are used to aid in preserving indoor air quality.
Be Clean, Be Green, Be Healthy!
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notable environmental programs
PROJECT QUERCUS
Oak tree seedlings are planted with the aid of volunteers to begin reforestation of natural areas and park space.
NATURAL AREA WORKDAYS
Volunteers regularly join together to eliminate invasive species from Sterne's Woods and Fen, Veteran Acres/Wingate Prairie and Butternut Preserve. View Environmental Volunteer Opportunities on our website.
CLEAN UP DAY
A yearly community wide clean up co-sponsored with the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce.
HOLIDAY LIGHT RECYCLING PROGRAM
Annual light recycling drop off at the Main Beach Maintenance Garage leading up to and just after the holiday season.
BI-ANNUAL FIREWOOD SALE
Each spring and fall, the Environmental Committee hosts a firewood sale at the Lippold Park Maintenance Building. Firewood is procured from our parks and consists mostly of oaks. Proceeds from the firewood sales are used to purchase pollinator plants to be planted throughout our parks by volunteer staff members.
CONTACT
For additional information on our enviromental initiatives, please contact Preston Skultety, Manager of Natural Resources at pskultety@crystallakeparks.org.
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Natural Resource Management Projects
February 2024:VETERAN ACRESA series of natural resource management projects are ongoing at Veteran Acres Park. Within oak groves, invasive underbrush and some less desirable species of trees are being selectively cleared to make way for desirable undergrowth such as spring ephemeral wildflowers. Clearing the smothering invasive brush out of the oak groves will also make way for new oak seedlings to germinate, allowing the oak stands a better opportunity to regenerate and achieve more varied age diversity.
Among strategies and tactics for oak ecosystem recovery identified in the Chicago Wilderness - Oak Ecosystem Recovery Plan are "Understory and canopy thinning--focused on reducing stem and canopy density..." "Remove and eradicate non-native invasive plant species, especially woody shrub species, that inhibit oak regeneration and shade out native herbaceous species." For more information on oak ecosystem recovery see the full plan at the following link.
https://chicagorti.org/app/uploads/2022/01/Oak-Ecosystems-Recovery-Plan-Full-Report.pdf
January 2024:STERNE'S WOODS & FENNew work has started on a project to restore ecology in a portion of the oak savanna and dry prairie vegetation communities at Sterne's Woods and Fen. Crews are clearing out invasive bush honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) in the eastern part of the park, where the Sterne's Woods Trail (Red) meets the Moraine View Trail (Green). This work will make way for the dry prairie remnant at this location to expand and recover some of its former size which was smothered by invasive brush. Removing the smothering invasive brush will also allow new oak seedlings to recolonize in the project area, contributing to the Oak Savanna vegetation community known to historically exist there. Native seed and plant reintroductions will be ongoing as the project develops and the existing seed bank potential is assessed.
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WOODSCREEK PARKThe invasive brush and tree control effort at Woodscreek Park has been completed. Ongoing work will involve maintenance control of invasive species during the growing season and installation of desirable native seed.
BUTTERNUT PRESERVE
A natural resource management project is being carried out at Butternut Preserve. Selective removal of invasive common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) and bush honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) is taking place around the parking lot area. This work will allow for more native species diversity to develop in the project area. This invasive brush removal project combined with the regular ongoing invasive species control work performed by the dedicated site stewards and volunteers at Butternut is having an increasingly noticeable positive impact at the preserve.
WINDING CREEK PARK & BIKE PATH
A natural resource management project began at Winding Creek Park and Bike Path. Invasive brush and tree control will be carried out in the western buffer of the ponds both north and south of Village Road. This work is targeting primarily invasive European black alder (Alnus glutinosa) as this species is smothering both areas. In addition, invasive brush such as common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) and bush honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) will be targeted.
For more information on the invasive potential of European black alder, please see the following link from Morton Arboretum. https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/european-black-alder-not-recommended/
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December 2023:A natural resource management project is underway at Woodscreek Park. Invasive trees and brush are being removed from the pond buffer. More than 90% of the material being removed is European black alder, a tree once thought to be a good option for landscaping before its invasive potential was realized. The remainder of the material being removed is primarily common buckthorn and bush honeysuckle.
