Forest Preserves board approves nearly 39 acres for conservation

Two land purchases approved Oct. 14 by the Lake County Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners will create a wildlife connection at Raven Glen Forest Preserve in Antioch and expand protected natural areas at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda.The properties total about 38.6 acres and cost approximately $1.58 million. Funding comes from bonds associated with the overwhelmingly supported 2024 referendum.Raven GlenThe approximately 37.35-acre Vander Meer property on Deep Lake Road, about one-half mile south of Route 173, will fill a gap between existing sections of Raven Glen Forest Preserve. The price is about $1.52 million.“This is a really important acquisition,” Natural Resources Director Pati Vitt said in a news release. “Once it’s restored, it will allow for a wildlife corridor from one part of Raven Glen to the other.”The property includes a home and related outbuildings. Staff will evaluate whether the buildings can support the Forest Preserve’s programs or operations. Those wit