A donation from the Ancient Oaks Foundation will help more visitors experience the trails at Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods.

The Lake Zurich-based nonprofit, which protects and restores oak woodlands and other natural areas, donated a GRIT Freedom Chair to the Lake County Forest Preserves this fall.

Designed for travel beyond paved routes, the all-terrain wheelchair can navigate grass, gravel, dirt, sand and snow. Its rugged tires handle varied terrain, while hand-operated levers require less strength to propel than traditional wheelchair rims. Riders can use the chair independently or with assistance from a companion.

Ryerson offers more than 6.5 miles of trails, including more than five miles with grass surfaces. Routes wind through woodlands, past a historic building and along the Des Plaines River. Trails are open for walking and, when snow is at least 4 inches deep, cross-country skiing.

“Time in nature should be within everyone’s reach,” said Forest Preserves President Jessica Vealitzek. “We’re grateful to the Ancient Oaks Foundation for helping open these opportunities to more people.”

Visitors can borrow the chair free of charge from the Ryerson Welcome Center on a first-come, first-served basis during facility hours. It must remain at on-site. For more information, call 847-968-3320.

GRIT is a Massachusetts-based company founded by engineers who met at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Its roots date to a 2007 research project focused on improving mobility for people with disabilities in developing countries.

The company grew from that work through research and customer feedback to develop products that make outdoor recreation more accessible. Its Freedom Chairs are used by parks and organizations across the United States and Canada.

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