Annual Report 2024 by forestpreserve

Forest

Preserve District of Kane County

Annual Report 2024

Leadership

Forest Preserve Commission

OFFICERS

President Bill Lenert

President Pro Tem Jarett Sanchez

Secretary Mohammed Iqbal

Treasurer Michelle Gumz

Foundation Liaison Deborah Allan

FULL COMMISSION

Myrna Molina, District 1

Dale Berman, District 2

Anita Marie Lewis, District 3

Mavis Bates, District 4

Bill Lenert, District 5

Sonia Garcia, District 6

Alex Arroyo, District 7

Michelle Gumz, District 8

Gary Daugherty, District 9

Bill Tarver, District 10

Leslie Juby, District 11

Bill Roth, District 12

Michael Linder, District 13

Jon Gripe, District 14

David Young, District 15

Ted Penesis, District 16

Deborah Allan, District 17

Rick Williams, District 18

Mohammad Iqbal, District 19

Cherryl Strathmann, District 20

Cliff Surges, District 21

Vern Tepe, District 22

Christopher W. Kious, District 23

Jarett Sanchez, District 24

On the Cover

From the Executive Director

RECONNECTION & RECOMMITMENT

There are only 11 Forest Preserve Districts within the 101 counties in Illinois. The Forest Preserve District of Kane County was the third such district established in the state. Kane County residents have long valued the benefits that the Forest Preserve District provides — restored woodlands, wetlands and prairies, clean water and air, places to gather and enjoy the outdoors, improved wildlife habitat, nature programs and more. All of this leads to a better quality of life for residents. With the District’s 100th anniversary approaching in June, we’ve been both looking back and looking ahead.

Local historian Al Watts researched our origins and relayed the story of the all-woman effort to create the Forest Preserve District. He taught us the significance of our first four preserves, and warned us to stay diligent in our role as land protectors, recounting the tale of the very near sale of Fabyan Forest Preserve in 1940. If you weren’t able to catch one of Al’s presentations, I encourage you to stay tuned over the next few months, as he brings the rest of our first 100 years into focus, through our social media and public presentations.

Late last summer, the District made headlines with an act of literal reconnection. We hosted a ribbon-tying ceremony, rather than a ribbon cutting, to symbolize the rejoining of up and downstream sections of the Fox River. Removal of the Carpentersville Dam created the longest, unobstructed stretch of Fox River in Kane County, at 10.5 miles. We oversaw nine careful weeks of removal work, after nine years of grant and engineering work.

One of the final accomplishments of 2024 was one in which you may have had a role. This was a large act of recommitment. In our 99th year, the sixth public referendum question in our history was put before residents. And just like in 1925 and ever since, the majority of residents voted in support of the Forest Preserve District. On behalf of the District, thank you.

Our work here is bigger than any one lifetime. The reconnections and recommitments highlighted in this Annual Report are what are needed to ensure nature persists for our kids, our grandkids and future generations. On June 8 at Johnson’s Mound — our first forest preserve — we’ll be celebrating our shared history of commitment, and launching our second century of conservation by planting new roots into the soil. Join us!

Benjamin Haberthur Executive Director

Naturalist Josh Libman took this spectacular photo of Horlock Prairie, part of LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles. Horlock is one of the Forest Preserve District of Kane County’s oldest restorations. It also adjoins the never-been-plowed Murray Prairie.

Carpentersville Dam Removed

RIVER HEALING BEGINS

2024 saw the successful completion of a project nearly 10 years in the making — removal of the Carpentersville Dam.

With the Fox River no longer used as an industrial corridor, the 100-year old structure served no purpose. Worse, the dam prevented movement of fish and other aquatic organisms, compromised water quality upstream, and was an impediment to safe recreational use.

In 2015, the Forest Preserve District signed an agreement with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) for removal of the Carpentersville Dam. As part of the agreement, IDNR will fund engineering and removal costs. However, the project took longer to finalize due to multiple rounds of permitting, engineering, regulatory approvals and the pandemic.

