Lake Co. Forest Preserves To Expand 2 Preserves With $1.58M In Land Purchases

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Nearly 39 acres of land will be added to two Lake County forest preserves following the approval of approximately $1.58 million in property purchases earlier this month.

The Lake County Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners approved the acquisitions Oct. 14, paving the way for expanded wildlife habitat and additional protected natural areas at Raven Glen Forest Preserve in Antioch and Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda. The purchases total approximately 38.6 acres and will be funded through bonds associated with a voter-approved referendum in November 2024, according to the Lake County Forest Preserves.

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The larger acquisition involves approximately 37.35 acres along Deep Lake Road, about a half-mile south of Route 173 in Antioch. The property, known as the Vander Meer parcel, will be purchased for approximately $1.52 million.

The land will connect two existing sections of Raven Glen Forest Preserve, creating a continuous stretch of protected habitat that will allow wildlife to move more freely between the areas once restoration work is completed.

"This is a really important acquisition," Natural Resources Director Pati Vitt said. "Once it's restored, it will allow for a wildlife corridor from one part of Raven Glen to the other."

The property includes a house and several outbuildings. Forest Preserves staff will evaluate whether the structures could be used for district programs or operations. Buildings without a suitable use will be removed.

Meanwhile, the district will purchase approximately 1.25 acres along Wauconda Road, about 1,200 feet south of Bonner Road, for $55,000.

The vacant property, known as the Richmond parcel, borders land within Lakewood Forest Preserve that is part of Broberg Marsh Nature Preserve.

Forest Preserves officials said the acquisition will help protect wildlife habitat, preserve wooded areas and scenic views, and provide additional protection for neighboring natural lands.

Both purchases are being funded through the district's 2024 voter-approved referendum, which authorized additional funding for land acquisition, habitat restoration and improvements to existing forest preserves.