Endowment - Preservation Foundation - Photo Galleries

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Every Acre Needs You

The Community Campaign for Lake County Forest Preserves will create a $20 million endowment to protect the forest preserves you love, ensuring every acre of habitat we restore remains ecologically healthy. Forever.

Endowments are a powerful tool, as they deliver a dependable, perpetual source of funding. The endowment must reach $20 million to generate the $800,000 needed every year to provide ongoing care of restored lands. Your support is vital in helping us reach our goal!

By contributing to the endowment, you are investing in natural lands that will enrich the lives of everyone in Lake County for generations.

Your gift makes a significant difference today and in the future.

“Even if we don't set foot in one, the forest preserves are always working for us."
– Jessica Vealitzek, President, Lake County Forest Preserves

Why Support?

Since 1958, the Lake County Forest Preserves has stewarded public funds to protect, manage and restore more than 31,200 acres across 65 sites to provide a healthy, resilient home for 28,850 native plant, animal and insect species as well as miles of trails and countless experiences for all to enjoy.

The Forest Preserves is an essential part of our community. Every acre of restored forest preserve land provides cleaner air, improved water quality, enhanced recreational and health benefits, habitat for pollinators, increased carbon storage and greater flood reduction.

But our restored lands face ongoing threats from invasive species, exotic pests and unpredictable weather. Today’s changing climate requires forward-thinking solutions and innovative, high-quality stewardship of the forest preserves to ensure they remain resilient in an uncertain future.

Recognition Opportunities

Your support of The Community Campaign for Lake County Forest Preserves will protect decades of investment of both public and private dollars in restoration of Lake County’s beloved forest preserves, providing a permanent source of funding.

With your contribution of $3,500 or more, there is an opportunity for recognition in a beautiful natural setting while also leaving a legacy for generations to come.

Every gift to the Forest Preserves is meaningful, regardless of amount. As a thank you to our donors who make a gift of $250 or more, we offer virtual recognition opportunities

It’s Not About Us

The 31,200 acres protected by the Lake County Forest Preserves are a big part of what makes the quality of life in the county great. For people, and for the thousands of other species we share these spaces with. More threatened and endangered species live in Lake County than anywhere else in Illinois. Habitat restoration supports the richness and resilience of human, plant and animal communities. But it costs about $75 per year to keep one acre of a forest preserve healthy.

If you like what the forest preserves do for you, consider donating to the Community Campaign. Your gift will help provide a perpetual, dependable funding source and ensure every acre of habitat we restore remains ecologically healthy.

Journalist Bill Kurtis returns to tell you a story about meaningful change and a better future. Because … it’s not about us.

Watch the first half of this film: It All Depends on the Acorn

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an endowment? →

Endowment funds are donor gifts that are invested to support ongoing, long-term support of the Forest Preserves. The original gift is not spent but protected, invested and grows. Only the income from an endowment is spent.

Why is the endowment necessary? →

Your restored forest preserve lands face ongoing threats from invasive species, exotic pests and unpredictable weather. Ongoing stewardship is necessary to ensure they remain resilient in an uncertain future.

How much does it cost to protect an acre of land? →

On average, it costs:

$40,000 to preserve it. $15,000 to restore it. $75 every year to keep it healthy.

How much are you looking to raise? →

Our goal is to establish a $20 million endowment. This will generate $800,000 annually to provide ongoing care of existing restored lands.

What will the endowment money be used for? →

The endowment will permanently fund innovative, climate-informed land management of the forest preserves, enabling activities such as:
Re-treating invasive species, including buckthorn, honeysuckle and teasel. Re-planting native seeds, trees and shrubs that can adapt to a changing climate. Conducting prescribed burns to keep land healthy. Monitoring plants, animals and insects to ensure our actions are effective.

How will the endowment be managed? →

The endowment fund is managed by the Preservation Foundation, the charitable partner of the Forest Preserves.

Why are you collecting donations when you have tax dollars coming in, including from the referendum that passed in November 2024? →

State law limits how we can spend referendum dollars. That funding cannot be used for basic operations or to care for preserves after they have been restored. Endowment funding will help fill this gap.

Who should donate? →

We’re inviting everyone who is passionate about nature to help ensure the forest preserves remain resilient in an uncertain future.

Is my donation tax-deductible? →

Yes.

How can I donate? →

You can give online through the form on this page or call 847-968-3110.

Are there naming opportunities/partnerships for the endowment? →

Yes. With your contributions of $3,500 or more, there is an opportunity for recognition in a beautiful natural setting while also leaving a legacy for generations to come.

Learn About Commemorative Gifts

Why are the forest preserves important? →

Your preserves:

Protect wetlands, prairie and woodlands, which are home to pollinators and wildlife.
Help reduce the number and severity of floods and clean and recharge groundwater. Woodlands, wetlands and prairies absorb higher amounts of stormwater than developed areas, where rainfall typically flows into storm sewers.
Reduce local summer air temperatures. Trees release water from their leaves and provide shade, cooling the air by an average of 2–4 degrees Fahrenheit.
Walking, birding, fishing, paddling, and other outdoor activities provide a great way to stay active and improve mental health. These activities also help reduce stress and anxiety while improving attention and cognitive function.
Clean the air we breathe. Trees remove large amounts of pollutants from the air every year, lowering the rates of respiratory and cardiac diseases for residents.

Can I pay/pledge my gift over time? →

Yes, endowment gifts of $5,000 or more can be made through a multi-year pledge (up to 5 years). You may download your pledge form below or contact us at 847-968-3110 or donate@LCFPD.org.

Make a Pledge

Can I donate stock or other securities to the endowment? →

Yes, gifts of appreciated stock and securities are a tax-efficient way to support the endowment. For transfer details, contact us at 847-968-3110 or donate@LCFPD.org.

Can I recommend a grant to the endowment through my donor-advised fund (DAF)? →

Yes, you can make a one-time or recurring grant to the endowment through your DAF. Our legal name is the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves. The address is 1899 W. Winchester Road, IL 60048, and our Federal Tax ID is 26-0285660.

Can I support the endowment with a qualified charitable distribution from my IRA? →

Yes. If you are 70½ or older, you can make a tax-free gift from your IRA to a qualified charity, such as the Preservation Foundation. Our legal name is the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves. The address is 1899 W. Winchester Road, IL 60048, and our Federal Tax ID is 26-0285660.

What is the foundation’s tax identification number? →

Our Federal Tax ID is 26-0285660. Our legal name is the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves, and the address is 1899 W. Winchester Road, IL 60048.

Contact Us

For more information, contact our staff at donate@LCFPD.org or 847-968-3110.