New forest preserve honors prairie roots with Mshkodé name

The Lake County Forest Preserves’ Board of Commissioners has officially named a new forest preserve in Winthrop Harbor, acquired in November 2025.

The 119.9-acre site will be known as Mshkodé (mish-coe-deh) Forest Preserve, a Potawatomi word meaning “prairie,” honoring the land’s natural history and the Native peoples who have longstanding connections to the area.

When naming a new preserve, forest preserves staff recommend names that reflect the land’s history, features or cultural significance to the planning committee. The board of commissioners then votes to approve the final name. The board unanimously approved the preserve name on Wednesday, Feb. 11.

In this case, staff consulted with a tribal council member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. The Forest Preserves continues to work directly with Native peoples to guide how Lake County history is shared. That collaboration helps ensure Indigenous histories and perspectives are presented accurately and respectfully, not through secondhand interpretations.

“This new preserve name reflects a thoughtful approach to stewardship,” said Jessica Vealitzek, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. “By listening, learning and working alongside Indigenous partners, we’re making sure our preserves reflect the full history of this place and the values that guide our work today.”

The preserve in northeastern Lake County consists of two recently purchased properties along Lewis Avenue between 5th and 9th streets. The land borders the Robert McClory Bike Path and features open space, wetlands and scenic views.

The purchase advances the forest preserves’ strategic goals of conservation, public access and long-term sustainability. Both parcels are currently farmed under leases assigned to the forest preserves at closing. As master planning moves forward and funding becomes available, the land will be restored to its natural state.