Daily Herald opinion: New land at Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve adds to draw of this natural treasure

“Really spectacular, really special” is how Sandy Hart described the Lake County Forest Preserves’ latest approved purchase: 18.2 acres of land adjoining the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve at Fort Sheridan.

“All of Lake County is so, so lucky to have this,” the commissioner added as the purchase was authorized on Tuesday.

We could not agree more. But we would point out that luck extends to the entire region since you don’t have to live in Lake County to appreciate the beauty of the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve and the new land that becomes a part of it.

The 18.2 acres, to be purchased from the U.S. Navy for $6 million, joins the 71.5 acres of the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve — which runs through Highland Park and Highwood — that was gifted to the district last year by the Chicago-based Openlands regional conservation group. The new land, located east of Patten Road and not yet open to the public, consists of a bluff surrounded on three sides by the ravines of Openlands Lakeshore Preserve.

That preserve is just to the south of the main Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in Lake Forest and connected by a strip of shoreline.

And what a shoreline.

The vistas from Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve are some of the area’s most dramatic, including a view of Lake Michigan from a 70-foot high bluff that begs to be savored, photographed and remembered.

Fort Sheridan’s established trails take you through savanna and ravines. They offer a relaxing escape, the chance to see rare birds and free access to Lake Michigan.

Plus, the preserve includes the historic Fort Sheridan National Cemetery, with graves that date back to 1890, giving visitors a taste of history amid the splendor of nature.

Growing that treasure is a wise decision and one that will protect wildlife habitat, wetlands, prairies and forest.

The money to buy the 18 acres comes from a $20 million bond issue approved by the forest preserves in March to acquire priority properties, including additions to Lakewood Forest Preserve near Wauconda.

Restoration work on the new Openlands property awaits the needed funds, and the district will seek more money via referendum in November. In all, forest preserve officials want to borrow $155 million with $65 million for land acquisition and $90 million for improvements and habitat restoration, including at the new property.

Lake County voters will have a chance to weigh in. But in the weeks ahead, they have plenty of time to survey what the forest preserves already have to offer.

And if you haven’t yet seen Fort Sheridan — taking in its picturesque trails, impressive views and unique history — then set aside time this summer.

You won’t regret it.