Openlands Lakeshore Preserve

Openlands and Lake County Forest Preserves Discussing Ownership of Openlands Lakeshore Preserve

With shared commitments to protect open space and care for the region’s most important natural areas, Openlands and the Lake County Forest Preserves are in discussions about ownership of the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve, previously part of the former Fort Sheridan Army Base in Highland Park on Lake Michigan’s shoreline.

“Openlands has a long, successful track record of acquiring critical parcels and transferring them at the appropriate time to qualified landowners. Public agencies ranging from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources regularly look to us for such partnerships. We focus on establishing trusted relationships within communities, protecting vital ecosystems, and creating access to nature for all,” said Jerry Adelmann, Openlands President and CEO. “To fulfill our commitment to forever protect the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve, Openlands is working to transfer the property to the Lake County Forest Preserves, which we have collaborated with for many years to help save some of our region’s most valued natural areas.”

The Forest Preserves Planning Committee considered the transfer of ownership at a joint committee meeting on June 5 and voted approval for the matter to be considered by the full Board of Commissioners at their monthly meeting on June 14. Pending final approval of the agreement, it is expected that the Lake County Forest Preserves will provide information on the process and timing for opening the site for public access.

One of the few publicly accessible ravine and blufftop ecosystems in the Chicago metropolitan region, Openlands assumed management of the site in phases in 2007 and 2010. With Openlands’ commitment came the opportunity to restore three lakefront ravines, a topographic feature rarely found beyond the North Shore. As a result, the area is of statewide critical ecological significance and is home to at least six threatened and endangered plant species, with thousands of migrating birds resting and refueling twice each year, and monarchs and dragonflies also using the site for migratory stops.

The preserve is a popular location for people to enjoy nature and view Lake Michigan. In 2021, the preserve closed due to safety concerns over remnant military items, which are being addressed. The Navy has taken a lead role in preparing for the reopening of the Preserve by agreeing to implement recommendations in its forthcoming Historic Document Review and Field Investigation Report.

Before Openlands took ownership of the Preserve, it advocated for protecting the land and making it accessible to the public after the Fort Sheridan Army Base closed in 1988. The first step occurred in 1995 when Openlands’ advocacy contributed to 259 acres on the north end being transferred at no cost to the Lake County Forest Preserves.

After the initial land transfer, ravines, upland blufftops, and more than a mile of shoreline remained at the south end of the property, which had been transferred to the Navy. The Openlands’ board and leadership wanted the property to be protected and made available for public enjoyment. When no other government agency or nonprofit group had capacity to take responsibility for the property, Openlands agreed to protect it. Openlands launched a fundraising campaign and acquired the 77 acres from the Navy. It became the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve.

With the generous support of many donors, Openlands saved the land from development and has since invested in the preserve to increase public access and improve the natural areas with projects including:

• Creating accessible trails through the ravine, and along upland bluffs and a portion of the beach.
• Installing bridges and staircases that allow access to sections of the beach, ravines and bluffs.
• Restoring the 77 acres to healthy native habitat, including the rare ravine ecosystem.
• Developing outdoor education and gathering spaces to commune with nature and each other.
• Commissioning inspiring art installations that connect people to nature.

“Openlands did an excellent job creating accessible trails through the sensitive ravine and blufftop habitats, installing bridges and staircases and did exceptional restoration work,” said Alex Ty Kovach, Executive Director of the Lake County Forest Preserves. “We look forward to building on their investments in the site to incorporate the new acreage into the Fort Sheridan experience.”

“This potential land transfer to the Lake County Forest Preserves is another example of Openlands and the Lake County Forest Preserves working together to protect and steward open space for the wellbeing of communities, wildlife, and people,” said Nancy Hamill Winter. “I continue to be a proud supporter of the Forest Preserves’ and Openlands’ visionary leadership along Lake Michigan in Lake County.”

