Rooted in nature: Preservation Foundation leader looks to the future

Posted January 19, 2026 11:46 am

By Kim Mikus

Betsy Hough grew up exploring nature. Today, she leads the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves as president, helping protect the landscapes that shaped her love of the outdoors. Courtesy of the Lake County Forest Preserves

For Betsy Hough, nature is more than scenery; it’s essential to her story. From childhood adventures in the woods with her mom and aunts, to summers at Wisconsin camps, to stroller rides with her children, the outdoors has shaped Hough's most vivid memories.

Betsy Hough’s grandparents lived near Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve. She watched the preserve take shape and grew up alongside it. Courtesy of John D. Kavc

Growing up in Evanston, she often visited her grandparents near Antioch and watched the county’s first forest preserve, Van Patten Woods near Wadsworth, take shape. Years later, she and her husband, Stephen, spotted their first sandhill crane there.

“Those birds were so uncommon then; it was such a surprise,” said Hough, now a Lake Forest resident.

Betsy Hough still remembers spotting her first sandhill crane with her husband at Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve. Courtesy of Thomas G. Wilson

With such deep ties to nature, it’s fitting that she is president of the Preservation Foundation, the charitable partner of the Lake County Forest Preserves. The Foundation connects public funding with private generosity, expanding conservation, strengthening education programs and protecting natural lands for future generations.

For Hough, the Foundation’s mission is more than dollars.

“The partnership between the public and private side is essential,” she said. “It’s not just about filling financial gaps; it’s about people coming together to care for the land. At a time when people are concerned with taxes, these partnerships make it possible to do more.”

Hough joined the foundation’s volunteer board about nine years ago. After stepping away from a career in health care finance when her children were young, she devoted herself to community service. She served as president of the century-old Lake Forest Garden Club before bringing her leadership and passion for conservation to the foundation.

Hough describes herself as organized, loyal and thoughtful. While it's hard to choose a favorite preserve, she points to Pine Dunes near Antioch.

That change came through collaboration. The Forest Preserves partnered with the Illinois Tollway Authority to offset the loss of 80 acres of wetlands near O’Hare International Airport by restoring 235 acres of savanna and prairie in Lake County.

For Betsy Hough, protecting places like Nippersink Forest Preserve near Round Lake starts with long-term commitment. She is championing the Every Acre Strong campaign, believing permanent funding is essential to care for land far into the future. Courtesy of John D. Kavc

Looking ahead, one of Hough’s top priorities is completing the Every Acre Strong campaign. Its goal is to build a $20 million endowment; an invested fund where the interest generated each year can be used without drawing down the principal. Once fully funded, it will generate approximately $800,000 annually to fund the long-term care of your forest preserves.

“This campaign is about permanence,” Hough said. “It ensures the preserves will always have the resources they need — not just for today, but well into the future.”

Learn more about how to be part of the campaign at LCFPD.org/endowment.

• 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.

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