Moss and fungus grow on a downed tree along the Des Plaines River in Libertyville. | Rob Dicker~Sun-Times Media

Willow branches sprout from a stump of a downed tree in the Lake County Forest Preserve wetland on the far west side of Independence Grove. | Rob Dicker~Sun-Times Media

Crab apple blossoms begin to bloom on a young tree growing along Diamond Lake Road west of Rt. 45 in Mundelein. | Rob Dicker~Sun-Times Media

Trees and flowers are budding and sprouting early. A crab apple tree in full bloom along a trail at Independence Grove Forest Preserve. | Rob Dicker~Sun-Times Media

The Common Blue Violet or viola sororia was declared the Illinois state flower on January 21, 1908. | Rob Dicker~Sun-Times Media

Common Blue Violets, the Illinois state flower can be found all along the shaded paths of MacArthur Wood Forest Preserve in Vernon Hills.| Rob Dicker~Sun-Times Media

Tulips sway in the breeze in front of one of CDW's office buildings in Vernon Hills. | Rob Dicker~Sun-Times Media

Green shoots emerge from a last year's browned and dried reeds that surround a pond at Independence Grove Forest Preserve. | Rob Dicker~Sun-Times Media