How a Grayslake man found serenity in the forest preserves

Jonathan Glenner, a retired financial adviser, husband and father of three, found the ups and downs of the economic sector often didn’t mix well with his mental well-being. For about 30 years, he grappled with severe mood swings, from energetic mania to profound depression. It was during these years that Glenner was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a condition that became particularly difficult to manage during the downturn in the housing market.

A few years ago, he experienced a positive shift. Despite some lingering anxiety, he now feels good. What helped spark this change? His reinvigorated connection with the Lake County Forest Preserves. Walking the trails is another tool in his quest for overall good health and mental wellness.

Glenner found serenity and stability in the forest preserves. He committed to walking three miles a day in a forest preserve, accumulating around 3,000 miles over three years. This routine became a source of peace and tranquility for him.

He thinks of the preserves as personal friends.

“There's Ray Lake, Rollins Savanna, Greenbelt and Nippersink,” he mentions as favorites. “They remind me of the Simon & Garfunkel song ‘Old Friends.’”

Walking through forest preserves can be a powerful tool in managing mental health, particularly in alleviating stress, anxiety and depression, according to a recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology.

“Spending time in nature can improve mood, increase feelings of relaxation and bolster your overall well-being,” said Angelo Kyle, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves.

Glenner, whose father battled with the same illness, finds great solace in his daily nature walks, never skipping a day — even in temperatures 15 degrees below zero. Despite walking alone to manage his anxiety, he appreciates brief interactions with other regular visitors or a wave to a woman who pushes her dog in a stroller.

“For some people, without this interaction, they may have nothing.” At 66, he insists he has never had a “bad walk.”

He praises the daily time outdoors for its benefits, but attributes the true support to his wife, Anne-Marie, whose help has been crucial throughout his journey. Holding her hand, he reflects on their 42 years of marriage, recognizing the challenges they've faced together.

Jonathan praises his wife's unwavering support, crediting her for his well-being.

“She's incredibly caring. I'm here because she didn't quit on me,” he said.

The pair, who met in college, quickly connected. A self-described romantic, he recalls knowing he would marry Anne-Marie from their second meeting.

Anne-Marie has found her own support during this journey.

“My friends became my village. They helped me find a sense of normalcy in an abnormal situation.”

She has always enjoyed hiking, and earlier this year, elevated the passion to a whole new level. To raise money for mental health awareness, she tackled the southern portion of the Pacific Crest Trail.

The stunning trail spans more than 2,650 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border in California to the U.S.-Canada border in Washington. It cuts through California, Oregon and Washington, showcasing a variety of landscapes from dry deserts to dense forests and rugged mountains.

It took Anne-Marie, who is retired from Abbott Labs, and her brother six weeks to complete more than 400 miles of the trek, from Campo to the Southern Sierras. To prepare, Anne-Marie trained in local forest preserves, filling her backpack with potatoes, rice and rocks to simulate the weight she would carry on the long-distance trail until all her gear was gathered.

“After six weeks of pushing our limits and enduring snowstorms and trails that tested our every muscle, the sense of completion isn't just a feeling — it's a triumph.” She is thankful she can support such an important cause.

Anne-Marie is proud of her accomplishment as well as her husband’s. She said that mornings can still be challenging for him.

“There is such a difference in Jonathan when he returns from a walk. He is refreshed, improved and happy when he returns home.”

The couple raised their children in Mundelein and have always been avid users of the forest preserves. To show their appreciation, they have donated $50 a month for the past six years to the Preservation Foundation, the charitable partner of the Lake County Forest Preserves.

Over the years, Rollins Savanna became a special place for them, leading to their decision to downsize to Grayslake about five years ago.

“We toured 20 lake houses before discovering our perfect spot — on the namesake Grays Lake. We absolutely love it,” Jonathan said.

“Our front yard is like a forest preserve, filled with native plants,” Anne-Marie added.

The Glenners shared their story to raise awareness about mental health issues.

“I always feel emotionally safe, relaxed and at peace while walking in the forest preserves,” Jonathan said.

• Kim Mikus is a communications specialist for the Lake County Forest Preserves. She writes a bimonthly column about various aspects of the preserves. Contact her with ideas or questions at kmikuscroke@LCFPD.org. Connect with the Lake County Forest Preserves on social media @LCFPD.