News Briefs: New plaque in Gillson Park; Latest positives for West Nile virus; Storm damage survey closes Aug. 5; Preserves photo contest

Wilmette’s Gillson Park has new hardware.

Installed on a rock at the south end of he park, a bronze plaque celebrates the park’s inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places

Gillson Park and Wilmette Harbor were officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2024 “in recognition of their significance in landscape architecture and the history of community planning and development in Wilmette,” according to the registry.

According to reporting from The Record in November 2023, the organization Landmarks Illinois nominated Gillson Park to be included on the National Register of Historic Places.

Gillson Park was originally Washington Park and has been under the management of the Wilmette Park District since 1911.

The park covers about 60 acres of land and includes beaches dedicated to swimming and sailing, a dog beach, native bird habitat, wildflower garden, natural performing-arts venue (Wallace Bowl), event and office space (Lakeview Center), walking paths, tennis courts, playgrounds and plenty of open space.

West Nile virus found in mosquitoes in Glencoe, Winnetka

The North Shore Mosquito Abatement District reported on July 30 the first West Nile virus positive mosquitoes from Glencoe and Winentka this year.

Batches of mosquitoes collected between on July 29 from traps in those communities tested positive for West Nile virus. 

To date this year, mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus have also been found in NSMAD traps in most communities covered by the district, including Wilmette, Skokie, Highland Park, Kenilworth, Evanston, Glenview and Northbrook.

The district designates the current West Nile virus risk to humans as “low,” and for the latest information on West Nile virus prevalence and mosquito volume, visit the abatement district’s Mosquito Surveillance Dashboard.

The district says the human risk of West Nile virus remains low, but recommends that residents:
• Use an EPA registered insect repellent when outside,
• Wear loose fitting clothing,
• Avoid peak mosquito feeding times during the hours around dawn and dusk, and
• Examine property and eliminate any items that can hold water, particularly smaller items that may be easily overlooked.

Cook County is asking residents who experienced storm damage on Monday, July 27, to fill out an online survey that may enable more relief.

The survey closes on Wednesday. Aug. 5.

The survey is a product of the Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security and seeks to “gather information on community needs and provide municipal leaders with recovery resources, support and information,” according to the county.

The information collected will inform how the county’s decision on options for assistance for residents.

Forest Preserves photo contest

The Forest Preserves of Cook County’s annual photography contest is underway, concluding on Aug. 16.

The Forest Preserves is inviting entries taken from any part of its 70,000 acres of public lands, which includes the Skokie Lagoons and the Chicago Botanic Garden in the North Shore.

Fifteen winning images will be featured in 2027 Forest Preserves calendar, on social media and in Forest Preserves publications

“We know there are incredible photographers exploring the preserves every day, from seasoned wildlife photographers to people simply capturing a memorable moment on a walk,” said Adam Bianchi, Forest Preserves general superintendent in a press release. “This contest allows everyone to share their unique perspective while inspiring others to discover and explore these remarkable public lands.”

Photographers can submit up to five images captured within the Forest Preserves, and the county says photos should feature Forest Preserves landscapes, plants, insects, birds or other wildlife, and people enjoying the outdoors.

Entries must be submitted through the online contest platform through Aug. 16 and meet all contest requirements.

A panel of Forest Preserves staff will judge the entries on quality and the photos’ “ability to capture the spirit of the Forest Preserves.”

Winning photographers will receive 10 copies of the 2027 calendar and a prize package that includes:

• Tickets to Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Chicago Botanic Garden and GoApe Zipline & Adventure Park
• Free one-night cabin stay at any of the Forest Preserves’ campgrounds
• One-hour kayak rental for two people at Maple Lake
• One-hour kayak rental for two people at Busse Lake, Tampier Lake or Skokie Lagoons
• One round of golf at any Forest Preserves golf course, and more.

Twenty-four runnerup images will also be selected and may be featured in the Forest Way newsletter, on social media and online.

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