Lake County Forest Preserves is a governmental organization that purchases land and oversees the use of public open space in Lake County, Illinois. It is a member of Chicago Wilderness. The board of directors is also the board of Lake County. The directors are voted into office, and represent their respective districts in Lake County.
Introduction
The mission of the Lake County Forest Preserves is preservation, restoration, education and recreation. They protect about 31,000 acres of natural land and are the second largest Forest preserve service in Illinois. The Lake County Forest Preserve has a set 100 year plan. Their goal for this 100 year plan is to keep natural land safe and restore it. They want residents to take great pride in forest preserves, that their community provides.
History
Ethel Untermyer is considered the founder of Lake County Forest Preserves. Ethel and her son went exploring in the woods on day, in 1957. She was new to the lake county area and wanted to explore. She asked her friend where the nearest forest preserve was, and Ethel was shocked to find that there was none. She then organized a countywide public vote to create a Lake County Forest preserve district. Many people did not take into account of what she was doing. She kept telling people in her community about forest preserves and slowly gained support from many people. At this time Lake County just barely had 300,000 people and even then, people noticed the lack of natural land. By election day in November 1958, a handful of public support was shown in the community. The public vote passed with a surprising 60 percent of votes. As of then, Lake County Forest Preserve District was legally established in circuit court. A committee of citizens was then formed, with Ethel as its chair. In 1961 the first forest preserve opened in Lake County; Van Patten Woods in Wadsworth.
100-Year Plan
Lake County Forest Preserve envisions in 100 years that Lake County will be a healthy and thriving landscape with preserved natural lands, waters and cultural aspects. Residents will be able to take great honor in how their forest preserves help their communities. The healthy communities will thrive, and continue to through future generations that will protect these resources.
Recreation
Lake County Forest Preserve community provides many activities for the public and holds many events. The activities include; Biking on trails, paddling, dog parks, fishing, horseback riding, swimming, winter sports, and many more. There are many ways to get involved and create a healthy environment for many years to come. They want to provide a safe place for people to come and be with nature.
Preservation
The preservation foundation partners with Lake County Forest Preserves. It helps with the growth and development of the regions natural land. They fund projects that might otherwise go unfunded. When you support the Preservation Foundation, you provide your Lake County Forest Preserves to exist, grow and thrive.
