Plans for forest preserve on Fox River unveiled

In some areas of Lake County, the retreat of glaciers 10,000 years ago left behind mounds of rock and gravel as high points on a relatively flat landscape.

At about 80 feet, one of the tallest of these geological features, known as kames, occupies a prominent section of the Grassy Lake Forest Preserve near Lake Barrington in the southwestern corner of the county.

On Saturday, the Lake County Forest Preserve District unveiled preliminary plans for the site intended to complement and open to the public one of the most majestic views of the Fox River available.

About 100 people joined forest district and other local officials for the announcement under a tent situated on the footprint of the former home that had occupied the prime spot for decades.

Proposed improvements include 3 miles of trails, boardwalks over wetlands, a canoe landing and rustic boulder overlooks. The features would be concentrated on this 94-acre parcel, acquired in 2008 by the district over bids of developers as an addition to the Grassy Lake preserve, which stretches 689 acres.

“We view this land as more of a quiet, contemplative site where the views and scenic vistas you see make it so special," said Tom Hahn, executive director of the forest preserve district.

Privately owned by the Hurd family for generations, the land came with 4,000 feet of river frontage. But until the district removed acres of gnarly buckthorn to the water's edge, the shore had not been visible.

Now, the eventual chance to see for miles along the river from this glacial perch will be the drawing card.

“This is what we want to do for the whole site really create what was here long ago," Hahn said.

“The first time I walked on this site, I said, ‘Wow, this has to be part of the forest preserve system.'

The district has set aside $1 million for eventual work but the planned restoration will cost much more.

“This area is really important to us. But more funding is necessary to accomplish this vision," said Bonnie Thomson Carter, forest preserve and foundation president.

Saturday's event, which included wagon rides to the shoreline and a bucket truck to provide views over the treetops, was co-hosted by the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves.

The not-for-profit group has formed partnerships with private parties for work at other forest preserve properties and will be looking to raise money from individuals, foundations, corporations and other sources for Grassy Lake.

The extent and speed of the work will depend on funding.

“We'll be working on a master plan that will give us a better idea of what the overall cost will be," said Barb Vicory, executive director of the foundation.

The site was used by Native Americans for thousands of years until the 1830s, a significant cultural feature that likely will be incorporated for educational opportunities.

“This is a site that really exemplifies what the people of Lake County told us they want," Hahn said.

At 810 feet above sea level, the kame at Grassy Lake offers a towering vista but it is not the peak. The highest point in Lake County is at the Gander Mountain forest preserve on the Wisconsin border at 984 feet above sea level.