50 Years and Growing
Celebrating our Golden Anniversary
Message from President Bonnie Thomson Carter
The Lake County Forest Preserves are widely recognized as a gold standard in nature and historic preservation, and in outdoor recreation and education. And that’s only fitting. After all, the Lake County Forest Preserve District is celebrating its Golden Anniversary.
Fifty years of preserving the beautiful scenery, open spaces and exciting wildlife that have made Lake County such an attractive place to live, work and play. It’s a milestone in any right. As Lake County’s principal guardian of open space and natural areas, the past 50 years are just the beginning.
As more and more people have moved to Lake County the role of the Forest Preserve District has become even more critical. Lake County has grown dramatically in the last 50 years, adding more than 400,000 people, along with the traffic, congestion and other stress of urban life.
Without the foresight of leaders like Ethel Untermyer, who recognized the importance of protecting natural areas for future generations, we might have lost the very treasures that brought us here in the first place.
Today, Lake County is the second largest Forest Preserve District in the state of Illinois protecting more than 26,500 acres. This land benefits residents in multiple ways. Cleaner air and water, less flood damage, improved property values, open space between cities and villages that relieves traffic congestion, habitat for wildlife and the preservation of native prairies, woodlands and wetlands are just a few of the returns on our collective investment.
County residents consistently have voted to restore wildlife habitats, preserve native prairies and protect endangered species, and to create new trails and complete other improvements to make our preserves easier to visit and enjoy. We continue to depend on this public input and involvement.
We rely on hundreds of committed volunteers who donate thousands of hours of their time helping stretch limited tax dollars. They’re joined by non-profit support and advisory groups, which provide private funds and assist in other ways. Corporate sponsorships, private donations and grants also help provide services for all ages, interests and abilities.
After 50 years, everyone involved in the past, present and future of the Lake County Forest Preserves can celebrate this Golden Anniversary together, and take pride in knowing that excellence will continue for generations to come.
Sincerely,
