Forest preserve reports Hanes Prairie purchase completed; county previews America 250 events and new communications hire

Forest preserve staff told DeKalb County commissioners that early winter weather delayed limestone surfacing on the Kingston Trail and that a final installment payment completed the long-running acquisition of the 63-acre Hanes Prairie, adding trails, ponds and access to the Kishwaukee River.

The forest preserve update noted that roughly $52,000 of claims represented the final payment in a 10-year installment plan for the Hanes Prairie purchase, which completes 1.7 miles of the Haines Creek Conservation Corridor. Staff explained the contractor was unable to complete temperature-sensitive asphalt work before early snow, and the limestone surfacing will be completed in spring.

Separately under new business, the board introduced Ashley Hughes, a recent hire in the county administration’s communications team who will support social media and public engagement. Commissioners also discussed preliminary plans for the national America 250 celebration: the county plans to participate in a coordinated reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 2026, at 6 p.m. Eastern on the courthouse lawn; scheduling with the local judge is pending.

Chair and commissioners thanked staff and volunteers who supported the budget and preservation work. The meeting closed with holiday and New Year greetings from the administration; the board also noted it will correct a posted meeting-schedule year in January.

What happens next: forest preserve staff will schedule Kingston Trail surfacing for spring when temperatures allow; communications staff will publish details of the county’s America 250 participation as plans are finalized.