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Proposed Nature Trail

Proposed Nature Path.png

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Ecosystem Services Value

The corridor represents one of the most scenic landscapes remaining in
Lake County, and we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fully
unleash its value as an iconic nature trail and conservation area, where
residents of our communities can treasure the atmosphere that makes
central Lake County such an appealing place to live.

To achieve this vision, we propose designating the corridor as a
Greenway where the majority, but not necessarily all, of the land would
be designated for public recreation, natural stewardship, and flood-
protection, while at the same time harnessing the potential for economic
development that capitalizes on the popularity of open space.

The linear configuration of this corridor, combined with the fact that
much of the property is already in public custody, makes it a natural
destination for a nature trail, where local residents can walk, jog, bike –
or just escape into a transformative world next door.

Along that journey, they would explore a virtual tapestry of visual jewels,
from the deep emeralds of woods and meadows, to the golden tint of
sunrise rippling across wetlands and creeks. It’s a space that can be
solemn enough for alone time, and joyful enough for a family picnic.

The 12 miles of new trail would also broaden access to existing
recreational amenities by connecting to the Des Plaines River Trail,
other trail systems and local forest preserves.

And perhaps the most beautiful part is that this vision requires only that
we recognize that these lands will yield their greatest value if we simply
honor them in their natural state. The less we do to alter them, the
more they will pay dividends for our communities as a recreational
amenity; as a conduit for businesses that cater to outdoor activities; and
as a barrier to costly floods.

We may have preserved these properties for a different purpose. But
over time, especially as so much of the County’s natural environment
has dwindled away, this corridor has only grown in value precisely
because it was never paved over. That makes it a precious commodity
that we can’t afford to squander. Residents want to be near places like
this. In fact, Lake County’s own economic development plan affirms this idea, stating that the area’s natural resources are an instrumental part
of its growth strategy.

We believe that by allowing these lands to thrive naturally, our
communities can grow for the better with them.

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