2019 ANNUAL FUND YOUR GIFT AT WORK
THE LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES has protected the natural and cultural heritage of Lake County since 1958. Today, 30,900 acres are restored and managed for public use – 11% of the land in the county. Woodlands, prairies, and wetlands provide habitat for 130 endangered or threatened species. Through a network of 65 sites and more than 200 miles of trail, we offer public access and enjoyment of native habitats, including Lake Michigan and the Fox River.
THE FOREST PRESERVES HAS A MISSION to provide education and recreation opportunities for people of all ages. We achieve this by delivering education and public programs and managing cultural and historic sites, including the new Bess Bower Dunn Museum, Bonner Heritage Farm, Adlai E. Stevenson Historic Home, and Greenbelt Cultural Center. Each year, more than 4 million enjoy access to the preserves or benefit from the Forest Preserves programs.
THE PRESERVATION FOUNDATION was established in 2007. A nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, the Preservation Foundation raises private support for Forest Preserve projects, programs, and initiatives that might otherwise go unfunded. Its mission is to extend and accelerate the Forest Preserve’s goals through private philanthropy to restore and preserve Lake County’s natural and cultural resources in perpetuity.
THE GUARDIAN SOCIETY RECOGNIZES those who give at a leadership level, which is an annual gift of $1,000 or more. Members of the Guardian Society receive invitations to unique experiences and events at the Forest Preserves. They are integral to the Forest Preserves success and inspire others to give more.
YOUR ANNUAL FUND GIFT MADE THESE PROJECTS POSSIBLE (P.S. YOU'RE AWESOME!)
Annual Fund - Grant Highlights Initiated reintroduction and monitoring of 10 critically rare native plant species that are at high risk of extinction, such as the Lesser Purple Fringed Orchid. Piloted the Conservation Explorers program, providing 7 high school students with an intensive, hands-on summer experience learning the science of conservation. Purchased native seeds and shrubs and funded community outreach to restore Greenbelt Forest Preserve - a vast expanse of open space within Lake County's most densely populated region. Sponsored outreach to the Latinx community in Lake County, recording personal stories of 14 families from a variety of countries. These stories are now a part of the Dunn Museum's historic collection.
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Recent Annual Fund Grant Outcomes Here's what happens when donors like you give! Blanding's Turtle Recovery Program With donor support, we are working to stabilize Lake County’s Blanding’s turtle population. Our efforts to protect this endangered species are informing similar conservation projects nationally. Of note, Debra and Brandy – two female turtles that were hatched and raised by staff and then released into the wild – laid eggs in 2019, starting a new generation of baby turtles in Lake County.
Equipping Volunteers With declining budgets and staffing levels at the Forest Preserves, volunteers are more important than ever. Last year, more than 30,000 hours were donated in all areas of the Forest Preserves. Annual Fund support put tools in the hands of hundreds of volunteers who removed invasive species, burned brush piles, cleaned up the Des Plaines River, and collected and processed tons of native seed for use in restoration initiatives.
Des Plaines River Watershed Testing The Des Plaines River watershed covers 1,455 square miles or 931,489 acres in northeastern Illinois and southeastern Wisconsin. Its protection is critical to the health of humans and animals living in this area. With your support, we were able to more than double sampling locations where we collected water quality data. This project allows us to make science-based decisions to improve management of the watershed.
IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU: YOU made a direct impact on Lake County’s lands and waters and on the plants, animals, and people that depend on a healthy landscape. YOU ensured that future generations can enjoy the open spaces, trails, and waterways we enjoy today. YOU inspired high school students to become advocates for nature through hands-on learning. YOU empowered volunteers to give back through their gift of time and talent. YOU created ambassadors for preservation both locally and beyond.
YOU HELP YOUR FOREST PRESERVES DO MORE!
Thank you!
I think the lake (Lake Michigan) has multiple meanings. For starters, we use it for our basic survival. Without this lake, we wouldn't have drinking water we use today. The lake is also home to many people and animals. The lake’s meaning is endless. We use it for so many things. Emily, high school student, 2019 Conservation Explorer