Celebrate the Winter Solstice in Lake Bluff

While winter is the season of darkness, dormancy, and cold, the celebration of the shortest and darkest day of the year is an act of optimism and hope.

The winter solstice is an opportunity to recognize nature’s rebirth that promises to follow.

“There will be light. There will be warmth. The land will provide for us yet again,” said Larry McCotter, president of Lake Bluff Open Lands Association (LBOLA).

LBOLA’s Winter Solstice Celebration will take place from 4:15-7:15 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 22) at the Skokie River Prairie, on the south side of Route 176 between and the water treatment plant.

"Plan to join us at the Celebration,” said McCotter. “There will be fire. There will be warm beverages for the entire family. Marshmallows, too!”

New this year will be the children’s campfire where they will be able to roast marshmallows and hear a special reading of the Jane Yolen book, Owl Moon.

Now in its 30th year, LBOLA’s mission and work focus on preserving more than 200 acres of open space in and around Lake Bluff from development and urbanization, and then maintaining them as a natural open space.

“Once we identify a natural community,” said McCotter, “We need to restore the natural processes that help maintain the health of the native communities.”

LBOLA’s open lands include wetlands, forests, ravines, beaches, beach bluffs, prairies, rivers, and savannas.

One of the greatest threats to natural areas is invasive species such as buckthorn. LBOLA volunteers spend countless hours every year removing these invasive threats by cutting, burning, and bringing in new seed, live plants, and trees to restore and diversify the native community. This, in turn, invites wildlife to prosper in these natural spaces and maintain the balance of nature.