Exploring the Forest Preserves' Newest Additions

Posted October 22, 2025 1:45 pm

Submitted by the Lake County Forest Preserves

Over the past 15 months, the Lake County Forest Preserves has taken strategic actions to protect sensitive natural areas, improve trail connectivity and expand open space. Backed by a $20.5 million limited bond issuance, the Board of Commissioners approved key land purchases, each strengthening the region’s ecological health and recreational opportunities.

The acquisitions include:

Cuba Marsh, Deer Park

Bowers property

• Acreage: 9.4

• Approval: November 2024, Closing: January 2025

• Location: Cuba Road east of Ela Road.

• Purchase price: $725,000.

• Context: Surrounded by Forest Preserves land on two sides.

• Stewardship: Former owner cleared buildings and planted native species.

• Restrictions: No buildings, trails, parking lots, ball fields, golf facilities or dog areas allowed.

• Next step: District required to submit for Illinois Nature Preserve designation.

Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve, Lake Forest

U.S Navy parcel

• Acreage: 18.6

• Approval: July 2024, Closing: Pending

• Location: East side of Patten Road, Highwood.

• Purchase price: $6 million.

• Borders: Openlands Lakeshore Preserve at Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve on three sides.

• Benefit: Protects bluff and ravine habitat, scenic views.

Greenbelt Forest Preserve, North Chicago

Klairmont Family LLC property

• Acreage: 13.2

• Approval: October 2024, Closing: January 2025

• Location: Route 120, east of Willow Avenue and west of the Belvidere Discount Mall.

• Purchase price: $3.25 million.

• Benefit: Expands Greenbelt in a densely populated area.

• Future use: May allow trail and crosswalk connection.

Half Day Forest Preserve, Vernon Hills

Tunca Management property

• Acreage: 9

• Approval: June 2025, Closing: Pending

• Location: Jamestown Lane, a quarter mile east of Milwaukee Avenue.

• Purchase price: $37,300.

• Trail: Secures Des Plaines River Trail easement.

• Benefit: Enhances trail access and wetland protection.

• History: Targeted for acquisition for more than 35 years.

Lakewood Forest Preserve, Wauconda

Air Estates property

• Acreage: 74.1

• Approval: April 2024, Closing: August 2024

• Location: Gilmer Road near Fairfield Road.

• Purchase price: $1.95 million.

• Note: Lakewood borders property on three sides.

• Land type: Primarily wetlands and farmland.

• History: Once envisioned as an aviation community.

Breuer property

• Acreage: 1.6

• Approval: April 2024, Closing: July 2024

• Location: West side of Fairfield Road between Bonner Road and Route 176.

• Purchase price: $295,000.

• Ecology: Protects high-quality habitat.

• Scenic value: Preserves views, prairies and wetlands.

• Benefit: Strengthens continuous habitat corridors.

Steffenhagen property

• Acreage: 54.5

• Approval: March 2025, Closing: May 2025

• Location: Gilmer Road, less than a mile north of Route 176.

• Purchase price: $1.4 million.

• Restoration: Supports long-term restoration.

• Features: Woodlands, prairies and wetlands.

Lotus Country Conservation Preserve, Antioch

Fogel property

• Acreage: 41

• Approval: August 2024, Closing: October 2024

• Location: East of Grass Lake Road, next to Vern Thelen Park.

• Purchase price: $358,500.

• Wildlife: Home to Lake County’s largest heron and egret rookery.

• Land type: Contains wetlands and wooded areas.

Elliott W. Frank LLC property

• Acreage: 34.2

• Approval: March 2025, Closing: May 2025

• Location: Rena Avenue, a quarter mile south of Grass Lake Road.

• Purchase price: $960,000.

• Ecology: Wetlands and woodlands expand rookery protection.

Raven Glen Forest Preserve, Antioch

Yatowt property

• Acreage: 27.9

• Approval: January 2025, Closing: May 2025

• Location: Deep Lake Road, about a half mile south of Route 173.

• Purchase price: $954,000.

• Ecology: Protects more than 14 acres of valuable wetlands and buffer.

• Benefit: Helps reduce flooding and manage stormwater.

Nearly 39 acres will be added to Ray Lake Forest Preserve in Wauconda. Courtesy of John D. Kavc

Ray Lake Forest Preserve, Wauconda

Sidhu property

• Acreage: 38.7

• Approval: June 2025, Closing: Pending (2026)

• Location: Fremont Center Road, about a quarter mile north of Gilmer Road.

• Purchase price: $1.16 million.

• Land type: Includes oak woodlands, farmland and flood plain.

• Benefit: Supports a key regional wetland complex.

• Connectivity: Unites this site with Lakewood for both wildlife and visitors.