IDNR formally approved the dam-removal contract on July 2, 2024. The Forest Preserve Commission subsequently approved the contract on July 9, and on Sept. 20, the first notch was removed from the dam.

At the time, crews weren’t sure whether the dam was made-up of solid concrete or something else. It turns out the dam was made-up of wooden cribbing that housed thousands of river boulders. The

Mission

cribbing structure had then been encased in concrete.

Demolition crews worked throughout September and October to remove the dam and an unexpected causeway found adjacent to it. Materials were then pulled out of the river and moved to the adjacent parking lot to dry, before being hauled off site. All work within the water was completed on Nov. 1, 2024.

“It took some time to get here, but taking out Carpentersville Dam will be a huge benefit for both recreation and for conservation,” said Forest Preserve Executive Director Benjamin Haberthur. “The Fox River is now free-flowing from Algonquin to Elgin. This will allow the public to safely boat, kayak or canoe in this area, without the safety concerns of the dam, and/or having to portage

To acquire, hold and maintain lands within Kane County that contribute to the conservation of natural and historic resources, habitats, flora and fauna; and to restore, restock, protect and preserve such lands for the environmental education, recreation, pleasure and well-being of all its citizens.

around it. The health of the Fox River will also improve, as fish and other aquatic wildlife will be able to swim freely. The number of fish species and the total number of fish will likely increase, as they have after other dam removals.”

Haberthur said he’s thrilled that the dam’s removal has begun healing the Fox River and restoring the natural riverine resource.

Conservation

799

Juvenile Giant Floater Mussels released back into Blackberry Creek

126

2024 Blanding’s Turtle hatchlings released

$115

Cost to ceremonially adopt a Blanding’s Turtle via the Kane Forest Preserve Foundation

Mussel Conservation

We have an ongoing partnership with our neighbors at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County to enhance freshwater mussel conservation. Mussels are propagated at DuPage’s Urban Stream Research Center (USRC). Through this partnership, the District gains access to USRC’s specialized facilities and staff expertise to enhance mussel populations in Kane County.

In 2024 District staff worked with USRC staff to collect gravid Giant floater mussels for propagation. The mussels were successfully propagated at USRC, resulting in 799 marked juvenile Giant floaters being released into Blackberry Creek. Additionally, District staff collected gravid Ellipse mussels, which USRC will attempt to propagate for the first time.

All mussels resulting from this propagation will be released in Kane County and USRC will gain valuable insight into propagating this species that are very rare in DuPage County.

Blanding’s Turtle Conservation

Each year, staff undertakes a variety of efforts to better understand and conserve populations of the state-endangered Blanding’s turtle in the forest preserves. This species is also under consideration for listing at the federal level, further demonstrating the need for conservation efforts. Some of the conservation tools we use to enhance our populations are egg collection and incubation, followed by direct-release of the hatchlings, and head-starting. When head-starting turtles, they are held in captivity for 9-12 months to allow them to grow larger to enhance survival. In 2024, we released 25 head-starts that were collected in 2023. We direct-released 126 turtles that were incubated in 2024, and held 14 turtles to be head-started and released in 2025. This work is funded in part by the Kane Forest Preserve Foundation.

Rare Plant Monitoring

In partnership with the Chicago Botanic Garden, the Forest Preserve District monitors numerous populations of rare plant populations by utilizing the protocol set out by the Plants of Concern program. Over the course of 2024, staff and volunteers monitored 60 different plant populations. This work was highlighted by the discovery of five new state endangered and threatened species including Marsh Arrowgrass (Triglochin palustris), Seaside Arrowgrass (Triglochin maritima), Nodding Trillium (Trillium cernuum), Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana), and Hairy Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum pubescens)

Bird Banding

The wildlife staff has expanded their American Kestrel research by banding adult birds and adding color bands on both adult and juvenile kestrels. Juvenile birds received a single, red-colored band, whereas adults received a unique combination of three-color bands. The color bands allow us to visually track individuals throughout Kane County. All birds additionally received a standard aluminum US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) band. A total of 54 new USFWS bands and 56 color bands or band combinations were deployed in the 2024 season.

