December 2007 | Choice News

Opening the Lakefront Preserve

Not much of Chicago’s valuable lakefront property is undeveloped today, but thanks to a gift from the Grand Victoria Foundation, Chicagoans will finally be able to discover a scenic stretch of beaches and bluffs along the North Shore which had been closed to visitors since the late 1800s.

According to Openlands, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing public open space in Northeastern Illinois, the $4 million gift will help restore the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve, a one-mile stretch of undeveloped shoreline in Highland Park, Illinois. The Preserve, which was previously owned by the military and home to now closed Fort Sheridan Army Base, is currently home to more than 100 species of migratory birds and rare plant life.

“Along the North Shore, there aren’t many locations where the public can visit and enjoy the lakefront,” said Openlands director Jerry Adelmann. “But this precious piece of natural property is something we’re committed to opening up to everyone.”

The $4 million contribution is the largest single restoration gift ever given by the Grand Victoria Foundation, established by the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin, Illinois, and the largest single gift ever received by Openlands.

“Grand Victoria Foundation made this commitment, because we recognize the enormous ecological importance of this stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline,” said Nancy Fishman, executive director of the Foundation. “When the Preserve is restored, people from all over will be able to enjoy this unique landscape and learn more about the environment.”

Openlands plans to begin restoration in early 2008, with completion of the plan estimated to cost $10-$12 million. When finished, the Preserve will include a bluff trail with wheelchair accessible hiking and biking, a beach walk and a ravine trail where visitors can experience the area’s one-of-a-kind resources. For more information, visit openlands.org.

— James Faber

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