The Lake County Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of about 4.6 acres in Antioch Township on Wednesday, September 9, adding protection for the largest heron and egret rookery in Lake County.

The $450,000 property is bordered on two sides by Lotus Country Conservation Preserve and will provide an additional buffer around the sensitive rookery habitat. Funding for the acquisition will come from the $155 million referendum approved by Lake County voters in November 2024.

The property, at the northwest corner of Rena and Highland avenues, is about a half mile south of Grass Lake Road. The acquisition will provide improved staff access to the preserve. To protect the rookery, there are no plans to add parking lots or trails.

“While this is a small purchase, it’s a significant one because we don’t have many opportunities to expand this preserve,” said Executive Director Ty Kovach. “Every adjacent acre can make a difference when we’re protecting a sensitive natural area like this.”

The property includes a residence and other related buildings. They will be inspected to determine if they can be used. If not, they will be removed.

The Forest Preserves established Lotus Country in 2024 with the acquisition of about 41 acres along Grass Lake Road. The property includes wetlands, wooded areas and important rookery habitat. Its sensitive ecological features led to its designation as a conservation preserve, which is managed primarily to protect natural resources.

In 2025, the Forest Preserves purchased another 34.2 acres along Rena Avenue, expanding protection for the rookery and surrounding habitat. With the latest acquisition, Lotus Country will encompass about 80 acres.

The name Lotus Country reflects the history of the Grass Lake area, which has been associated with the term since the early 1900s when extensive beds of American lotus attracted visitors to the area.

Beginning in 2024, we have protected and restored land funded in part by the overwhelmingly supported referendum, along with limited bonds and grants.

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

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