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By Monica Kass Rogers
photography by Heidi Clifton
The Lake Forest Open Lands Board TOP: Zain Walton, Veronica Loy, Courtney Magliochetti, Jillian Floriani, Matt Sunderman (President), Kat Taubensee, Jennifer Forestiere, Maura Dailey and Megan McCampbell BOTTOM: Brianna Maffioli, Michele Curley, Katie Salgat, Heidi Clifton (Co-Chair), Tyler Lisenby (Co-Chair) and Emily Bohac.
WALKING THROUGH THE Mellody Farm Nature Preserve on a bright spring morning, Tyler Lisenby stops to point: “This is where the tent will be,” he says, with a gesture to his right. Just steps behind, Heidi Clifton nods in agreement, adding, “Yes—and then over here is where we’ll show the movie.”
Co-chairs of Lake Forest Open Land Association’s (LFOLA’s) upcoming “Camp LFOLA” Cattails & Cocktails event, Friday, May 16 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the pair are making sure every detail is in place.
“There are about a hundred items on our to-do list,” laughs Clifton, “from the tents and firepits, to the food, music, lighting, games, and more. However, making Cattails & Cocktails a success for everyone, and supporting the work of the LFOLA, is what the Associate Board is all about.”
One of the North Shore’s most popular annual harbingers of spring, Cattails & Cocktails is a community-centered night of fun. Proceeds support the myriad programs LFOLA undertakes as it preserves and promotes Lake Forest’s open lands.
Inspired by the camaraderie of youthful summer camp experiences, Lisenby came up with the “Camp LFOLA” theme for the event last year. It was so successful, the theme is back for 2025.
“It’s a great way to bring Lake Forest together under a big mess-hall-like tent for comfort food, camp games such as the cornhole set and life-sized Jenga game I’m making, and music,” says Lisenby. “All of that plus camp-style movies and s’mores around the fire.”
The summer camp theme is also a nice reminder that LFOLA’s hosts a summer day-camp program for kids. “Just one of the many things LFOLA does that the proceeds from the Cattails & Cocktails will support,” says Clifton.
Attendees have a variety of ticket options. VIP Glamper ticket holders get the perks of a camper but also have access to a private tent for special passed hors d’oeuvres, signature cocktail experience, and camp-like swag to take home. Meanwhile, general admission Camper tickets include dinner, drinks, games, and s’mores by the fire.
As in years past, Cattails & Cocktails will also include an auction, which will go live at LFOLA’s website May 9 to 16, featuring items that range from afternoon tea at the Deerpath Inn to the ever-popular chance to be the individual who lights the bonfire at LFOLA’s Bagpipes and Bonfires fall event.
Preliminary to Cattails & Cocktails, LFOLA will again host its Cattails & Kiddies after-school gathering. Happening Friday, May 2, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., the program will be held at Mellody Farms, offering children in the 5- to 10-year-old age group an afternoon of outdoor activities, nature walks, crafts and s’mores.
“And what’s really fun about the crafts is that the items the children are making, such as painted canoe paddles and table center pieces, will be featured at the Cattails & Cocktails event,” says Lisenby.
To purchase Cattails & Cocktails tickets, enroll children in Cattails & Kiddies, or to make a donation, please visit lfola.org.
