A virtual meeting is planned to provide an update and answer the public’s questions about the potential acquisition of the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve. The session takes place 5:30–6:30 pm Monday, July 10.

On June 14, the Lake County Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to acquire the 71.55–acre Openlands Lakeshore Preserve. If the project proceeds, it will add 1 mile of public shoreline to Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve, as well as beautifully restored ravines and blufftops and accessible trails and overlooks.

Forest Preserve Executive Director Alex Ty Kovach and Rebekah Snyder, director of community engagement and partnerships, will provide a brief update on next steps and answer questions.

Openlands acquired the site in phases in 2007 and 2010. Founded in 1963, Openlands is a nonprofit conservation organization and land trust. It protects natural and open spaces of northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region to ensure cleaner air and water, protection of natural habitats and wildlife and helps balance and enrich lives.

Openlands closed the preserve in 2021 due to safety concerns over remnant military items, which are in the process of being addressed. The Forest Preserves plans to conduct its own safety analysis and hopes to open the 71.55-acre parcel later this summer. Within the next few years, the Forest Preserves expects to complete a master plan of the new acreage while considering the existing holdings to ensure a seamless visitor experience.

Register at LCFPD.org/calendar/openlands-info. A Zoom link will be emailed to registered participants at least one hour prior to the start of the program. If you do not receive the link, please check your junk/SPAM folder. Email AskAnEducator@LCFPD.org with questions or to inquire about accommodations. Registration closes at 12 am the day of the program.

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