Black Crown Marsh

Expanding Black Crown Marsh represents a twofold victory for Openlands Land Preservation: the purchase not only protects an area designated critical by the Northeastern Illinois Wetland Protection Project but also demonstrates the importance of partnerships in regional conservation efforts.

Because the tract straddled two counties, the sellers sought to avoid, a complicated transaction involving multiple buyers. Openlands collaborated closely with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Lake County Forest Preserve District, the eventual recipients of the $11 million parcel; stepped in as the sole purchaser; and subsequently redistributed the land by assigning the purchase contracts.

Today, plans for the marsh include hiking and bike trails (the acquisition brings the 500-mile Grand Illinois Trail one step nearer completion), and  by effectively creating over 3,000 combined acres of protected land for public enjoyment we have increased the scale of the marsh and reduced fragmentation of this important habitat.

Another beneficiary of this partnership is the diminutive wading bird with a dark, regal crown—its late-night forays for food can reach a little wider now.