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Amenities |
| Picnic Tables |
| Public Parking |
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Hastings Lake |
This preserve features open fields, dense woodlands and wetlands. A rise on the west side of the property offers panoramic views of 80-acre Hastings Lake.
Visitors can enjoy one mile of temporary mowed grass trail and connecting asphalt trail for hiking and nature observation, and for cross-country skiing during winter. The temporary trail encircles open areas and woodlands. Shore fishing on Hastings Lake is also permitted.
Future public access improvements and amenities include potential recreational opportunities focused around the lake, and restoration efforts for the site’s wetlands and woodlands.
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Conceptual Master Plan
A conceptual master plan has been developed for the Hastings Lake Forest Preserve. Please click here for details.
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Location |
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| A gravel parking area with trail access is located on Gelden Road, just off of Grass Lake Road. |
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History |
In 2003, the Lake County Forest Preserves established Hastings Lake Forest Preserve. The preserve is named for the Hastings Lake YMCA, a camp which occupied this property from 1923 until recently. The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago continues to operate a smaller facility on an adjoining property.
The Forest Preserve District transferred 2.5 acres of the acquisition to the Lake Villa Fire Protection District for construction of a new fire station on Grass Lake Road. A $750,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant from the State of Illinois helped offset acquisition costs. |
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The Natural Scene |
Open fields, dense woodlands of stately tree, and wetlands create a lush environment. The oval-shaped 80-acre Hastings Lake features 12,000 feet of shoreline. Bluegill, largemouth bass, carp, and other species can be found in the lake.
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Current habitat restoration
Habitat restoration is under way at Hastings Lake. District crews are removing invasive vegetation along the lake shoreline and throughout the preserve. Crews are also removing dead or dying trees that may become future hazards. This project began on the eastern portion of the property near the YMCA facility, will continue up to the northwest quadrant, and will end with the southwest corner by early spring.
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