See the following link for more information on European black alder and its invasive potential.
https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/european-black-alder-not-recommended/
The project will help keep undesirable brush and trees from smothering the prairie buffer around the pond and will restore the view of the pond from the path. Supplemental native seed mixes will be installed following the clearing work to bolster native species cover, diversity and aesthetic.
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Latest News
- Nov 22 Luminaria Walk 2024 : Dec 4 cancelled due to inclement weather
- Nov 18 Holiday Light Recyling Program Now Through Jan 15
- Nov 18 Deadline for Letters to Santa is Friday, December 6
- Nov 14 It's Not Too Early to Reserve Your Spot at the Colonel Palmer House Holiday Tea on Dec 14 & 15
- Oct 27 Put a Team Together for Puzzle Palooza on Nov 10
- Oct 23 Let's Celebrate Tea! Tea Fest at Colonel Palmer House on Oct 26
- Oct 16 Fall Sess 3 of Hapkido Begins Nov 25
- Oct 16 Save the Date for Truck or Treat at Main Beach-Sat, Oct 26
- Oct 15 Register NOW for Zumba Glow Party on Oct 18
- Oct 15 Yoga and Wine Social Overlooking Crystal Lake on Fri, Oct 18
- Oct 15 Book a Wagon Ride Through Sterne's Woods
- Oct 12 Firewood Sale Nov 2-Make Your Reservation Today!
- Oct 09 Businesses and Organizations Needed To Participate in Crystal Lake Park District Truck or Treat on Oct 26
- Oct 08 Fall Session 2 Hot Shots Sports Begins Oct 28
- Oct 03 Crystal Lake Park District Park Board of Commissioner Election Petition Packets Available-Filing Period Nov 12-18
- Sep 26 Lippold Park Family Golf Center Closes for the Season on Sun, Sep 29
- Sep 25 Name Announced for NEW Crystal Lake Park District Park
- Sep 23 Practice Begins Oct 8 for Girls Basketball Leagues-Register Today!
- Sep 13 Flannel Fest Pre-Sale Tickets Available Until Fri, Sep 20
- Sep 06 Splash Pads to Remain Open Thru Sep 16
- Sep 04 Fall Session 1 of Baby Rock, Tot Rock and Kids Rock Begins Sept 10
- Sep 04 Weekend Only Hours Through Sept 29 at Lippold Family Golf Center
- Sep 01 Fall Fitness and Yoga Classes Begin Sep 4
- Sep 01 Fall Yoga Classes Begin Soon
- Sep 01 Hot Shot Sports Classes Begin Sep 10
- Aug 30 Fall Dance Programs Begin Sept 5
- Aug 29 Labor Day Weekend Hours-Facilities & Admin Office
- Aug 20 FREE, Family Fun with Palmer's Pickings on Aug 24
- Aug 12 Rosie and the Rivets Rebooked for Aug 13 after Concert in the Park Rainout
- Aug 12 Limited Spots Available for Sunset Wine & Cheese Social on Aug 21
- Aug 09 Vote for Your Favorite Park Name-Aug 8-Aug 16
- Aug 07 End of Season Main Beach Swim Area Operations Update
- Jul 31 Flannel Fest Tickets On Sale Now
- Jul 30 Still Time to Complete the July & August Agents of Discovery Missions
- Jul 24 Last Chance to Register for Group Golf Lessons for Juniors, Men and Women
- Jul 09 'Name Your Park' Contest Entries Due by July 15
- Jul 08 NEW Event-Luau Line Dance Night for Adults on July 12 at Main Beach
- Jul 07 Enroll Now for Summer Tennis Lessons
- Jul 01 Crystal Lake Park District Facility Hours of Operation July 4-July 7
- Jun 28 Sterne's Woods and Fen Restoration Efforts Featured in National Recreation and Parks Magazine
- Jun 27 Summer Sing-a-Long with the Crystal Lake Strikers on Sat, Jun 29 moved to Crystal Lake South High School Auditorium
- Jun 24 Home of the Brave Heritage Fest on June 29 at Colonel Palmer House
- Jun 20 We Need 3 Additional Teams for Baggo League at Main Beach
- Jun 04 Concerts in the Park at Main Beach Begins May 28
- Jun 03 Enroll Now for Summer Session of Dance Classes
- Jun 02 Tot Programs Begin Soon
- Jun 01 Nature Center Grand Re-Opening on June 1
- Jun 01 Tickets on Sale for Into the Woods Jr
- May 24 Splash Pads Open for Season on May 25
- May 24 Swim Lessons at Main Beach with the Crystal Lake Park District Swim School
- May 24 Sailing Lesson Sessions Available June-July
