Kane Forest Preserve District gets $1.4 million to buy land

The Kane County Forest Preserve District received a $1.4 million grant last week, the largest award ever received by the district, for the its acquisition of 741 acres along the Fox River.

The Foundation Signature Grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation was awarded for the district's purchase of the Brunner Family Forest Preserve in Dundee Township.

Acquisition of the property, which includes riverfront, wetlands, fens and woodlands, had been a forest preserve district goal for two decades.

"The District has coveted the Brunner Family Forest Preserve for more than 20 years" Forest Preserve Commission President John Hoscheit said. "The hard work and perseverance of our Commission and staff has resulted in the preservation of this beautiful waterfront property - the value of this acquisition will benefit generations to come."

Located between Route 31 and the Fox River, Brunner is bordered by Buffalo Park Forest Preserve in Algonquin to the north, Fox River Shores Forest Preserve in Carpentersville on the south and east sides of the river, and Raceway Woods Forest Preserve to the southwest.

The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation invests in clean energy development and land preservation efforts to improve environmental quality, including the preservation and enhancement of natural areas and wildlife habitats.