To receive further announcements as they become available, sign up to receive Openlands Lakeshore Preserve updates by clicking here. 

Openlands is excited to share the news that the Navy’s Historic Document Review and Field Investigation Report for Openlands Lakeshore Preserve has been accepted and approved by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Report is now being prepared for public distribution. No date has been provided for the final dissemination.

The Report is important because it contains a series of recommendations to be undertaken before the Preserve is re-opened. In April 2021, Preserve visitors found historic unexploded ordnance that were safely disposed of. For the safety of all, Openlands closed the Preserve for an investigation by the Navy. Openlands is committed to reopening the Preserve as soon as the safety measures are complete later this year.

“Public safety and wellbeing are our top priorities, so it is important to follow each step of the reopening process very carefully. We are pleased with this key step toward reopening the Preserve,” said Jerry Adelmann, Openlands President and CEO.

The Preserve is located at the former Fort Sheridan military base in southeastern Lake County. A nonprofit celebrating 60 years of protecting nature in the region, Openlands has owned and operated the Lakeshore Preserve for more than a decade.

To receive further announcements as they become available, sign up to receive Openlands Lakeshore Preserve updates by clicking here. In the meantime, we thank you for your patience and understanding.

The Navy has worked diligently to finalize its Historic Document Review and Field Investigation Report for Openlands Lakeshore Preserve (Report), which the Navy reports is nearly complete. Once finished, the Report will be released by the Navy to the public. Based on progress reports and ongoing meetings with the Navy, Openlands expects the Report will be available before the end of spring. The Report is important because it contains a series of safety measures that the Navy recommends implementing before the public begins to enjoy the site once again. Openlands and the Navy will work collaboratively to implement these measures.

Openlands is committed to reopening the Preserve as soon as the safety measures are complete later this year. Public safety and enjoyment of the Preserve are a top priority for Openlands.

To receive further announcements as they become available, sign up to receive Openlands Lakeshore Preserve updates by clicking here. In the meantime, we thank you for your patience and understanding.

This summer, Openlands received a substantial amount of valuable information from the Navy about Openlands Lakeshore Preserve. The information is currently under review and being utilized for the creation of a site reopening plan. Recommendations include signage and public awareness training. During this process, the Navy continues to respond in a timely and collaborative way to Openlands’ inquiries and requests. Once finalized, documents related to the investigation will be released to the public and housed at a local public repository.

Part of the former Fort Sheridan Army base for more than 100 years, the nature preserve opened to the public in 2011 under the ownership and management of Openlands, a private, non-profit organization. In the first week of April 2021, the Preserve was forced to close for the safety of all due to the discovery and disposal of three explosives – a grenade and two flares. These items were safely disposed of by the Waukegan Bomb Squad.

Openlands and the Navy both desire to implement a timely and safe reopening of the Preserve. With steep bluffs and ravines, the site has been complicated to investigate and has a long history of various military training uses.

To be informed of receive updates and announcements as they become available, sign up to receive this Openlands Lakeshore Preserve newsletter by clicking here. In the meantime, we thank you for your patience and understanding.

Openlands Lakeshore Preserve remains closed as experts return for additional investigation.

Naval Station Great Lakes announced this week that experts from Tetra Tech will return to Openlands Lakeshore Preserve in Highland Park for additional field investigations of unexploded military munitions. Currently, the nature preserve remains closed to the public. Part of the former Fort Sheridan Army base for more than 100 years, the preserve was forced to close for the safety of all the week of April 5, 2021, due to the discovery and disposal of three explosives. These items were safely removed and disposed of by the proper authorities.

In support of reopening the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve in a timely and safe manner, the Navy awarded a contract to Tetra Tech in 2021 to address public health and safety concerns. Tetra Tech reviewed historical documents and in December conducted an initial field investigation. A team is mobilizing to return to the site in May.