- May 23 Enrolling Now Summer Martial Arts Classes
- May 20 Main & West Beach Operations-Main Beach Opens for Season on May 25
- May 18 NEW Opportunity Just for 6-8th Graders-Aloha Summer Teen Luau
- May 15 Seeking Performers for Teen Talent Show at Main Beach on June 21
- May 08 Social Dance Night- Tango & West Coast Swing on May 17
- May 03 Summer Registration Now Open
- Apr 29 The Cottage Donates Towards Summer Day Camp Scholarships
- Apr 25 The Racket Club Outdoor Courts Grand Opening Celebration on Sat, Apr 27
- Apr 24 Crystal Lake Park District Summer Day Camp Recognized as One of America's Best
- Apr 03 FREE, Drop In Solar Eclipse Special Event at Nature Center on April 8
- Apr 03 Spring Adult Softball League Play Begins April 22
- Apr 02 Dance, Sing & Play in Crystal Lake Park District Final Spring Session of Tot Programs
- Apr 02 Proposed Budget FY 2024-2025 on Display
- Apr 02 Batting Cages at Lippold Park Now Open for Season
- Mar 28 Important Information for Crystal Lake Boaters-Decals, Boat Launch Key Fobs, Dry Storage Spots Available for Purchase Apr 1
- Mar 14 Project Update: New Park on Haligus Rd in Lakewood
- Mar 12 Pickleball and Tennis Courts Open Early for the Season!
- Mar 10 Community Garden Plots Available at the Crystal Lake Park District
- Mar 07 Spoerl Park Playground Closed for Playground Surface Installation
- Mar 07 Last Chance to Register for Women's Self Defense Worksshop on Mar 23
- Mar 06 Limited Spots Still Available for Springtime Tea at Colonel Palmer House
- Mar 04 Spring Firewood Sale on March 16-Reserve Today!
- Mar 01 Crystal Lake Park District Receives OSLAD Grant for Della St Park Renovation
- Mar 01 Crystal Lake Park District Receives Illinois Parks and Recreation GameTime/PlayCore Grant for Haligus Park Playground
- Feb 08 Crystal Lake Park District Digital Camp Guide is Live
- Feb 07 Natural Resource Management Project Underway at Veteran Acres
- Feb 06 2nd Annual Galentine’s Day Brunch on Feb 11
- Feb 05 Social Dance Nights and Dance Lessons for Adults at the Crystal Lake Park District
- Feb 05 Registration Now Open for Barlina House Preschool 2024-2025 School Year
- Jan 28 Family Winter Mini Golf Event at Lippold Family Golf Center-CANCELLED
- Jan 18 Natural Resource Management Project Underway at Winding Creek Park and Bike Path
- Jan 12 Monday Memory-The 1935-1950 Tobaggan Slide at Lake Park (now Main Beach)
- Jan 08 Reg by Jan 19 for the Snowbird Softball Tournament
- Jan 08 Limited Spots Still available for Hearts & Artists, A Valentine’s Tea at Colonel Palmer House
- Jan 07 Natural Resource Management Project at Sterne's Woods and Fen
- Jan 04 Tot-Teen Dance Classes Featuring a Spring Recital Begin Jan 8
- Jan 04 New sessions of Crystal Lake Park District Group Fitness and Yoga classes begin in Jan 8
- Jan 04 Enrolling Now Winter Spring Martial Arts Classes including Pre-Karate, Shotokan Karate and Hapkido
- Jan 02 Crystal Lake Park District Offers Free Holiday Light Recycling through Jan 15
- Dec 15 Winter/Spring Activity Guide Registration Now Open
- Dec 14 Natural Resource Management Project Underway at Woodscreek Park
- Dec 07 Holiday Gift Giving Made Easy with Crystal Lake Park District Gift Cards
- Dec 07 Nature Center Temporarily Closed For Exhibit Remodeling
- Dec 06 Limited Spots Still available for A Norman Rockwell Tea on Dec 16 & 17
- Dec 04 2nd/3rd & 4th/5th Grade Boys Basketball League-Registration deadline Jan 5
- Nov 21 Enroll Now for Hapkido Starting on Nov 29
- Nov 21 Luminaria Walk at Veteran Acres Nov 29-Dec 2
- Nov 07 Haligus Road Park Design Update Meeting on Nov 8
- Nov 07 Dog Obedience Begins Nov 22
- Nov 07 November Youth/Teen Variety Classes
- Nov 01 Protect Yourself From Scams & Burglaries Workshop on Nov 10
- Nov 01 Grand Oaks Walking Club 2023
- Oct 26 Register Now for Puzzle Palooza on Nov 5
- Oct 24 Fall Firewood Sale on Nov 4-Stock Up for Your Fall Bonfires!
