A dozen good things that happened in 2025

Posted December 10, 2025 12:34 pm

Or “How 2025 Became a Defining Year for the Forest Preserves”

A winter scene reflects a year of progress across the Lake County Forest Preserves, where projects advanced, habitats improved and more people connected with nature. Courtesy of Michael Brady

With the year winding down, it’s clear the Lake County Forest Preserves spent 2025 adding another strong chapter to Lake County’s story.

The forest preserves are more than open space. They’re living classrooms, quiet escapes, wildlife havens and places where friends meet on the trail.

This year showed what happens when staff, volunteers, residents and donors work toward a common goal. Projects advanced, habitats improved and more people found their way into the woods, prairies and wetlands we care for.

Before turning the page to 2026, here are 12 highlights that rose to the top.

Expanding boundaries

The Forest Preserves expanded by about 560 acres last year, including an addition to Lotus Country Conservation Preserve, home to Lake County’s largest heron and egret rookery. Courtesy of R. Scott McNeill

The Forest Preserves’ board of commissioners approved nine land purchases totaling about 560 acres. Each addition strengthens wildlife habitat, improves water quality and creates opportunities for future trail connections.

Officer honors

Three Forest Preserves’ ranger police officers earned recognition. Sgt. Bradley Ehrhardt received a Meritorious Service Award, and Officer Michael Viramontes earned a Lifesaving Award for finding a man who spent 13 hours lost in Wadsworth Savanna during frigid weather.

Sgt. James Harrison received an Honorable Mention for helping save an injured driver from a burning vehicle.

Cemetery expansion

The Forest Preserves sold 4.7 acres at Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve near Lake Forest to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to expand Fort Sheridan National Cemetery.

The transfer will allow construction of new columbaria, creating more than 50 years of above-ground burial space for veterans and spouses. Proceeds from the sale were directed to a permanent endowment, which will provide a steady source of funding to care for Fort Sheridan in perpetuity.

Protecting trees

The governor appointed a Forest Preserves restoration ecologist to a new task force aimed at protecting trees. Courtesy of R. Scott McNeill

Restoration Ecology Manager Matt Ueltzen was appointed by Governor JB Pritzker to a new statewide task force focused on identifying and protecting Illinois’ most significant trees. The 19-member group is creating the Illinois Legacy Tree Program, which will honor ecologically, culturally and historically important trees. Ueltzen will help shape recommendations due to the General Assembly in 2028.

Expansion driven by art

“Alex Ross: Heroes & Villains” is the first exhibition in the Dunn Museum’s new 3,000-square-foot gallery, created to accommodate larger shows. Courtesy of Lake County Forest Preserves

The Dunn Museum in Libertyville, operated by the Forest Preserves, opened a new 3,000-square-foot gallery to host larger and more ambitious exhibitions. The idea took hold when a life-size portrait concept by artist Alex Ross required more space than the museum had available.

The new gallery debuted with “Alex Ross: Heroes & Villains” open through Feb. 16, 2026. A special admission fee supports the Preservation Foundation’s Every Acre Strong endowment campaign.

Acts of generosity

Two standout gifts made a lasting impact. Linda Raymond donated 2.5 acres in Newport Township to protect a towering bur oak that has anchored generations of family weddings, swing sets and quiet moments. The centuries-old tree and surrounding land will now be preserved forever.

Another major gift came from Paula Lillard, who donated $1.02 million to the Preservation Foundation in honor of her late husband, John. The investment will support long-term care of more than 1,000 acres managed by the Forest Preserves and Lake Forest Open Lands.

Future greenway vision

The Forest Preserves began discussions with the state of Illinois about transferring about 1,000 acres formerly planned for extension of Route 53 into its care.

Forest Preserves President Jessica Vealitzek said the goal is to protect the land as open space and eventually create a multiuse trail to improve connections in southwest Lake County. The project will take years, but it marks an important step toward a future greenway.

Strong year for education

Public program participation increased this year, with Bob Ross painting classes proving especially popular. Courtesy of Liz Rose Fisher

Education programs continued to grow. Participation in public programs is expected to reach 10,824 people, a 12% jump from last year’s 9,777. Many programs filled quickly, from seasonal walks to hands-on nature activities. Sessions on native plants and how to use them in home gardens were especially popular.

Investing in every acre

A major fundraising effort is gaining momentum to help ensure the Forest Preserves remain healthy for generations. The idea is simple: build a permanent source of funding for the long-term care of Lake County’s natural lands.

The campaign’s goal is to build a $20 million investment fund managed by the Preservation Foundation. Donations aren’t spent for the Every Acre Strong endowment campaign, they’re invested, and the annual earnings — estimated at $800,000 — will fund ongoing ecological management.

This model leverages both public funding and private support. It costs about $40,000 to buy an acre and $15,000 to restore it. Public funds cover those steps. After that, it takes about $75 a year to keep that acre healthy, and the endowment will handle that part.

Grassy Lake’s revival

A multiyear restoration effort at Grassy Lake Forest Preserve near Lake Barrington earned Platinum accreditation from the Chicago Wilderness Alliance, the highest level in its Excellence in Ecological Restoration program. The honor reflects the scope of work across the 691-acre preserve, especially a biologically rich 150-acre area where volunteers, staff and contractors have restored and expanded habitat for rare plants and wildlife.

Much of the progress stems from community dedication. Longtime volunteers Wes Wolf and Carol Hogan, who live across from the preserve, have logged more than 20,000 hours. They lead seed-collections, clear buckthorn and guide a growing group of volunteers.

Superhero sips

The Forest Preserves teamed up again with Harbor Brewing Company to release two comic book-inspired beers tied to the Dunn Museum’s superheroes-and-villains exhibition.

Heroes, a blueberry golden ale, and Villains, a cherry hibiscus golden ale, became seasonal favorites at the Beer Garden at Independence Grove near Libertyville. The pair followed last year’s success of cicada-themed Brewed XIII.

Lakewood’s next chapter

Lakewood Forest Preserve near Wauconda, nearly 3,000 acres and the largest in Lake County, continues implementing to evolve to meet the needs of residents today while increasing efficiency. Improvements already in place include a 1.6-mile paved loop trail with benches and scenic overlooks, a Millennium Trail connection, new fishing access at Taylor Lake, updated picnic areas and updated accessible amenities.

A net-zero energy maintenance facility is complete. A children’s nature play area is set to open in spring 2026, with an all-season shelter, an open-air shelter and additional parking planned for 2027.

• 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.