Reflecting on a year of connection and conservation

As the new year begins, it’s the perfect time to reflect on moments that shaped the Lake County Forest Preserves. 2024 was a year of growth, connection and celebration.

Your preserves aren’t just landscapes, they’re pockets of serenity, offering habitats for wildlife, places for recreation and opportunities for education and discovery. This year, we saw the power of partnerships, the dedication of volunteers and the impact of forward-thinking initiatives to ensure these spaces remain healthy for generations to come.

Let’s look back on 13 highlights from 2024.

1. In a major victory for conservation, 67% of Lake County voters approved a $155 million referendum on Nov. 5. The Forest Preserves is now able to:

• Restore additional habitats.

• Buy and protect more land.

• Build important trail connections.

• Improve water and air quality.

• Reduce flooding.

2. The Forest Preserves’ board has new leadership. Jessica Vealitzek (D-Hawthorn Woods), was elected president and Gina Roberts (D-Beach Park) is now vice president, each serving two-year terms through 2026.

Vealitzek, a board member for six years, called it an honor to lead an organization she described as “world-class.” Reflecting on her lifelong connection to nature, she shared her journey from childhood trips to the Northwoods to settling in Lake County. She also recognized outgoing president Angelo Kyle for his impactful six years of service.

Roberts, a four-year board veteran with leadership roles on finance and legislative committees, thanked her colleagues for their confidence in her new role.

3. A fascinating piece of land — about 41 acres near Antioch - has been added to the Forest Preserves’ footprint. The new Lotus Country Conservation Preserve is smaller than other preserves. However, it features vital wetlands, woodlands and the county’s largest heron and egret rookery.

To protect these fragile habitats, there won’t be public amenities such as trails or parking lots. Instead, this land will be carefully managed as a “conservation preserve.” Its name nods to the area’s past, when sprawling lotus beds thrived on northwestern Lake County's lakes.

4. A 36-year effort to acquire a 9.4-acre property on Cuba Road in Deer Park, expanding Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve in Deer Park, is coming to fruition.

The $725,000 purchase aligns with the Forest Preserves’ mission to protect wildlife habitats and restore wetlands, prairies and woodlands. The property, cleared of buildings and planted with native species by the seller, will remain undeveloped under deed restrictions, with plans to designate it as an Illinois Nature Preserve or similar conservation status.

5. We experienced a historic natural spectacle this past spring and summer. After 17 quiet years underground, billions of periodical cicadas emerged, transforming some forest preserves into buzzing amphitheaters. The cicadas sang, mated and left their eggs in the treetops before vanishing as quickly as they had arrived, renewing the generational cycle beneath our feet. During this fascinating time, the Forest Preserves stood at the center of the story, guiding curious visitors and drawing inquiries from around the world. Journalists from Fuji TV (Japan), The Independent (UK), WGN-TV, Tokyo Broadcasting System and many others came to learn more about these remarkable insects.

6. The Forest Preserves Board approved the purchase of 13.2 acres along Route 120 in North Chicago, expanding Greenbelt Forest Preserve.

This long-awaited acquisition, more than 35 years in the making, will make it possible to expand public access to Greenbelt by connecting to existing trails on the north side of Keller Avenue. Development of these connections will be part of a new master plan for Greenbelt, set for completion in 2025.

7. Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda is undergoing a major makeover. By summer 2025, visitors will experience a new paved loop trail, fishing pier, picnic spots, scenic overlooks, a reconstructed parking lot, improved shelter amenities and restrooms.

A nature play area, set to open in fall 2025, will feature both natural and built elements to invite exploration under mature trees. A net-zero energy maintenance facility is complete, and the Millennium Trail realignment wrapped up in November.

8. A purchase of about 18 acres from the U.S. Navy will expand Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in Lake Forest.

The area consists of a bluff surrounded on three sides by the ravines of the 71.5-acre Openlands Lakeshore Preserve. That land was gifted to the Forest Preserves in 2023 by Openlands, a Chicago-based regional conservation organization and land trust, as an addition to Fort Sheridan.

9. Relish Events at Independence Grove started in February as the on-site caterer for private events at the Visitors Center. Relish also operates the outdoor café.

The café, open from spring through fall, showcased a refreshed menu and collaborated closely with the Beer Garden at Independence Grove, operated by the Forest Preserves. The menu featured summer staples such as hot dogs and hamburgers, complemented by flatbreads and innovative culinary creations.

10. Keeping these habitats healthy costs about $75 per acre annually.

To ensure their long-term care, we’re ramping up a campaign to raise $20 million for a permanent endowment by the end of 2025. When we reach our goal, the endowment will generate approximately $800,000 in investment return every year to care for your forest preserves.

11. Renowned National Geographic photographer and founder of the Photo Ark Joel Sartore kicked off the public phase of the endowment campaign at a Preservation Foundation gala in May. Sartore has traveled the world to capture images of every animal in captivity.

What’s the connection to Lake County? The Photo Ark’s mission is to inspire people to care about our planet's astonishing biodiversity and to turn caring into action. And there is no better reason to act for the long-term care of local plants and animals than your forest preserves.

12. The Forest Preserves’ “Horizons” magazine took home five top awards: two from the Chicago Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, two national Awards for Publication Excellence honors and one from the Illinois Park and Recreation Association. Judges praised its engaging writing, strong design and high-quality content. Produced by a talented communications and design team, “Horizons” has connected readers with local nature and conservation stories since 1992.

13. An anonymous private foundation and Wintrust Financial Corp. have donated $1.5 million to endow Greenbelt Forest Preserve in North Chicago and Lyons Woods Forest Preserve in Waukegan. The funding will help protect the health of nearly 1,000 acres in one of Lake County’s most densely populated areas. The funds will support land management activities that are required annually to ensure these green spaces remain ecologically healthy for future generations.

With $500,000 left to reach the $2 million goal for Greenbelt and Lyons Woods, leaders hope this generosity inspires other local businesses to join in protecting Lake County’s biodiversity.