Largest Lake Co. Forest Preserve Gets More Land

LAKE COUNTY, IL – An already sprawling forest preserve in Lake County will get even more space after the Lake County Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners approved the purchase Tuesday of 8.2 acres in Fremont Township. The new land buy will mean an addition to the Lakewood Forest Preserve, increasing its total acreage to 2,853.4 acres.

"This acquisition is a great addition to one of our most ecologically important preserves, and because of the way it is situated, will make land management around it easier and more efficient,” said Alex Ty Kovach, executive director of the Lake County Forest Preserves. “We are very pleased to work with the Grawe family again to purchase land at Lakewood for the third time.”

The property, known as the Grawe property, is located on Wauconda Road, south of Bonner Road, and just west of and overlooking the Millennium Trail in Wauconda.

This land purchase supports the Lake County Green Infrastructure Model and Strategy to identify interconnected landscapes, preserve natural habitats and protect biodiversity, according to a news release from the Lake County Forest Preserve District. It also meets continuing land acquisition goals to preserve more open space, provide habitat for endangered and threatened species, protect and restore wildlife habitat, and improve public access to new and existing preserves.

Funds from the voter-approved November 2008 referendum made the purchase possible, according to Lake Co. Forest Preserve officials.

Lakewood is Lake County's largest forest preserve, offering dedicated equestrian trails, and additional trails for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Other preserve amenities include a dog park, picnic shelters, fishing ponds and a lighted winter sports area, according to a news release.

Lakewood is home to 24 threatened and endangered species. On the west side is the 70-acre Wauconda Bog, which is so ecologically valuable that it was designated as a National Natural Landmark and an Illinois Nature Preserve.

Another area of note is Broberg Marsh, home to a variety of wetland birds. Its habitat provides one of the best breeding spots in the county for birds.

Photo caption: Lakewood Dog Exercise Area/Photo via GoogleMaps