Fort Sheridan: A forest preserve with history and a view

When renowned landscape designer O.C. Simonds (1855-1931) conceived plans for the Fort Sheridan Army base about 130 years ago, he meticulously merged military needs with the land's rolling terrain and ecologically sensitive bluffs and ravines while making breathtaking views of Lake Michigan a priority. Over a century later, Michael Haug, a landscape architect at the Lake County Forest Preserves, considered many of the same philosophies when planning how the public would experience the site and learn from its unique history.

“When designing Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve, I responded to its natural features and carried on Simond's desire for ever-changing and open views, including the one to the lake,” Haug said.

In 1889, Simonds was hired by Chicago architectural firm Holabird and Roche, which had been awarded the commission to design military buildings at the army base. An integral part of the fort's plan was its landscape design. Simonds designed the landscape, winding roads, parade grounds, and the parkland. He paid special attention to the ravines and native plants, creating an open space reminiscent of prairies and preserving picturesque views of Lake Michigan.

Transformation

After the base officially closed in 1993, the U.S. Department of Defense conveyed 250 acres of land in the northern section of the property to the Lake County Forest Preserves for public open space and recreation. A team of forest preserve planners, ecologists and educators have been continually working to restore the land and preserve and interpret its valuable ecosystems and rich human history, and offer opportunities to recreate in nature.

A scenic destination, this stately preserve is one of only a few places in Lake County that offer free public access to Lake Michigan.

Last summer, Haug unveiled several improvements to augment that access, including new trails (close to four miles) and parking areas, better trail accessibility and three nature observation areas, including an awe-inspiring Lake Michigan overlook perched on a 70-foot-high bluff. From this vantage point, large boulders appear to have been pushed by glaciers, and custom benches have rows of laser-cut stars on the backrest.

“The design references both the military and natural history of the site,” Haug said.

Other improvements include a widened entrance drive on Gilgare Lane, improved accessibility along the Hutchinson Ravine Trail, and trailhead improvements to the Vattman Road parking lot, adjacent to the Fort Sheridan Cemetery. The cemetery has played an important role in the site's history with gravestones dating back to 1890. Although the Forest Preserve provides ongoing care and maintenance in perpetuity for the land, the cemetery is still operated by the U.S. Army.

Last month, the final portion of the project reopened. Ideal for bird-watching, the new 1.7-mile grass loop trail underwent drainage improvements and bridge modification. The grass trail, located on what had been the airstrip on the former Army base, can be accessed from both parking lots and has connections to the other preserve trails. It brings visitors over Janes Ravine, past the Army cemetery, and through woodlands and savanna to the top of the lake bluff.

“This grassy area, the ravines and the preserve's lakefront location allow visitors to observe one of our nation's busiest flyways for migratory birds,” Director of Education Nan Buckardt said. She said 236 species, such as cerulean warblers, scarlet tanagers and vireos, migrate through following the shoreline.

Coastline importance

Because of the shoreline that hugs Lake Michigan, Fort Sheridan is also home to many rare plant and animal species not found elsewhere in the region.

“The ravines, coastline and lake bluff here are unique because the lake waters cool the immediate shoreline in the summer while warming the same area in the winter,” said Ken Klick, restoration ecologist at the Lake County Forest Preserves.

The Lake County Forest Preserves led an effort to develop a collaboration for a large-scale coastal restoration project using federal, state and private grants. The effort included the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alliance of the Great Lakes, Openlands, the city of Lake Forest and the Lake Forest Open Lands Association. Extensive restoration efforts were conducted along 398 acres of Lake Michigan coastline, bluffs, ravines and uplands.

In the second phase of this project, in-water living reefs will be installed to provide habitat for Lake Michigan nearshore species.

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.