News

Lake County’s forest preserve system to expand with land purchases, exchanges

Posted January 10, 2025 7:40 pm

Mick Zawislak

The Greenbelt Forest Preserve in North Chicago has expanded to about 608 acres with a recent addition. Courtesy of Lake County forest preserves

Lake County forest preserves in North Chicago, Antioch and Gurnee will be growing with the purchase of two properties and a trade for others.

The expansion of Greenbelt Forest Preserve in North Chicago is official with the announced closing on a $3.25 million, 13-acre addition on Route 120 east of Willow Avenue.

“The timing is perfect as we are just beginning work on a new master plan for the preserve,” said Jessica Vealitzek, forest board president.

The Greenbelt Forest Preserve in North Chicago will be expanding by 13 acres with the $3.25 million acquisition of the Klairmont Family property. Courtesy of Lake County forest preserves

And in Antioch, the Lake County Forest Preserve District board Wednesday is expected to approve the purchase of 28 acres for $954,000. The Yatowt property on Deep Lake Road, a half mile south of Route 173, is planned as an addition to the Raven Glen Forest Preserve.

Both purchases are being made with the proceeds of a $17.5 million bond issue in April 2024 specifically to acquire high-priority properties.

Greenbelt now encompasses about 608 acres with five miles of trails for hiking and four miles of trails for biking and cross-country skiing. The district had been interested in the Route 120 property for about 35 years and acted when it became available.

Currently, walking paths north of Route 120 connect the Lake County Health Department building with Corrine J. Rose Park. A signalized crosswalk is planned at Keller Avenue to link the paths to existing trails at Greenbelt. The new parcel also connects to a bus stop on Pace Route 566.

‘Critical purchase for residents’: Greenbelt Forest Preserve to grow by 13 acres with $3.25 million acquisition

Twenty-eight acres known as the Yatowt property on Deep Lake Road south of Route 173 in Antioch will be purchased as an addition to the Raven Glen Forest Preserve. Courtesy of Lake County forest preserves

About half the former residential Yatowt property is considered valuable wetlands and buffer, according to the district. Wetlands provide habitat for wildlife and plants and play an important role in reducing the risk of flooding.

A single-family home and several outbuildings on the property will be evaluated and demolished if there is no program use or historic value.

Also Wednesday, the forest board is expected to approve a property change with Gurnee. The village would receive 0.2-acres adjacent to its public works facility south of Route 41 and east of Kilbourne Road.

In exchange, the district will get 1.4 acres on Kilbourne Road south of Route 41 adjacent to the Des Plaines River Trail and 11.9 acres north of Route 120 and east of Milwaukee Avenue surrounded on three sides by the Lake Carina Forest Preserve.

Both are vacant and can’t be developed but are considered in line with the district’s mission of protecting properties.

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.