The Skokie Lagoons watershed is a 40-acre aquatic paradise located in Cook County, Illinois. It offers a range of recreational activities, including fishing, boating (trolling motor only), and hiking. The area is surrounded by natural beauty and is home to diverse species of fish and wildlife. Anglers can catch a variety of fish, including bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, northern pike, and walleye, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. The Skokie Valley, where the lagoons are located, was formed by two ridges of glacial drift. The southern portion of the valley was once a long bay of ancient Lake Chicago. As the lake level receded, it left behind a large marsh. The Skokie River, which drained the upper watershed, flowed into the marsh at the north end and exited at the south end as the North Branch of the Chicago River. The marsh was historically known for its abundance of fish and wildlife, which attracted native American tribes and early settlers. In the late 1920s, planning began to convert the marsh into a series of lagoons. By 1933, the Forest Preserve District had acquired most of the Skokie marsh, and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was allocated ten companies of workers to undertake the project. Construction continued until 1942, during which time four million cubic yards of earth were excavated, and the present-day Skokie Lagoons were created. Today, the Skokie Lagoons are a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The lagoons are surrounded by beautiful forests and trails that offer a range of recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing. The lagoons also provide a natural habitat for a variety of plant and animal species, making it an ideal location for nature lovers. Fishing is a popular activity at the Skokie Lagoons, and anglers can enjoy a variety of fish species that inhabit the waters.