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Forest Preserve District of Kane County Current Holdings: 23,517 Acres

Natural Area Enhancements New Wetland Habitat

Nelson Lake Marsh Revitalization

Pingree Grove Forest Preserve, Pingree Grove

Dick Young Forest Preserve, Batavia

The District conducted an engineering study aimed at maintaining delicate hemi-marsh (half water/half vegetation) conditions present within Nelson Lake Marsh. A water control structure was installed at the outlet to secure the aquatic balance and protect the diverse life found here. To ensure and monitor the success of the project, marsh birds and vegetation were inventoried before and after installation, and invasive species were controlled across the area.

Flatwoods & Migratory Bird Habitat Restoration

2,698 acres added!

Pingree Grove Forest Preserve contains an 85-acre marsh that lacked significant patches of open water due to dense growth by invasive species. Open-water conditions are critically important for migratory waterfowl, as well as the state endangered species already present in the marsh. The District constructed three wetland scrapes, totaling approximately two acres within the marsh. The creation of these open water areas and emergent wetland vegetation will benefit migratory waterfowl, marsh birds, and reptiles. Habitat for several endangered species are enhanced by this project.

Helm Woods Forest Preserve, Barrington Hills

Turtle Habitat Creation

The understory of this high quality woodland had been choked by invasive woody species like Buckthorn and Honeysuckle. These invasive shrubs out-compete native plant species and degrade the habitat value for native birds. To combat this invasion, the District completed mechanical control across 52 acres in the northern half of the preserve in the winter of 2018. An additional 40 acres of clearing in Phases II & III is helping the entire system recover to a healthier state by reducing the amount of habitat edge and removing a large source of potential re-invasion.

This prairie restoration project converted 62 acres of agricultural field to prairie, and in-turn, provided quality habitat for nesting turtles. The soils that are favored by the turtles are already present, so staff carefully selected native species that would allow sufficient openings and sun exposure to create viable nesting habitat. Providing quality nesting habitat adjacent to our wetlands helps reduce the exposure of female turtles to mortality sources during their search for nesting habitat.

Preserve Improvement Projects Oakhurst Forest Preserve Redesign

The redesign of Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora was completed in 2021. The remodel included a new shelter, restroom, fishing outcropping, ADA-accessible boat launch with dock, new parking and limestone trail improvements.

Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve Improvements

Scheduled for construction in Summer 2024, improvements at Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve in South Elgin include parking lot and trail reconfiguration,

Freeman Kame-Meagher Forest Preserve, Gilberts

Photo by Naturalist Erica Lemon

Photo Courtesy Haley Gottardo

Photo by Plant Technician Monika Kastle

2024 Progress Report

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FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF KANE COUNTY

Accomplishments

Thanks to the foresight and generosity of Kane County voters in 2017, a Land Acquisition & Capital Improvement Referendum was approved. The Forest Preserve District of Kane County has now fully invested or committed the bond proceeds from that initiative, and we’re proud to present this final 2024 Progress Report detailing land and capital investments made.

With 32 acquisitions, we increased the size of 24 forest preserves and added 3 new preserves to the system. By focusing on enlarging preserves, versus creating new ones, we were able to boost acreage without requiring additional capital improvements, such as parking lots, shelters, roadways, bathrooms and more. Larger preserves mean a better habitat ecosystem/environment for plant and animal communities.

Increased forest preserve acreage equates to additional areas for native plants and wildlife to grow and thrive.

Larger preserves also mean improved flood protection for surrounding communities.

Additional acreage helps us make trail connections. More than 116 acres were added alongside the Great Western Trail in Campton Hills. Work is also being done to connect the Great Western Trail to the Fox River Trail.

The Forest Preserve District is a statewide leader in grant awards for land protection and preserve improvements. We regularly receive Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)managed grants for Open Space Land Acquisition & Development. We’ve also received U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grants, Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation grants, and more. Since 2017, we’ve received $5,990,146 in grant funding. These grant awards help land acquisition & capital project money stretch even farther.

The District now owns and manages more than 100 properties at 23,517 total acres of protected woodlands, wetlands & prairies, including Kane County’s only bog!

Land Acquisition Strategy

replacement of two shelters and a restroom, new accessible boat launch and more than 25 acres of prairie restoration.

Installation of New/Updated Boat/ Canoe/Kayak Launches

A new ADA-accessible boat launch with floating pier was installed as part of improvements at Oakhurst Forest Preserve in 2021. A new accessible boat launch will be installed at Jon Duerr Forest Preserve in Summer 2024. The District will be applying for a grant application for a remodel of Glenwood Park Forest Preserve in Batavia, in Summer 2024.

(630) 232-5980 www.kaneforest.com @forestpreserve

Referendum Recap

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County has successfully protected 2,698 additional acres of public open space. We were able to acquire the additional land at an average cost of approximately $15,017 per acre.

Following the 2017 Land Acquisition & Preserve Improvement Referendum

Expand existing core natural areas

Create wildlife habitat and corridors

Expand recreation and nature education opportunities

Increase flood control and groundwater protection

Improve our renowned trail system

Leverage grant dollars to maximize acquisition investment

2017 Referendum Progress Report Voter-Approved 2017 Referendum Funds...................................................................................................$50,000,000 Intergovernmental and Grant Funds Received............................................................................................ $5,990,146 Interest Earned......................................................................................................................................................... $1,302,437 TOTAL LAND ACQUISITION FUNDS.................................................................................... $57,292,583

Organized in 1925 by public referendum, the Mission of the Forest Preserve District of Kane County is to acquire, hold and maintain lands within Kane County that contribute to the conservation of natural and historic resources, habitats, flora and fauna; and to restore, restock, protect and preserve such lands for the environmental education, recreation, pleasure and well-being of all its citizens. Forest Preserve District of Kane County 1996 South Kirk Road, Suite 320 Geneva, IL 60134

Photo by Community Affairs Director Laurie Metanchuk

Our Mission

Photo by Community Affairs Director Laurie Metanchuk

Big Rock Forest Preserve Addition

Funds Invested as of May 31, 2024 Land Investments Made:....................................................................................................................................$38,079,822 Land Investments Committed ........................................................................................................................... $3,445,775 Preserve Improvements Accomplished: ......................................................................................................$11,370,765 Preserve Improvements Committed:............................................................................................................... $4,396,221 TOTAL INVESTED FUNDS..................................................................................................... $57,292,583