- Oct 16 Plan to Attend the Hill Farm Park Community Input Meeting on Oct 24
- Oct 13 Free Family Fun at Truck or Treat on Sat, Oct 28
- Oct 11 Book at Wagon Ride Through Sterne's Woods
- Oct 10 Henrietta's Harvest-CANCELED due to inclement weather
- Oct 04 Social Dance Nights at Grand Oaks Plus Line Dancing Class & Couples Social Dance
- Oct 03 NEW Programs & Events at Colonel Palmer House
- Oct 02 Lippold Park Seal Coating Project Updates-Week of Oct 2
- Sep 19 Registration Open for Girls & Boys Basketball Leagues
- Sep 15 Fishing Line Recycling Receptacles a Success
- Sep 03 Enroll Now for Fall Session of Dance
- Sep 02 Youth Athletics Classes Begin Sept 9
- Sep 01 Women's Golf Clinic Begins Sept 3 at Lippold Family Golf Center
- Aug 21 Online Registration Down for Upgrades Tu, Aug 22 at 3 pm-Wed, Aug 23
- Aug 21 Snake Study Update-a collaboration with McHenry County College Biology Students
- Aug 15 Fall 2023 Registration Now Open
- Aug 15 Crystal Lake Park District Named Com Ed Green Region Grant Recipient
- Aug 11 It's A GO-Caddyshack is ON for Tonight, Fri Aug 11
- Aug 02 Community Input Survey-Della Street Park Renovations plus Community Input Meeting on Aug 16
- Jul 26 Caddyshack-Movie in the Park on Aug 11-Costume Contest Added to the Event
- Jul 25 Additional Date Added to Crystal Lake Park District Concert in the Park Schedule
- Jul 25 Public Invited to Peter Pan Jr Performance by Musical Theatre Camp
- Jul 24 July/August Programs at Colonel Palmer House
- Jul 14 Group Sailing Lessons Begin July 24
- Jul 14 Summer Hapkido and Women’s Self Defense Clinic
- Jul 07 July/August Nature Center Programs & Events
- Jul 05 Cops N Bobbers Gary Svejcar Fishing Derby for Kids on July 30
- Jul 05 Women’s Self Defense Clinic on July 22
- Jul 04 Crystal Lake Park District Adult Camp (21+)
- Jul 03 Swim Lessons Sess 2 begin July 10
- Jul 03 Save the Date-Sat, Jul 15, to UNPLUG After Dark at Veteran Acres
- Jun 29 Everything You Need to Know to Enjoy the Crystal Lake Parade and Fireworks Celebration
- Jun 27 Summer Tennis Lessons for Ages 5-Adult Session 3 begins Jul 17
- Jun 27 Crystal Lake Fireworks Info Plus Wristband Pre-Purchase Info
- Jun 26 FREE Summer Sing-A-Longs on June 28 & July 15
- Jun 25 Positive Pebbles Kits Available at the Administrative Office
- Jun 08 NEW Event! Aloha Summer Sunset Celebration on June 9
- Jun 01 Crystal Lake Park District Concerts in the Park Kicks off May 30
- May 27 2023 Beach Operations-Main Beach Opens Sat, May 27
- May 05 Registration Open for Summer 2023
- Apr 24 Thank You Crystal Lake Park District Volunteers!
