Through the Eyes of the Piping Plovers: The Flora, Fauna and Communities of the Lake Plain
Presented by Lake County Audubon Society and its Sharing Our Shore-Waukegan initiative

Lake County Audubon Society and the College of Lake County invite the public to experience Through the Eyes of the Piping Plovers: The Flora, Fauna and Communities of the Lake Plain, a multidisciplinary art and education exhibition celebrating the natural beauty and ecological importance of the Lake Michigan shoreline.

The exhibit opened February 27 at the Robert T. Wright Gallery of Art in Grayslake, the exhibition features work from more 57 artists and 190 pieces of art, including paintings, photography, sculpture, and ceramics. Together, these works explore the landscapes, wildlife, and communities that define the Lake Plain ecosystem.

At the heart of the exhibition is the remarkable return of endangered Great Lakes Piping Plovers to nest in Waukegan - an event that has inspired conservation action, community involvement, and renewed appreciation for the region’s lakefront habitat. The show highlights the birds, the places they depend on, and the diverse plants and wildlife that share this fragile ecosystem, along with the people working to ensure their continued presence along the shoreline.

A special exhibit within the show features award-winning photography by Steve Jessmore. His work spans far beyond piping plovers and includes striking wildlife imagery and selections from his well-known series Birds Doing Stuff, offering visitors a dynamic and engaging look at birds in motion and in everyday moments.

In addition to the artwork, the exhibition includes interactive educational displays highlighting the recovery story of the Piping Plovers, the fragile dune and lakefront habitats they depend on, and the volunteers, researchers, and community partners working to protect them. Visitors will learn about migration, conservation challenges, and how local stewardship plays a role in the survival of threatened and endangered species.

The exhibition builds on the success of a previous show held at the Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie and reflects Lake County Audubon Society’s ongoing commitment to conservation, community engagement, and environmental education, especially as the organization celebrates its 50th anniversary year.

Public programming throughout the exhibition includes guided visits, educational activities, and opportunities for community members to connect more deeply with the lakefront and its wildlife.