Features
2003 Election Calendar    17
Important dates for commissioner elections and referendums
— compiled by Peter M. Murphy, Esq.

2002 Give Us Your Best Shot Photo Contest    32
Winning photographs from IP&R's annual contest
Special Focus
Land at Risk    24
A "greenprint" survey of Illinois open space reveals more than 83,000 acres are needed in the next five years
— by Mike McCurdy and Lynn McClure

Up and Away     28
How to host a kite festival, step-by-step
— by Michele Courtney

Lessons Learned    34
A feasibility study shows what swims in indoor aquatic facility design
— by Daniel R. Atilano, AIA

A goldfinch rests on a purple coneflower in the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District's prairie restoration area of its 43-acre Headquarters Forest Preserve. The coneflower is one of many native plant species brought back to the area by seeding and controlled burns over the past 10 years. Authors of the Prairie Directory of North America, Charlotte Adelman and Bernard Schwartz, say more than 99 percent of Illinois' original prairies have been destroyed. According to a recently released "greenprint" survey, Illinois' open space needs are staggering. See related story "Land at Risk" on page 24. Photograph by Jamie B. Johannsen, Winnebago County Forest Preserve District.

Departments

From the Editor 4

Are You on Board? 6
Board members: never—ever—fire staff members

Eye on the Profession 8
A culture of honesty is fostered by agency leadership

Partnerships 11
Housing and recreational opportunities create a thriving community in Lawndale

Statehouse Insider 14
New General Assembly sworn in on January 8

Mixed Media 39
Zany makes good sense when it comes to special events

Our Natural Resources 41
Animal tracks, plus IDNR newsbriefs

People and Places 47
Scenes from Park District Conservation Day