Lake Forest Open Lands: Great Lakes, Great Issues Lecture Series

“How we treat our land, how we build upon it, how we act toward our air and water, will in the long run tell what kind of people we really are.” - Laurance Rockefeller

This fall, Lake Forest Open Lands presents Great Lakes, Great Issues, a three-part lecture series focusing on understanding the challenges facing our Lakes today. Funded by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Coastal Management Program, and in partnership with the Gorton Community Center and Lake Forest College, these three lectures feature nationally recognized research scientists at the top of their fields discussing plastic in our waters, harmful algal blooms and coastal erosion. These scientists are studying and working on solutions to these key chemical, biological and geological issues.

These seminars offer a unique opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the challenges facing our Great Lakes, as well as exposure to the science It is often said that “what happens on the land, happens in the water” and Lake Forest Open Lands has focused increasingly on the role of water in its conservation mission and work. Throughout its restoration and education programs, Lake Forest Open Lands engages and informs citizens, young and old, about this essential resource. The Great Lakes, Great Issues lectures are an extension of these educational outreach efforts to bring an understanding of the importance of protecting the Great Lakes as a multi-faceted resource, not only to our local community but to our neighboring communities along the Illinois coast as well. Each evening will feature a presentation, followed by ample time for questions and discussion. All events are free of charge (registration is required at www.LFOLA.org) and will be held at Gorton Community Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest:

September 12, 7:00pm: The Perils of Plastic

Dr. Sherri (“Sam”) Mason, SUNY Fredonia

October 10, 7:00pm: Toxic Puzzle: Our Health and the Health of the Great Lakes

Dr. George Bullerjahn, Bowling Green State University

November 15, 7:00pm: Dynamic Shore: Water, Waves and Coastal Change

Dr. Ethan Theuerkauf, Coastal Geologist, Illinois State Geological Survey

These seminars offer a unique opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the challenges facing our Great Lakes, as well as exposure to the science behind the challenges and the possible solutions. Please join us!

To learn more and register for one or more of the lectures visit http://www.lfola.org/GreatLakesSeries.