Every acre strong: The Community Campaign for Lake County Forest Preserves

Post by Brett Peto This article appears in the spring 2025 issue of Horizons, the award-winning quarterly magazine of the Lake County Forest Preserves in northern Illinois. every acre is ESSENTIAL Since 1958, the Lake County Forest Preserves has stewarded public funds to protect, manage and restore more than 31,200 acres across 65 sites to provide a healthy, resilient home for 28,850 native plant, animal and insect species as well as miles of trails and countless experiences for all to enjoy.The Forest Preserves is an essential part of our community. Every acre of restored forest preserve land provides cleaner air, improved water quality, enhanced recreational and health benefits, habitat for pollinators, increased carbon storage and greater flood reduction.But our restored lands face ongoing threats from invasive species, exotic pests and unpredictable weather. Today’s changing climate requires forward-thinking solutions and innovative, high-quality stewardship of the forest preserves to ensure they remain resilient in an uncertain future. “Even if we don’t set foot in one, the forest preserves are always working for us.”Jessica VealitzekPresident, lake county forest preserves every acre must be RESILIENT Preserving and protecting our natural lands requires careful stewardship and investment. On average, the cost of every acre is: $40,000 to preserve it $15,000 to restore it $75 every year to keep it healthy Restoring and maintaining the forest preserves requires a close partnership between public support and private philanthropy. The Forest Preserves leverages public tax dollars to fund the preservation of land, restoration of native habitats and construction of parking lots, trails and overlooks for public access and enjoyment. The Preservation Foundation helps donors—like you—invest in the mission and work of the Forest Preserves, supporting everything from major restoration projects to public programs. every acre NEEDS YOU The Community Campaign for Lake County Forest Preserves will create a $20 millionendowment to protect the forest preserves you love, ensuring every acre of habitat we restore remains ecologically healthy. Forever. Endowments are a powerful tool, as they deliver a dependable, perpetual source of funding. The endowment must reach $20 million to generate the $800,000 needed every year to provide ongoing care of restored lands. Your support is vital in helping us reach our goal! By contributing to the endowment, you are investing in natural lands that will enrich the lives of everyone in Lake County for generations. Your gift makes a significant difference today and in the future. The endowment will permanently fund innovative, climate-informed land management of the forest preserves, enabling activities such as: Re-planting native seeds, trees and shrubs that can adapt to a changing climate. “We all have a role in stewarding the land, and our gifts today will live on for future generations.”BeTSy houghPresident, preservation foundation every acre PROTECTED We invite you to join the Community Campaign to keep every acre STRONG. MAIL A GIFT TO:Preservation Foundation of theLake County Forest Preserves1899 W. Winchester RoadLibertyville, IL 60048 Gifts of appreciated stocks or securities are easy to make and provide great tax benefits. Maximize your support and minimize taxes through IRA distributions, retirement plan assets or life insurance. Images © Bob Callebert, Kendall Donahue, Liz Rose Fisher, Callie Klatt Golba, John D. Kavc, Anna Larsen, R. Scott McNeill, Brett Peto, Andy Raupp.