This gallery contains 18 photos.

Post by Brett Peto

Time can never be stopped, sped up, or slowed down. It started long before now and will continue far after. But with photographs, we can pause time, pin it in front of us, and study reality. It’s like kneeling at a riverbank and scooping a handful of water. The current stops in your palm, but just a foot beneath it carries on. Photos take time to make a moment.

With nearly 31,000 acres to explore, many moments are possible in the Lake County Forest Preserves in northern Illinois. An eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis) landing with one foot, wings at sharp angles. A cluster of milkweed seeds hanging on to their pod by threads of floss. Sunflowers and sunbeams, two shades of honey mixing in the air. I’ve collected these special moments and more in a gallery below.

All photos featured were taken by the truly skillful photographers in our group Flickr pool. Each of these images, these presses of the pause button and scoops out of the river, were captured in 2018. Our sincere thanks go to every photographer who shares their time and talent documenting the flora, fauna, and natural areas of Lake County.

To see more incredible images from the forest preserves or share photos of your own finds, join our group Flickr pool.

Thank you, as always, to our readers. Here’s to a warm, rejuvenating holiday season! In 2019, we hope you take time to make a moment.

Want to learn more about nature photography? Our Phenology and Photography program on Saturday, February 2, 2019, 7–10 am at Fort Sheridan (Lake Forest) can help guide you. This outdoor workshop combines a staff naturalist’s insight with technical tips from a professional photographer. $20 residents/$28 nonresidents. Adults, youth ages 16 and up. Registration required.