The Preservation Foundation is the charitable partner of the Lake County Forest Preserves. It supports the growth, development and sustainability of our region’s natural lands and cultural heritage.

Like a root system pulls vital nutrients from the soil, the Preservation Foundation drives the mission of the Forest Preserves by responsibly directing funds to projects and programs of the Forest Preserves that might otherwise go unfunded.

Donations to the Preservation Foundation make possible the programs, places and priorities of the Forest Preserves—from the Dunn Museum and summer concert series at Independence Grove to the Green Youth Farm, Gateways Grants for schools, Adopt-a-Turtle program, and habitat restoration.

When you support the Preservation Foundation, you nourish your Lake County Forest Preserves so that they might not merely exist, but grow and thrive.

Give, Naturally

Meet Foundation Board President, Nels Leutwiler

Through his role as president, Nels Leutwiler spends a great deal of his time advocating for the Lake County Forest Preserves. “Through private philanthropy, the Foundation is able to accelerate the agency’s strategic goals and priorities,” he said. "Donations to the Foundation help to preserve and restore Lake County's natural lands and cultural resources in perpetuity.” 

Throughout 2020, forest preserves across Lake County experienced record high usage levels as people turned to nature as an escape. Leutwiler, who grew up in Lake Forest enjoying Captain Daniel Wright Woods, has been interested in environmental protection for years and is a lifelong supporter of open lands. 

Learn more about Nels Leutiwiler in this Daily Herald article, and explore giving opportunities here.