About Us
Lake Forest Open Lands Association is an independently funded conservation and educational organization devoted to the acquisition and stewardship of our natural landscapes, and to ensuring all generations have a meaningful, lasting connection to nature and our land.
Since 1967, Lake Forest Open Lands (LFOLA) has acquired, preserved, restored and maintained over 900 acres of highly diverse native landscapes for the benefit of the local community. Eight nature preserves encompass woodlands, wetlands, and several rare and globally significant prairies, ravines and savannas. These preserves reach from the shores of Lake Forest, north to the bluffs of Lake Bluff, south to the Fort Sheridan Nature Preserve and west to the savannas of Lincolnshire. Our preserves include over 16 miles of walking trails which are open to the public year round. Lake Forest Open Lands strives to engage and expand our community's commitment to the preservation and conservation of our historic and highly unique nature landscapes, and is dedicated to a mission that ensures that all generations have a meaningful, lasting connection to nature and our land.
Maintains:
Over 900 acres of open space and 16 miles of walking trails. All preserves are managed by a team of full-time land restoration ecologists who preserve and restore the ecosystems.
Engagement:
Lake Forest Open Lands engages the community! We provide public and school programs, internship opportunities, volunteer workdays and special events throughout the year. Through a partnership with local schools, Lake Forest Open Lands provides environmental education to thousands of students each year.
Who we are:
Lake Forest Open Lands is a 501(c)(3) non-profit conservation organization supported by members, donors and grantors without any local tax dollars. A volunteer Board of Governors oversees the organization. Lake Forest Open Lands has pioneered the use of conservation development and financing techniques and is considered a national leader among land trusts.
In 2009, Lake Forest Open Lands became the very first Illinois land trust to be accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, a mark of distinction in land conservation.
For more information on Lake Forest Open Lands Association please email us at info@lfola.org or call 847.234.3880.