Lake County Forest Preserves honored for restoration efforts at Middlefork Savanna
The Chicago Wilderness alliance recently honored the Lake County Forest Preserve District for achieving the Excellence in Ecological Restoration accreditation involving work at Middlefork Savanna in Lake Forest.
From vast woodlands to rolling prairies, the Chicago Wilderness Excellence in Ecological Restoration program showcases excellence in conservation leadership and site-based restoration by recognizing high-quality natural areas and the organizations that manage them.
Through the program, which launched in 2013, organizations conduct comprehensive self-assessments of their restoration programs and the quality of the natural areas being accredited. Conservation experts from across the region review the assessments to determine if the site meets one of the accreditation levels: Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze.
The district received a Platinum accreditation, the highest level possible, for Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve in Lake Forest.
"This Platinum accreditation recognizes the expertise, creativity and drive of our natural resource staff in forming and leading a coalition of federal, state and regional partners to restore Middlefork Savanna," said Ann B. Maine, president of the Lake County Forest Preserve District.
Suzanne Malec-McKenna, executive director of Chicago Wilderness, presented the award to Maine on Jan. 13.
The natural areas of Chicago's wilderness are home to a wide diversity of species and rare habitats that provide residents with opportunities for recreation and exploration, as well as clean air and water, flood protection and more.
Yet the region's natural areas are threatened by fragmentation, invasive plant and animal species, pollution, and the impacts of climate change. To address these threats, the forest district actively restores and maintains the health of local nature to benefit people and wildlife.
Home to a rare tallgrass savanna, 687-acre Middlefork Savanna features a mix of oak savanna and woodlands, wet and mesic prairies, sedge meadows and marshes. It provides valuable protection for many state and federally listed species.
A 25-acre parcel is considered the highest quality tallgrass savanna of its kind in the nation and recognized as a globally threatened ecosystem.
Once part of a large glacial lake, Middlefork Savanna provides safe harbor for endangered plant and wildlife species, and several environmentally sensitive wetlands that feed into the North Branch of the Chicago River. Chicago Wilderness has identified Middlefork Savanna as one of the most important sites for biodiversity in northeastern Illinois.
Because of its size, Middlefork supports an impressive list of uncommon birds, butterflies and other species that require large open areas for survival. Middlefork also serves as a national ecological research site and outdoor classroom for universities, schools, and other organizations.
To learn about other conservation projects, download free trail maps, or view upcoming volunteer restoration workdays, visit LCFPD.org or call (847) 367-6640.
Visit the Chicago Wilderness website for additional information, www.chicagowilderness.org.