The Lake County Forest Preserves will celebrate the legacy of founder Ethel Untermyer (1925–2018) and a major conservation milestone during a free community event Saturday, September 12, at Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods.

The event honors what would have been Untermyer's 101st birthday while celebrating Ryerson Conservation Area's induction into the Old-Growth Forest Network as Lake County's second designated old-growth forest. The other is St. Francis Woods, located within Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville.

Visitors can join a guided walk highlighting the preserve's remarkable ecology and history, then discover ways to continue Untermyer's legacy through hands-on activities and opportunities to support the Forest Preserves.

"Ethel Untermyer believed that protecting nature starts with people who care enough to make a difference," said Forest Preserves President Jessica Vealitzek. "As we celebrate her legacy and Ryerson's national recognition, we're inviting everyone to experience this special place and find their own way to help keep Lake County's natural landscapes thriving."

Celebrate Ryerson's Old-Growth Forest Recognition

The celebration begins at 1 pm with remarks from leaders of Forest Preserves and the Old-Growth Forest Network near the Ryerson Welcome Center. Guests are then invited on a guided one-mile walk exploring the preserve's exceptional ecology, cultural history and importance as one of Illinois' most significant remaining woodlands.

Ryerson Conservation Area is one of Illinois' most ecologically important natural areas. Designated as an Illinois Nature Preserve, it contains some of the state's most pristine woodlands and provides habitat for several state-threatened and endangered species. The preserve is home to one of Illinois' best examples of a northern flatwoods forest, a rare northern Illinois ecosystem, along with much of the remaining floodplain forest in northeastern Illinois.

The Old-Growth Forest Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a national network of protected, publicly accessible forests while educating communities about the ecological and health benefits of mature forests.

Celebrate Be An Ethel Day

Following the guided walk, visitors are invited to the Ryerson Welcome Center from 1–3 pm to celebrate Be An Ethel Day, an annual event inspired by Untermyer's vision of protecting nature and connecting people to the outdoors.

Guests can discover Untermyer's inspiring legacy through hands-on nature activities and interactive displays while learning simple ways to make a lasting difference for the Forest Preserves.

Visitors can explore volunteer opportunities, begin or continue their Hike Lake County journey and learn how gifts to the Every Acre Strong campaign help protect forests, prairies and wetlands for generations to come. Whether giving time, exploring a favorite trail or supporting conservation, every action reflects Untermyer's belief that individuals can help shape the future of Lake County's natural lands.

Learn more about Be An Ethel Day and the Every Acre Strong campaign.

The event will be held rain or shine. Light refreshments will be provided.

About Ryerson Conservation Area

Ryerson Conservation Area reflects centuries of natural and human history. Long before European settlement, the land was home to Indigenous peoples who stewarded its forests and waterways. Following the 1833 Treaty of Chicago, Indigenous communities were forcibly removed from the region, and much of the landscape was cleared for farming, logging and other development.

In 1928, Edward and Nora Ryerson purchased the property as a summer retreat and later became champions of preserving its woodlands. Edward served on the advisory committee that helped lay the foundation for today's Lake County Forest Preserves. In 1966, the Ryersons sold 85 acres to the Forest Preserves and donated an additional 257 acres in the years that followed, ensuring the land would be protected for future generations.

Today, the 565-acre preserve is recognized for its exceptional natural communities, including one of Illinois' finest examples of a northern flatwoods forest. It is home to the LEED Platinum-certified Ryerson Welcome Center, the Education Center, a net-zero energy building and the historic Brushwood Center, where art, nature and conservation come together.

Media contact: Kim Mikus, [email protected], 847-968-3202

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