Lake County supports Illinois’ richest assortment of plants and wildlife, and greatest number of rare species. Offering a coastline on one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes, it also features an uncommon number of oak groves, glacial lakes, streams, prairies, wetlands and rare kinds of natural areas.
Thus, Lake County is one of Openlands’ four priority landscapes. We have a long history of working here to protect the land and engage people in conservation. Partnerships are a hallmark of our work. For instance, following years of successful collaboration, Conserve Lake County merged into Openlands in 2018. We regularly work with others at the local, regional, state and national levels.
By 2023, Openlands will inspire many residents across Lake County to manage their properties as healthy habitats for plants, birds, butterflies, and other native species. We will showcase models of healthy and gorgeous landscapes and invite visitors from across the region to experience the ravines and bluffs of the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve. We will engage thousands of people in caring for and protecting the lands they love in ways that protect their investment in this rich tapestry of blue and green.
See below for more information on our Lake County Programs.