Survey: Open space preservation key to all ages

Protecting wildlife habitat is a key value shared by young and more mature adults, the results of a recent survey show.

More than 82 percent of nearly 2,000 students, staff and faculty who responded to "Opinions about Open Space in Lake County" also said woods, fields and wetlands were the most important land to preserve, much more so than farm land or undeveloped parcels within towns.

The online survey was a joint effort between the Liberty Prairie Conservancy, which works to protect the county's natural heritage, and the College of Lake County.

With continued growth, issues regarding open space impact local and regional decision-making, and the not-for-profit conservancy group wanted to get a handle on current opinion, said Steve Barg, executive director.

"CLC is not a random sampling, but it is another composite of the county that would be helpful to see what do people want to see us doing," he said.

The college has expertise in surveys and offers a range of programs designed to meet residents' needs at different times in their lives.

Of the 1,961 respondents, 1,748 were students enrolled in at least one credit class at CLC. While those completing the survey had a chance to win an iPod, researchers were surprised at the response, described as one of the highest the college has ever seen on a survey.

"That in itself says something about people's feelings on this topic," said Kelly Cartwright, biology instructor at the college. The other 213 responses were from faculty and staff.

Results showed nearly half the students were at least 30 years old, and more than a third had a college degree.

Barg said there was little statistical difference between older and younger respondents.

"Certainly, wildlife habitat was the key value that people saw as a reason to protect open space. I guess that was more affirming of what we do as an organization - that was reassuring for us in a year that's looking uncertain for charities."

Other findings included:

• Respondents said protecting wildlife habitat and water resources were the most compelling reasons to preserve open space, besting outdoor recreation, scenic views and farm land as choices. That shows people see the connection between open space and clean water, Barg said.

• Community benefits, such as clean beaches, fresh air and a lack of crowding, were regarded as the most important value related to land preservation, although some respondents wanted to preserve the county's rural heritage and others valued the opportunities for outdoor recreation.

• About half of all respondents said visiting a forest preserve, state park or other natural area was their favorite way to enjoy nature. Working and relaxing in their yards was the second most popular choice.

• Habitats for plants and animals and traffic congestion were the top two issues to be addressed by protecting open space.

Barg said the results will help determine what type of services the organization should provide.