Naval Station Great Lakes, the City of Highland Park, Lake County, and Openlands have been conducting frequent subject matter expert and leadership meetings to discuss efforts underway to support the return of public access and land management to Openlands Lakeshore Preserve. The team is committed to addressing concerns to return the preserve to its intended purpose as a nature preserve for the public’s enjoyment and ask all to respect the closure while work is completed.

If any person would like to receive updates and announcements as they become available, sign up to receive this Openlands Lakeshore Preserve newsletter by clicking here. In the meantime, we thank you for your patience and understanding.

Experts Convene at Openlands Lakeshore Preserve to support investigation.

For three days in early December, experts from five states convened at Openlands Lakeshore Preserve in Highland Park to conduct field work on a portion of the site in support of the investigation that stemmed from the discovery of explosives during the spring of 2021.

In support of Openlands, the Navy awarded a contract to Tetra Tech on September 24, 2021 to study the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve to address concerns to public health and safety. The Tetra Tech team will review the findings of the site investigation as well as historical documents to determine a recommended path forward.

The results of the study will allow for recommendations regarding the need for any further action, if any, and will also allow Openlands to make informed decisions regarding steps needed to re-open the Preserve. Public access and ecological management have been restricted since April 2021 due to the presence of military artifacts that were found on the property.

Openlands Lakeshore Preserve is located on the former Fort Sheridan, adjacent to Navy housing, with shoreline and bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan. The former Army post was closed in 1993 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process and a portion of the former installation was transferred to Openlands and converted to a nature preserve in 2007.

Naval Station Great Lakes, the City of Highland Park, Lake County, and Openlands have been hosting a weekly subject matter expert and leadership meeting to discuss efforts underway to support the return of public access and land management to Openlands Lakeshore Preserve. The team is committed to addressing concerns to return the preserve to its intended purpose as a nature preserve for the public’s enjoyment and ask all to respect the closure while work is completed.

If any person would like to receive updates and announcements as they become available, sign up to receive this Openlands Lakeshore Preserve newsletter by clicking here. In the meantime, we thank you for your patience and understanding.

Navy Awards Contract to Study Openlands Lakeshore Preserve

Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Mid-Atlantic awarded a contract to a private firm on September 24, 2021 to study Openlands Lakeshore Preserve. This follows a site visit by NAVFAC Environmental experts on August 25, 2021 aiding in efforts to reopen the site. The preserve was forced to close for the safety of all the week of April 5, 2021, due to the discovery and disposal of three explosives. These items were safely removed and disposed of by the proper authorities. NAVFAC advised the team that the study is slated to begin on the site this fall with a goal of completion before summer of 2022.

Openlands Lakeshore Preserve is located on the former Fort Sheridan military base with shoreline and bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan. The post was closed in 1993 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process and ownership of a portion of the installation was transferred in 2007 to Openlands, a nationally accredited land trust. Openlands restored the natural areas, installed trails and artwork, secured designation for the property as an Illinois Nature Preserve, and opened the site to the public in 2011.

Naval Station Great Lakes, the City of Highland Park, Lake County, and Openlands have a weekly subject matter expert and leadership meeting to discuss efforts underway to support the return of public access to Openlands Lakeshore Preserve. The team is committed to addressing concerns to return the preserve to its intended purpose for the enjoyment of all. The team asks the public to respect the closure while an assessment is completed and do not enter the preserve.

If any person would like to receive updates and announcements as they become available, sign up to receive this Openlands Lakeshore Preserve newsletter by clicking here. In the meantime, we thank you for your patience and understanding.

Navy Begins Assessment of Openlands Lakeshore Preserve

At the request of Representative Brad Schneider and Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, the Navy begins work with the City of Highland Park and Lake County

Naval Station Great Lakes, the City of Highland Park and Lake County hosted a subject matter expert and leadership meeting with Openlands on Aug. 25 and 26 to discuss efforts underway to support the return of public access to Openlands Lakeshore Preserve. The event included a site visit of the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve by Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Mid-Atlantic Environmental experts and a synchronization update on resources and capabilities now available to assist the Navy with the site’s assessment. “Partnering with the City of Highland Park, Lake County and Openlands is an excellent example of cooperation that will continue to benefit the local area,” said Captain Jason Williamson of Naval Station Great Lakes.

