Nature was always in the picture for Paula Lillard and her late husband John. Their childhoods were shaped by winding creeks and the quiet company of trees. The woods served as their playground.

When it came time to raise their five daughters, they chose homes where the untamed beauty of nature was right in the backyard.  "The outdoors has always been central to our lives," Paula said. "We both understood that the human spirit thrives in nature."

Married for 70 years, they passed that passion down through generations. With nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, their love for the land will likely continue to grow for years to come.

Before he passed just over a year ago, John left Paula notes outlining the causes he cared about most. At the top of the list was protecting the land they both loved. That guidance—and their shared devotion to the outdoors—is why Paula is donating $1.02 million to the Preservation Foundation, the charitable partner of the Lake County Forest Preserves. The donation supports the Forest Preserves' Every Acre Strong campaign.

Her gift will create an endowment managed by the Preservation Foundation. An endowment is a fund where the original gift is invested, with earnings used to support an organization’s mission. This endowment will support long-term land management at Middlefork Savanna in Lake Forest, Oriole Grove Forest Preserve in Lake Bluff and neighboring properties cared for by Lake Forest Open Lands Association (LFOLA).

John, co-founder of Wintrust Financial Corporation, served as a longtime leader and life director at LFOLA. He deeply believed in the power of public-private partnerships to protect open spaces. “He was a true visionary,” Paula said.

The new endowment is unusual in that it will benefit 1,086 acres owned by LFOLA and the Forest Preserves. Seventy percent of the funds will go toward caring for 772 acres of forest preserve land, with the rest supporting stewardship of LFOLA’s 314 acres. The purpose is to ensure ecological resilience by funding ongoing re-treatment of invasive species, prescribed burning, re-planting trees and native plants.

“Our 100-Year Vision for Lake County looks beyond the borders of the forest preserves. It calls on all landowners to work together to keep our natural areas healthy and resilient,” said Forest Preserves President Jessica Vealitzek. “Paula’s gift brings that vision to life.”

“This endowment is a game-changer,” said Ryan London, LFOLA president and CEO. “It ensures conservation isn’t just a one-time effort, but a lasting commitment. This partnership reinforces our commitment to preserving the area’s natural landscapes.”

The Lillard’s daughter Paula Preschlack, who now serves on LFOLA’s board, grew up in a home adjacent to what is now Middlefork Savanna. “We spent our days riding ponies, exploring the woods and letting our imaginations grow,” she said.

She remembers her father out in the yard with a chainsaw, clearing buckthorn by hand. “He believed in restoring nature—one tree at a time,” she said.

“Growing up surrounded by prairies, open skies and towering oak trees, I came to realize just how spectacular this landscape is,” Preschlack said. “It’s not just beautiful—it’s inspiring. And it’s right here for all of us to cherish.”

President Vealitzek says the gift highlights the power of partnership. “Protecting our natural spaces takes all of us—public and private partners, neighbors and volunteers,” she said. “Together, we can make sure these landscapes remain healthy for generations to come.”

Media contact: Kim Mikus, [email protected], 224-244-0583

Every Acre Strong: The Community Campaign for Lake County Forest Preserves will create a $20 million endowment to protect the forest preserves you love, ensuring every acre of habitat we restore remains ecologically healthy. Forever.

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