Council authorizes co-application to dedicate McCormick Ravine parcels as Illinois nature preserve

The Lake Forest City Council on Jan. 20 authorized the city manager to be a co-applicant with Lake Forest Open Lands Association to seek designation of 48.7 acres of the Jean and John Green Nature Preserve at McCormick Ravine as an Illinois Nature Preserve.

Catherine Cerniak presented the request and introduced Ryan London, president and CEO of Lake Forest Openlands, who described the proposal as the culmination of a 14‑year partnership. London said the total investment in restoration and infrastructure at McCormick Ravine is $13,700,000, of which roughly $9.7 million came from grants, including a recently awarded $6,000,000 grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; approximately $4,000,000 came from private donations. He said the preserve opened to the public in March 2023 and has recorded 16,322 visitors since opening.

London walked the council through the parcel plan: several lots will be dedicated either as nature preserve or nature preserve buffer; the camp area within Lot 4 and one small 0.4-acre city-owned lot are excluded from the dedication. He outlined stewardship benefits of Illinois Nature Preserve designation, including stewardship assistance, potential grant access (the Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship grant program) and management support for invasive-species control and habitat restoration.

After no public comment, an unidentified alderman moved to authorize the city manager to be a co-applicant; the council approved the motion on a roll-call vote, seven ayes, zero nays. Council will return for final approval if the Illinois Nature Preserve Commission accepts the dedication.