Hopping aboard a pontoon boat with a life jacket strapped tight, Shelly Nash went for an educational Sunday ride on the waters of Round Lake.
Under a clear blue sky and in the midst of a soft breeze, the Spring Grove mom learned about the wide variety of activities that are held on and around the community lake that originated from a melted glacier. Led by Frank Palmisano, recreational supervisor for the Round Lake Area Park District, the historical tour of the lake also explained the area’s flora and fauna.
Palmisano noted that 15 different species of fish have been documented in the waters, including bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass and yellow perch. Carp, an invasive species to the lake, is seen less and less, Palmisano said.
The thriving habitat is proof a fish stocking project recommended by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is working, Palmisano said.
In October, more northern pike and walleye will be added to the lake.
“They seem to survive and thrive really well,” said Palmisano, expressing pride that the lake attracts a regional crowd. “The fish population is doing really well.”
The wildlife outside of the water includes black-capped chickadees and mallards. Canadian geese are also frequent guests, although their droppings are “bad for the lake,” Palmisano said.
This is the second year the park district has hosted the historical tour, which also had attendees paddling on small watercraft alongside the pontoon boat. A second Sunday boat ride was added due to the high volume of people who registered for the event.
“Any (event) on the water is popular,” Palmisano said.
Following that demand, the Round Lake Area Park District has continued to add more programs centered around Round Lake over the years.
In fact, the park district offers lake activities at no cost thanks to the John Huebner Fishery Management Trust, a nonprofit public charity created in honor of lifelong Round Lake resident and avid fisherman John Huebner.
Huebner was a pioneer in recognizing the need for water-quality testing, Palmisano said.
To honor Huebner’s legacy, many of the park district’s lake-related activities encompass outdoor educational workshops, such as the pontoon boat historical tour and instructional fishing days for children. A shoreline erosion prevention project is also in the works.
Nash, a resident of Lake County for 20 years, said the historical tour proved a great way to spend a late-summer weekend on Round Lake, one of the county’s “hidden gems,” she said.
Yadira Sanchez Olson is a News-Sun freelancer