“The Openlands Lakeshore Preserve is a natural treasure along our lakefront,” said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. “That’s why I’ve worked alongside my colleagues Senator Duckworth and Congressman Schneider to ensure that the Navy is doing everything it can to help Openlands safely reopen as soon as possible. I thank Naval Station Great Lakes for their hard work and expertise and Openlands for their continued commitment to preserving and restoring our open spaces.”

“The Openlands Lakeshore Preserve is a valued natural area that holds significant importance to the surrounding community,” U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth said. “I appreciate Naval Station Great Lakes and the NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic Environmental experts for working with the community to make the Preserve open to the public in a safe and efficient manner.”

The work follows the discovery and disposal of three explosives that began the week of April 5, 2021, forcing the public closure of the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve for the safety of all.

“The City greatly appreciates the partnership of the Navy and Lake County, and the advocacy of our elected officials in Washington in prioritizing the remediation of this incredible natural resource,” said Mayor Nancy Rotering. “Since acquiring the property, Openlands has completed extensive work at their property, which has greatly enhanced the quality of life for our community. We look forward to once again enjoying the trails and lakefront just as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Openlands Lakeshore Preserve is located on the former Fort Sheridan military base with shoreline and bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan. The post was closed in 1993 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process and ownership of a portion of the installation was transferred in 2007 to Openlands, a nationally accredited land trust. Openlands restored the natural areas, installed trails and artwork, secured designation for the property as an Illinois Nature Preserve, and opened the site to the public in 2011.

“The safety of the public when visiting the Preserve is Openlands’ top priority. We want everyone to be able to fully enjoy the beauty and natural setting of the Preserve’s bluffs, prairie, and lakefront,” said Jerry Adelmann, president and CEO of Openlands. “The expertise the Navy provides is essential and we thank them for their co-operation and guidance. In addition, we are grateful for the leadership and coordination of Representative Schneider, Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, and the ongoing support of Mayor Nancy Rotering and the City of Highland Park to assist in securing this assessment and possible remediation.”

Openlands is committed to addressing concerns to return the preserve to its intended purpose for public enjoyment. Plans to reopen will not be available until the completion of the assessment, at the earliest. The public is asked to respect the closure while the assessment and any subsequent needed work is completed.

For the protection of all, Openlands Lakeshore Preserve remains temporarily closed due to multiple discoveries of explosives and areas of concern that began the week of April 5, 2021. This week, Openlands learned of the Navy’s refusal to complete an onsite investigation despite documented public safety concerns. Until an onsite investigation and any necessary removal is complete, it is imperative that the public stay out of the Preserve. Any entrance is unlawful trespassing and potentially dangerous.

Per the Navy’s requirement, requests regarding the investigation of Openlands Lakeshore Preserve have gone through The City of Highland Park on Openlands’ behalf. Despite repeated requests on behalf of public safety, the Naval Station Great Lakes this week communicated to the City of Highland Park its refusal to assist in the onsite investigation at the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve. Openlands is now seeking assistance from others to ensure a full onsite investigation is completed as quickly as possible. Meanwhile the City of Highland Park continues to request support from the military.

Openlands shares the desire to re-open the Preserve at the earliest possible date. We thank the City of Highland Park for the assistance they have provided to try and resolve this public safety issue. We thank you for your patience and understanding.

The Openlands Lakeshore Preserves is a 77-acre nature preserve near Highland Park was once part of the Fort Sheridan military base, with ownership having transferred from the Army to the Navy and then to Openlands, a nationally accredited nonprofit.

