Sandhill cranes are just one of the many species taking refuge in your preserves

Lake County is home to more endangered and threatened species than any other county in Illinois. Part of our mission is to protect and restore the natural communities that support this native diversity. Acquiring land is just the first step.

Lake County is blessed with a rich and unusual mix of woodland, wetland and prairie habitats that offer refuge to a host of rare plants and animals.

Eighteen of the preserves are so ecologically valuable they are designated in the Illinois Nature Preserves System, a collection of the State’s most important natural areas. In addition, a portion of Middlefork Savanna is recognized for containing a globally threatened savanna ecosystem.

Our goal is to preserve and restore a diversity of habitats for future generations. From volunteer workdays to large-scale projects with regional partners, we are using many techniques to reach that goal.

Explore the connections between humans and the natural world.