Environment and nature

Lansing is part of a larger community that includes Cook County Forest Preserves and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Their programs are a resource for Lansing, and the stories posted in this category often answer questions about plants and animals that surround us and impact community life.

Illinois EPA launches annual environmental education competition for fifth- and sixth-grade students

Agency encourages youth creativity and involvement information provided by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (October 17, 2019) – Fifth- and sixth-grade writers and artists from around Illinois are invited to compete in this year’s Poster, Poetry and Prose Contest sponsored by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This year’s contest theme is “Algae: … Read more

Lansing Garden Club installs pollinator gardens behind Eisenhower Fitness Center

by Carrie Steinweg LANSING, Ill. (October 1, 2019) – Tucked away behind the Eisenhower Fitness Center in Lansing is the Mildred Burt Nature Center, a little natural haven that got a recent makeover by the Lansing Garden Club. It has been decades since Lansing had an official garden club, and a new group was established … Read more

Endangered Species Protection Board to conduct public hearing on proposed list changes

information provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (September 26, 2019) – The Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to the Illinois List of Endangered and Threatened Species Friday, October 11, 2019, at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) headquarters in Springfield. The hearing … Read more

Tons of tires removed in five counties

Illinois EPA completes Used Tire Removal Actions in northern Illinois information provided by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (September 7, 2019) – “We are proud of our ongoing work with these communities to remove the hazards that can be found with discarded used tires,” said Illinois EPA Director John J. Kim as he … Read more

Recent reports of canine deaths raise awareness of blue-green algae

information provided by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (August 18, 2019) – The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Public Health are reminding residents to exercise caution if they are planning activities on Illinois waterways, including lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds. During summer months, water conditions are ideal for blue-green algae growth … Read more

First human case of West Nile Virus in Illinois for 2019

information provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (August 13, 2019) – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reporting the first confirmed human case of West Nile virus in Illinois for 2019. A Chicago resident in his 70s became ill in late July. “Although the first human case of West … Read more

Pathogen that causes Sudden Oak Death found in Illinois

Symptoms discovered on host Rhododendrons and Lilacs information provided by the Illinois Department of Agriculture SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (July 3, 2019) – The pathogen which causes Sudden Oak Death, a plant disease that has killed large tracts of oaks and affected many native plant species in California, Oregon, and Europe, has been found in Illinois. Phytophthora … Read more