For the protection of all, Openlands Lakeshore Preserve remains temporarily closed due to multiple discoveries of explosives the week of April 5, and the identification of a new area of concern by explosives-sniffing dogs the weeks of May 17 and 24. The 77-acre nature preserve near Highland Park was once part of the Fort Sheridan military base, with ownership having transferred from the Army to the Navy and then to Openlands, a nationally accredited nonprofit.

Naval Station Great Lakes recently communicated that military working dogs will be available sometime after July 7 and their work will take place in coordination with the Waukegan Bomb Squad in the event the dogs detect anything of significance.

Per the Navy’s requirement, requests regarding the investigation of Openlands Lakeshore Preserve must come through a government agency. The City of Highland Park has graciously agreed to take the lead on this on Openlands’ behalf and continues to regularly reach out to the Navy with requests for a military investigation to identify and remove all remaining explosives.

Openlands shares the desire to re-open the Preserve and will do so as soon as possible. In the meantime, Openlands thanks you for your patience and understanding.

Openlands Lakeshore Preserve Remains Closed as Investigation Continues

On multiple occasions during the weeks of May 17 and 24, explosives-sniffing dogs identified a new area of concern at the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve near Highland Park, shelving earlier hopes to re-open the popular nature preserve by Memorial Day weekend.

Openlands has reiterated its request for the military to investigate, identify, and remove all remaining unexploded ordnance from the site. Once part of the Fort Sheridan military base, the Preserve was closed to the public on April 9 after a grenade and two other explosives were found and safely disabled by the Waukegan Bomb Squad.

The Army Base Realignment and Closure Office pledged in April to provide Openlands with a preliminary assessment by mid-May. To date, Openlands has not received that document. Openlands has received a May 13 statement by the military concluding that multiple discoveries of explosives were anomalies requiring no further investigation.

Openlands has done everything the military has requested. The nationally accredited nonprofit, based in Chicago, has worked with the City of Highland Park to formally request information and support from the Department of Defense. In addition, Openlands utilized a contractor to employ explosives-sniffing dogs and is implementing the Department of Defense Explosives Safety Education Program so that people on site will know how to “Recognize, Retreat, and Report” unexploded munitions.

Openlands continues to update its website and social media as the situation progresses and distributes email updates to all who request them. To be added to the email notification list, contact info@openlands.org.

On May 13, the Naval Station Great Lakes issued a statement regarding the military’s preliminary assessment of explosives found in multiple locations, including Navy-owned property, on two occasions the week of April 5 within Openlands Lakeshore Preserve near Highland Park. The privately owned nature preserve was once part of the former Fort Sheridan military base. It was restored and repurposed by Openlands, offering popular walking trails and artworks to the public since 2011. The Preserve is now temporarily closed for the safety of all.

The preliminary assessment by the U.S. Army Base Realignment and Closure Office was limited to a Virginia-based review of historical documents pertaining to the site’s former use as an Army training ground for utilization of grenades, anti-aircraft missiles, and other firearms and artillery. The Army’s Virginia office stated the suspected munitions are “most likely” not from the former Fort Sheridan upland ranges and “may have” washed up from the lake over the winter and no further investigation is needed.

No onsite investigation of the land, water, or lakebed was completed, and the Navy has requested more detail from Army investigators.

Openlands is awaiting the preliminary assessment from the military to evaluate next steps, ensuring that due diligence is followed for the safety of all visitors.

We share everyone’s desire to re-open the Preserve and will do so as soon as possible. To that end, based on the results of our own due diligence, Openlands hopes to open the upland trails, Bartlett Ravine trail, and both staircases before the Memorial Day weekend. Based on the ambiguity of the military statement and the lack of information that Openlands has received from the military, the bluff and beach trail will remain closed pending further investigation. Portions of the temporary safety fencing will be removed as sections reopen.

Another update will be sent out when areas of the Preserve are opened. In the meantime, we thank you for your continued patience and understanding.