- Apr 10 Lippold Family Golf Center Open for Season
- Apr 06 Limited Number of Community Garden Plots Available
- Apr 05 Line Dancing Class & Social Ballroom Class plus Social Dance Nights
- Apr 04 Spots Filling Quickly for Summer Camp 2023-Register Today!
- Apr 04 Crystal Lake Park District Nature Offers Spring Programs for Tots-Adults
- Mar 15 Crystal Lake Park District Awarded Urban and Community Forestry Grant for Tree Planting
- Mar 08 Crystal Lake Park District Awarded 2022 Government Award from the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County
- Mar 07 Crystal Lake Park District Awarded $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grant for Development of Park on Haligus Road
- Mar 06 Social Dance Nights March 10, April 22, May 19
- Mar 06 Paint Nites and Watercolor Painting
- Mar 06 Crystal Lake Park District Announces Spring Firewood Sale on March 18
- Feb 27 Update Regarding Northwestern Medicine Healthcare Crystal Lake Fitness Center and the Crystal Lake Park District
- Feb 22 Highlight the Night Son Date Night on April 28
- Feb 22 Mother Daughter Tea at Colonel Palmer House on April 30
- Feb 22 Four Winds Casino Trip and Land of Lincoln Trip Still Have Limited Spots Available
- Feb 22 New Sessions of Youth Athletics Beginning Feb 27 and Apr 24
- Feb 21 EVP Spring Break Volleyball Camp Mar 27-30
- Feb 19 Register NOW for Summer Camp!
- Feb 15 Next Session of Little Medical School Veterinarian Programs Begins March 24
- Feb 15 Summer 2023 Seasonal Jobs-NOW HIRING
- Feb 13 Register Now for Puzzle Palooza on March 19
- Feb 07 Valentine/Galentine Zumba Party Scheduled for Feb 10
- Jan 20 NEW! Galentine's Day Brunch with the Crystal Lake Park District
- Jan 20 Dates Nights for Sons and Daughters in Feburary and April
- Jan 19 Limited Spots Still Available for this Season's Adult Trips
- Jan 17 Willows Edge Park Invasive Brush Clearing Efforts Underway
- Jan 16 Snowbird Softball Tourney Team Registration Due by Jan 27
- Jan 15 EVP & Crystal Lake Park District Host Snow Volleyball Tournament
- Jan 02 Register by Jan 6 for Boys Basketball League
- Dec 23 Free Holiday Light Recycling thru December 30
- Dec 22 Winter Spring Activity Guide Available and Registration is Opens Dec 9
- Dec 07 Send Us Your Letter to Santa by December 9
- Dec 05 Holiday Break Camps for Youth and Teens
Upcoming Events
- Dec 10 Winter Spring Activity Guide Registration Opens
- Dec 12 Elements Workshop-Intuition:Etheral West Beach, 2330 Lake Ave, Crystal Lake
- Dec 14 The Christmas Tree Ship Holiday Tea Colonel Palmer House, 660 E. Terra Cotta Avenue, Crystal Lake
- Dec 15 The Christmas Tree Ship Holiday Tea (Sunday) Colonel Palmer House, 660 E. Terra Cotta Avenue, Crystal Lake
- Jan 25 Social Dance Night-Vegas Night Crooners Main Beach Pavilion, 300 Lakeshore Dr, Crystal Lake
- Feb 01 Snowbird Softball Tournament Boncosky Softball Complex at Lippold Park
- Feb 02 Hearts & Artists Valentine's Day Tea Colonel Palmer House, 660 E. Terra Cotta Avenue, Crystal Lake
- Feb 21 Under the Sea Daughter Date Night Grand Oaks Recreation Center, 1401 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake
- Feb 22 Under the Sea Daughter Date Night (Sat) Grand Oaks Recreation Center, 1401 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake
- Feb 22 Social Dance Night-Celebrate Carnivale Main Beach Pavilion, 300 Lakeshore Dr, Crystal Lake