The Lake County Forest Preserves secured two grants to develop a brand strategy for a collaborate initiative focused on preserving and managing natural features along a portion of the Lake Michigan shoreline.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Coastal Management Program awarded $1,075,395 in grants to Illinois organizations, including $25,845 for the Forest Preserves initiative. The grant program supports projects related to coastal education, recreation, water quality protection and planning, as well as design and engineering initiatives aimed at advancing Great Lakes restoration.

The 16 grant-funded projects span the entirety of the Illinois' Lake Michigan coastline, empowering communities, schools, non-profits, park districts and forest preserve districts to enhance coastal resources. These initiatives will also engage local youth and adults in stewardship and enjoyment of Lake Michigan and surrounding natural areas.

"It takes all of us working together to protect, preserve and restore the Lake Michigan shoreline, and to ensure this wonderful resource can be enjoyed by all," said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie.

The Preservation Foundation’s Annual Fund has awarded a $25,000 grant to support this initiative. The Foundation’s Board of Directors approved the grant during their quarterly meeting on November 14.

The Forest Preserves plans to use the grant money to help the landowners of the Chiwaukee Prairie–Illinois Beach Lake Plain (Lake Plain) establish a common regional identity. The Lake Plain landscape covers about 15 miles of Lake Michigan coastline, including high quality dune and swale ecosystem in Illinois and Wisconsin.

“As a founding member of the Lake Plain coalition, we are honored to receive these grants to strengthen and expand this incredible collaboration,” said Dr. Pati Vitt, director of natural resources at the Lake County Forest Preserves. “These resources will allow us to make meaningful progress in protecting and promoting the natural and cultural assets of the Lake Michigan Lake Plain.”

The Lake Plain includes public and private landowners on both sides of the state line, including IDNR, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Nature Conservancy Wisconsin, Chiwaukee Prairie Preservation Fund, University of Wisconsin Parkside, City of Waukegan, Zion and Waukegan park districts, Villages of Pleasant Prairie and Winthrop Harbor.

This project is supported by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Coastal Management Program through a federal grant from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.

Belynda Alberte, natural resource specialist with the Forest Preserves, serves as the Lake Plain coordinator and will implement the brand strategy. "Being part of this initiative to protect and enhance the Lake Plain is incredibly rewarding. I’m excited to represent the Forest Preserves and collaborate with partners to develop a shared vision and brand that showcases the ecological and cultural resources of the landscape.”

A marketing firm will be hired to help build the brand for the Lake Plain. Their work will include identifying priorities, creating a style guide and website and implementing a comprehensive brand strategy.

“The branding initiative aims to increase visibility, foster partnerships and strengthen the region's viability. Ultimately, it will enhance and promote recreation and research opportunities within the Lake Plain,” Alberte said.

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