St. Francis Woods Gets National Nod

LIBERTYVILLE, IL — St. Francis Woods, located within Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, has received a prestigious national award.

St. Francis Woods recently became the first northern Illinois forest to be inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network.

The network is a nonprofit organization working to connect people with nature by creating a national network of protected, publicly-accessible forests and a network of people to protect them, according to a news release from the Lake County Forest Preserve District.

OGFN is also focused on educating the public on the extraordinary ecological and human wellness benefits of mature and old-growth forests and speaks out regarding immediate threats to specific forests.

Lake County Forest Preserves volunteers Vic and Ann Beradi nominated St. Francis Woods for the recognition.

“We are thrilled to gain this national recognition and thankful for our volunteers,” said Rebekah Snyder, ‪director of community engagement and partnerships. “This designation recognizes the importance of St. Francis Woods and our responsibility to take care of it.”

The roughly 80-acre forest on the north end of Independence Grove is dominated by red and white oak. Other tree species present include hickories, basswood, black cherry and sugar maple

“Most of the trees there are under 200 years old,” said Ken Klick, restoration ecologist for the Lake County Forest Preserves. He added that “there may be an ancient tree up to 400 years old. Generally, trees live to be about 150 years old in our region.”

Founded in 2012 by Joan Maloof, OGFN has recognized more than 190 forests in 33 states. St. Francis Woods is the third Illinois forest to be recognized, joining Beall Woods State Park in Wabash County and Allerton Park-University of Illinois in Piatt County.

“St. Francis Woods has a fascinating history, and we’re thrilled that the forest and its old trees remain a surviving part of that history for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations,” said OGFN Network Manager Nick Sanchez. “We are excited to recognize Lake County Forest Preserves for their protection and careful stewardship of this forest. And a big thanks to our local volunteer county coordinators, Vic and Ann Berardi, for their work in exploring their local natural areas and nominating this beautiful old forest for the national network.”

This Friday, the public is invited to celebrate the national recognition.

At 10 a.m., a plaque will be presented to Lake County Forest Preserves officials. The event will take place at the trailhead near the parking lot at the North Bay Pavilion.

Those stopping out can then walk through St. Francis Woods and learn what makes it one of the highest-quality oak woodlands in the county, according to the news release. During the guided walk, officials with OGFN and Lake County Forest Preserves will share information about the ecology and cultural history of the site.

Those wishing to stop out to the event can register to attend here.

The full list of forests in OGFN's national network may be viewed on the OGFN website.