Openlands
Lakeshore Preserve

As part of Openlands’ successful pursuit of Illinois Nature Preserve Designation for this large open space that they had taken ownership of, Living Habitats provided a wide range of services that evolved out of the need to document past planning and design efforts and present them to new audiences. This project began by preparing a Summary Master Plan for their remarkable Lakeshore Preserve, which also serves as a current, high-level reference document for extensive preserve data and related work products.

The Master Plan addressed natural and terrestrial resources, hydrology and stormwater management, artworks, interpretation, and operations. Living Habitats also assisted Openlands on specific issues of neighbor engagement for the property that included the preservation of over a mile of Lake Michigan shoreline and several remarkable ravine ecosystems. Neighbor outreach focused on ravine care through land management modifications on adjacent properties and serves as a model public outreach effort in support of ravines within the region.

 

Location:
Highland Park, Illinois

Date:
2012 – 2013

Client:
Openlands

Awards:
2012 Illinois Nature Preserves Commission – IL Nature Preserve Designation, Openlands Lakeshore Preserve