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

From February 27 through March 31, 2026, Lake County Audubon Society partnered with the College of Lake County to present Through the Eyes of the Piping Plovers: The Flora, Fauna and Communities of the Lake Plain, a multidisciplinary art and environmental education exhibition celebrating the natural beauty and ecological importance of the Lake Michigan Lake Plain.

Held at the Robert T. Wright Gallery of Art in Grayslake, the exhibition featured more than 190 works by 57 artists, including paintings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, and mixed media. Together, these works explored the landscapes, wildlife, habitats, and communities that define one of northeastern Illinois' most ecologically significant ecosystems.

At the heart of the exhibition was the remarkable return of the endangered Great Lakes Piping Plover to nest in Waukegan, an event that has inspired conservation action, community involvement, and a renewed appreciation for the region's shoreline. Through art, interpretive exhibits, and educational displays, visitors discovered not only the story of the piping plovers, but also the diverse plants, animals, and habitats of the Lake Plain, along with the volunteers, scientists, agencies, artists, and community partners working together to protect them.

A special featured exhibit showcased the award-winning wildlife photography of Steve Jessmore. His collection extended well beyond piping plovers, highlighting birds and wildlife from across the region, including selections from his popular Birds Doing Stuff series that captured birds in motion and everyday behavior.

The exhibition went beyond traditional artwork to create an immersive educational experience. Interactive displays explored the Great Lakes Piping Plover recovery effort, bird migration, Lake Plain ecology, volunteer stewardship, and the importance of community-based conservation. A life-sized piping plover nest scrape diorama, educational panels, and award-winning student nesting sign designs helped visitors of all ages connect with the conservation story unfolding along Lake Michigan's shoreline. Families also enjoyed children's activities, conservation resources, and opportunities to learn how they could support birds in their own communities

The month-long exhibition welcomed an estimated 3,000–3,500 visitors, bringing together artists, educators, conservation professionals, students, and community members from across the Great Lakes region. Participating artists donated 20% of all artwork sales to support the Sharing Our Shore–Waukegan initiative, with several artists generously contributing 100% of their proceeds to further local conservation and education efforts. More than an art exhibition, it demonstrated how conservation can build lasting connections between people and the places they care about. Through the eyes of the piping plovers, visitors gained a deeper appreciation not only for a rare and endangered bird, but for the remarkable Lake Plain ecosystem and the communities working together to ensure its future.