At their February 13 meeting, the Lake County Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of roughly 8.2 acres in Fremont Township, known as the Grawe property, for approximately $287,000. The new land buy is an addition to Lakewood Forest Preserve, Lake County’s largest preserve, increasing its total size to 2,835.4 acres.

“This acquisition is a great addition to one of our most ecologically important preserves, and because of the way it is situated, will make land management around it easier and more efficient,” said Alex Ty Kovach, executive director of the Lake County Forest Preserves. “We are very pleased to work with the Grawe family again to purchase land at Lakewood for the third time.”

The property is located on Wauconda Road, south of Bonner Road, and just west of and overlooking the Millennium Trail in Wauconda. 
 
This land purchase supports the Lake County Green Infrastructure Model and Strategy to identify interconnected landscapes, preserve natural habitats and protect biodiversity. It also meets continuing land acquisition goals to preserve more open space, provide habitat for endangered and threatened species, protect and restore wildlife habitat, and improve public access to new and existing preserves. Funds from the voter-approved November 2008 referendum made the purchase possible.

About Lakewood Forest Preserve
Lakewood is Lake County's largest forest preserve, offering dedicated equestrian trails, and additional trails for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Other preserve amenities include a dog park, picnic shelters, fishing ponds and a lighted winter sports area.

Lakewood is home to 24 threatened and endangered species. On the west side is the 70-acre Wauconda Bog, which is so ecologically valuable that it was designated as a National Natural Landmark and an Illinois Nature Preserve. 

Another area of note is Broberg Marsh, home to a variety of wetland birds. Its habitat provides one of the best breeding spots in the county for birds. 

About the Lake County Forest Preserve District
As principal guardian of Lake County’s open space and natural areas since 1958, the District manages nearly 31,000 acres of land and offers innovative educational, recreational and cultural opportunities for all people.

Visitors of all ages can enjoy over 203 miles of trails for a variety of outdoor recreation uses, ponds and lakes for fishing, public golf courses, historical and cultural venues, public access to Lake Michigan and the Fox River, and award-winning nature and history education programs and events.

Facilities of special interest include Independence Grove in Libertyville, Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods, Dunn Museum (opens March 24) in Libertyville and ThunderHawk Golf Club in Beach Park.
  

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