Forest Preserves OKs Addition Of New Conservation Area, Rookery

LAKE COUNTY, IL — The Lake County Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of about 41 acres in Antioch Township, known as the Fogel property.

The property, situated east of Grass Lake Road, was acquired for $361,000. The new site is adjacent to Vern Thelen Park on its eastern border and lies just north of Grass Lake Elementary School, according to a new release from the forest preserve.

Typically, the forest preserves only acquire properties with a minimum of 100 acres to align with its mission, forest preserve officials said. However, this property is an exception due to its significant ecological features, including important wetlands, wooded areas and the largest heron and egret rookery in Lake County.

“We acquired this property because of its sensitive ecological features,” said Executive Director Alex Ty Kovach.

The property will be a “conservation preserve” rather than a “forest preserve” to indicate that the Forest Preserves will own and manage the site for the protection of its rare ecological attributes, according to a news release.

"Developing public access on this property would severely damage the delicate ecosystem and disrupt the vital rookery. Preserving this land ensures that these essential natural resources remain untouched and protected," according to forest preserve district officials.

The planning committee reviewed a list of staff suggestions last week and made its decision.

The full board of commissioners agreed and chose the name Lotus Country Conservation Preserve. The term “lotus country” has been associated with the Grass Lake area since the early 1900s when Lake County was a popular resort destination.

Back then, one of the main draws was the extensive lotus beds, showcasing large, pale-yellow flowers that bloom in late July and early August, according to the news release. It is believed that the lotus plant originated in the east-central United States.

Prehistoric communities utilized its seeds and tubers as a food source, taking them along as they traveled. For thousands of years, tribal nations made their homes in the lakes region, where they thrived on wild rice, fish, waterfowl, beaver and various aquatic plants.