The Lake County Forest Preserve District mourns the passing of its founder, Ethel Untermyer.
“Lake County has lost a true visionary, who more than 50 years ago recognized the importance of protecting our natural areas for future generations,” said Lake County Forest Preserve District President Bonnie Thomson Carter. “Her legacy lives on through the natural beauty and open spaces of the Forest Preserve District she helped create.”
Untermyer is credited with organizing the 1958 countywide referendum that created the Lake County Forest Preserves. She also served as Chairman of the District’s first citizens’ advisory board.
Today, the Lake County Forest Preserve District protects more than 27,200 acres of open space and wildlife habitat, including the 486-acre Ethel’s Woods Forest Preserve named in her honor.
Untermyer was also an advocate for social reform, editor of several periodicals, and a published poet, among other achievements. She is survived by her five children, 11 grandchildren, and countless family and friends.
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