eNews: Earth Month, Hydrant Flushing, & More!

By The City of Lake Forest

Apr 1, 2022

Happy Earth Month!

This week's eNews includes Celebrating Earth Month, Hydrant Flushing, Autism Awareness Month, Gift Card Scams, Share Your Feedback, Things to Know, Upcoming Events, City Meetings, and More.

Top Stories

Celebrate Earth Month in April

Join the City of Lake Forest and local organizations as we celebrate Earth Day 2022 in a series of events, activities, and challenges throughout the month of April.

Earth Month Kickoff on Sunday, April 3, 12-4 pm

Join us this Sunday, April 3 in Market Square for an afternoon full of fun activities, from bicycle safety tips to a live Wildlife Discovery Center exhibit.

Week 1: Reduce Waste Challenge (April 4-10)

In 2021, the City of Lake Forest collected over 6,500 tons of household garbage of which food waste, paper/cardboard, and plastic accounted for 60% of the materials collected. The first challenge focuses on finding ways to reduce waste.

Try these Earth-friendly challenges and activities this week:

Consider ordering an Earth Machine from the City for $55 with free delivery and begin composting at home.
Pick up a copy of Unraveled, this year's "Reading Between the Ravines" featured book will challenge your thinking about fashion and how we can extend the life of our clothing.
Cleaning out your closets? We’ve partnered with the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO), so you can take gently used and worn textiles to the Compost & Recycling Center.
Visit BartTheCart.com to learn more about what can (and cannot) be recycled curbside in Lake Forest.

For more activities and challenges, visit the Earth Month page.

Hydrant Flushing Begins

Water & Sewer staff have begun flushing the City’s fire hydrants to remove accumulated sediment build-up. Flushing the hydrants improves water flow and quality throughout the water main system. Learn more and view the hydrant zone map to see when hydrant flushing is planned for your neighborhood.

April is Autism Awareness Month

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, the Lake Forest Police Department has created a special commemorative patch to support local programs that help children and adults with Autism. These patches will be available through the month of April at the Public Safety Building Lobby for $20 (while supplies last). All proceeds will go directly to the Autism Program at the Special Education District of Lake County (SEDOL) Foundation. SEDOL is a local Lake County organization that directly helps provide physically, mentally, and emotionally challenged people from age 3 to 22 with educational opportunities appropriate to individual needs. We appreciate your support!

Say NO to Gift Cards! #Scam

The Lake Forest Police Department would like to notify residents that con artists have latched onto gift cards as a convenient form of payment in their scams. Nearly 1 in 3 adults said they or someone they know had been asked at some point to purchase a gift card to pay a bill, fee, or some other debt or obligation or to claim a prize.

No reputable company or agency will ask you to purchase gift cards. Criminals are also asking for payments using cryptocurrency or apps like Zelle. Just say no! Hang up and call 911 immediately to report the incident. Also, never give your bank account number, social security number, or driver’s license number to someone you don’t know.

Feedback Friday

How'd We Do?

When Deerpath Road was closed from March 18-26 for the ComEd Bridge Replacement Project, we worked diligently to share information about construction activities across our communication channels. With more large construction projects on the horizon, we want to know what communication methods worked and how we can do better next time. Take our 2 minute survey.

Things to Know

Join Our Team

Perform skilled work to maintain the City's facilities and infrastructure as a full-time Maintenance Worker II with the Water and Sewer division. We're also hiring an IT Intern, summer jobs, and more. View open positions.

Friendly Reminder for Dog Owners

Please pick up after your dogs and keep dogs on a leash. Dogs are required to be leashed per City ordinance, so please leash your dog to keep your dog and neighbors safe. Dogs are not allowed at Forest Park Beach. Thanks for your cooperation.

Deerpath Water Main Work Continues

Expect intermittent lane closures between 9 am-3 pm along Deerpath Road as work continues on the Deerpath Water Main Replacement Project. Find the latest project information on the Construction Projects Map.

What's New on Lake Forest Love?

Lake Forest Love is where we share the amazing stories of our community. This week on Lake Forest Love - Setting the Table with Lake Forest's Shelley Johnstone Paschke, Rey of Hope: Vibrant School's Unique Program Is Boosted by Lake Forest Families, and more. Subscribe to the Lake Forest Love newsletter to receive stories straight to your inbox.

Community Happenings

Featured Events

Fly Fishing Film Tour

Sunday, April 3, 1 pm

The 16th annual F3T, presented by Gorton Community Center and Lake Forest Open Lands, is back in action with a top-notch selection of films that are sure to feed your fishing addiction. All screenings are held at Gorton Community Center! Learn more.

An Evening with "Unraveled" Author Maxine Bédat

Monday, April 4, 7 pm

Lake Forest and Lake Bluff libraries are proud to present this year's Read Between the Ravines signature event. Join us for a compelling conversation between marketing professor and Rotary member Ron Hirasawa and author Maxine Bédat about her book "Unraveled: The Life and Death of a Garment." By taking us inside the factories and warehouses that companies wish to keep hidden, "Unraveled" shows us how our fashion consumption fuels environmental and social inequality all over the world. Book signing to follow. Register today.

GO Lake Forest - College Walk

Thursday, April 7, 10 am

Learn about Lake Forest College's history and beautiful architecture in a free GO Lake Forest guided walking tour around campus. Learn more.

Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza

Saturday, April 9, 9 am

Enjoy family fun and entertainment at Lake Forest Parks and Recreation's annual Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza. Don't forget to bring your baskets! This event is free, but registration is required. Please register for your child's age specific egg hunt time. For more information, please contact John Eldridge.

Foam Recycling with Dart Container

Saturday, April 16, 8 am-12 pm

The City is working in conjunction with Dart Container to host a free foam recycling event. Lake Forest residents can bring foam to Municipal Services that can't be placed in your recycling carts. Learn more

Free Paper Shredding Event

Saturday, April 23, 8:30 am

The Sanitation Section will host a free Paper Shredding Event for Lake Forest residents at Municipal Services. Residents may bring private documents to be safely and securely destroyed. Learn more.

Ragdale's Novel Affair

Saturday, April 30, 5:30 pm

Ragdale’s Novel Affair brings acclaimed authors and guests for an evening of creativity and conversation in support of Ragdale, the artists residency community located in Lake Forest. Held at Shoreacres, the event begins with a cocktail reception followed by short presentations given by featured authors/artists. Buy tickets.

Community Events