City of Lake Forest, IL

Preserving our Natural Environment

Ravine Management
The Lake Forest Collaborative for Environmental Leadership has recently received over $76,000 in grant money to fund the Lake Forest Ravines Education and Outreach Project. The LFCEL will be restoring the Seminary Ravine, just south of Forest Park.  This project will serve as a cornerstone demonstration site to teach residents and students about ravine health and what ravines should look like.If you are a homeowner adjacent to a ravine, please take a look at the LFCEL's new brochure containing important information for your landscaping, stormwater runoff, pesticides, and more. View the "Steep Slopes, Long Legacy for Homeowners Near Ravines" brochure for more information.

Don't Stuff the Bluff! Keep Lake Forest's Ravines Clean
The Lake Forest Collaborative for Environmental Leadership ("LFCEL"), which members include The City of Lake Forest, Lake Forest Elementary School District #67, Lake Forest High School District #115, Lake Forest Open Lands Association and Lake Forest College, was formed to bring together the community to educate and engage in environmental action and to promote sustainable practices within Lake Forest.

The role (expanded in the "Goals" listed below) of the Collaborative is to bring together the collective resources of its members to identify and consider existing issues while identifying new programs and approaches that encourage environmental thinking and action to:

• Protect Lake Forest's unique natural heritage
• Enhance residents' quality of life
• Improve the value of the community
• Make a meaningful contribution to creating a healthier community and local ecosystems
• Expand the conservation ethic and resident pride

Tree Maintenance and Care

The Forestry section of Parks, Recreation & Forestry is responsible for overseeing the health, care, and aesthetics of the City's urban forest. A healthy well-maintained urban forest can boost property values, reduce stormwater runoff and erosion, clean our air, and contributes to a sense of community pride.

Resources

• US Forest Service
• The Morton Arboretum
• Chicago Botanic Garden
• USDA, Forest Service, Northeastern Area Website
• USDA, Forest Service, North Central Research Station Area Website
• Trees Recommended for Lake Forest Landscapes

Tips & Information

• Trees Recommended for Lake Forest Residents
• Native Trees
• Parkway Tree Species

Natural Plantings
The importance of native plants in our community cannot be overstated, as they play a crucial role in the ecosystem and have numerous benefits for the environment, wildlife, and our residents. The City of Lake Forest works to preserve and promote native plant species that are essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, and addressing environmental challenges such as climate change and habitat loss. To learn more about Native and Endangered Plants and Pollinators, Invasive Species, DIY Projects for Wildlife, and Other Gardening and Wildlife Resources, please download the Lake Forest's Nature Report for more information!


Bluff Stabilization
The City of Lake Forest is currently working to finish the Bluff Stabilization of Forest Park.. The design of the upper slope retaining walls, slope drains, and the restoration of the constructed impact areas will provide the current level of maintenance required for the bluff.