Land Acquisitions Help To Expand Forest Preserves In Lake County

LAKE COUNTY — The Lake County Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners approved two land acquisitions totaling about 38 acres on Wednesday.

The larger purchase is the 24.9-acre Goshgarian property on Nippersink Road in Round Lake, bought for $923,000, which will aid in the expansion of Kestrel Ridge Forest Preserve, according to a news release.

The property, which includes pocket wetlands, mature trees such as red and white oaks and shagbark hickories, and nearly 500 feet of Manitou Creek, will extend the preserve’s boundary to Nippersink Road, forest preserve officials said. The owners will retain a life estate, allowing them to remain in their home on 1.4 acres.

The board also approved the $3,994,100 purchase of 13.4 acres in Fremont Township, known as the Quentin Road Bible Baptist Church property, to expand Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda.

The site, which has been of interest to the forest preserves for more than 20 years, is located on Fairfield Road just north of Route 176 and next to the Lakewood Off-Leash Dog Area, according to the news release.

It currently operates as a seminary and includes dormitories, apartments and a gymnasium. Officials said the buildings could support preserve operations in the future, including possible seed storage in the gym.

“These acquisitions strengthen two important preserves and protect land to benefit both wildlife and residents,” said Forest Preserves President Jessica Vealitzek.