It is officially a new winter. To celebrate the biological diversity protected within the Lake County Forest Preserves in northeastern Illinois, we’ve put together a few of our favorite images from 2016.

To see even more of our favorite images, click on any photo or the link within the captions. To share photos of your own adventures, join our group Flickr pool.

“From the beginning of summer” Photo © Bob Callebert via Flickr: See a slideshow of some favorite images.

v “Cygnet and adult trumpeter swan” Photo © Phil Hauck via Flickr: See a slideshow of some favorite images.

“Before darkness” Photo © Dahai Z via Flickr: See a slideshow of some favorite images.

“Great Blue Heron” Photo © Phil Hauck via Flickr: See a slideshow of some favorite images.

“Great Blue Heron” Photo © Phil Hauck via Flickr: See a slideshow of some favorite images.

“Great Blue Heron” Photo © Phil Hauck via Flickr: See a slideshow of some favorite images.

“Prairie in Autumn” Photo © Vivienne NVS via Flickr: See a slideshow of some favorite images.

“Short-eared owl” Photo © Robert Visconti via Flickr: See a slideshow of some favorite images.

We have such an amazing support system of photographers who donate their time and images to communicate our cause. Their passion for wildlife and the outdoor spaces our organization preserves is evident in each image they share. Each photograph was taken right here in Lake County, Illinois.

Thanks for following our blog. Knowing there are others who enjoy the beauty and complexity of our native landscapes is very satisfying.

Wishing you a peaceful holiday season,

Jen Berlinghof & Allison Frederick