Prescribed Burn Demonstration

To close-out the spring burn season, on March 21, staff hosted a live, prescribed-fire demonstration for the public at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles. The event was spearheaded by Restoration Crew Leader Pete Dall. Burn crew members conducted a fullscale, 30-acre prairie burn for members of the public and representatives of the Fox River & Countryside Fire Department. Crew Leader Dall provided commentary on the crew’s actions and answered questions from the crowd, throughout the fire.

Rare plant populations monitored

2,375

Acres of prescribed burns conducted

American Kestrels banded

Land Protection

23,827

Total forest preserve acres to-date

321

Acres added in 2024

$400k

298 Acres Added in Huntley

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County is now protecting an additional 300 acres in Huntley, containing old oaks and other highquality habitat.

The property includes dozens of 125-year old oak trees, never-been-plowed sedge meadow, and over 25 acres of prime waterfowl habitat. It’s located just northwest of Rutland Forest Preserve.

Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve Renovated

The District was awarded an Open Space Land Acquisition & Development (OSLAD) grant in June 2022 for improvements to Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve in South Elgin. This project renovated the existing prairie, parking lots, shelters, restrooms and realigned a section of the Riverbend regional trail, replaced the existing boat launch with a new ADA- compliant launch that is able to accommodate small motorized boats.

funds

for Jon J. Duerr FP renovation

Buffalo Park Improvements

The Brunner Family/Buffalo Park complex looks different these days, with multiple amenities added or improved in 2024. You’ll now find a shelter overlooking the Fox River, a reworked sled hill, new bathrooms, a trail connection from northerly parking lot to the shelter/bathroom parking lot, existing gate upgrades, and conversion of various areas from limestone trails to asphalt surfaces, including required drainage improvements.

Grants

$1M

From Illinois Clean Energy for Huntley acquisition

$200K

Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant awarded

The District applied for and was awarded $1,335,000 in funding assistance for land acquisition and renovation of existing preserves. This funding includes $1,000,000 from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (ICECF) for the acquisition and $85,000 for the restoration of the Huntley acquisition. Additionally, $200,000 was awarded for the Fitchie Creek Recreational Trails Program (RTP) fund, and $50,500 was provided for the Johnson’s Mound Centennial Project from the Grand Victoria Riverboat Fund.

$1.33M

Total grant funding awarded

Education

23,533

Education attendees

385 Nature programs conducted

10,660

Nature Center Visitors

Maple Sugaring Sets a Sweet Record

With record-setting attendance, our annual Maple Sugaring Days festival was even sweeter in 2024. There were 1,931 attendees over the two days of fun and education devoted to maple sugaring education. Attendees could try drilling and setting a tap; taste sap straight from the tree; watch sap simmer and darken to syrup over an open fire; learn about the tools used to create syrup, and enjoy some sugary goodness in our Maple Cafe. Dedicated volunteers helped make this our most popular festival, yet.

Kane County Certified Naturalists

In the 17th session of the Kane County Certified Naturalists (KCCN) program, 33 students began coursework to earn their certification. Registrants took college-level classes in topics like soil science, ornithology, woodland ecology and geology, led by naturalists from the Forest Preserve District and partners the St. Charles and Geneva Park Districts. Since 2007, 462 people have become KCCNers, and many continue to contribute to the mission of the District as volunteer stewards, program assistants and nature center hosts.

Mighty Acorns Partnership

We began our first season of Mighty Acorns with new partner, Sunny Hill Elementary School in Barrington. Mighty Acorns connects 3rd-5th graders to multiple, meaningful and sustained interactions with their local ecosystems. Naturalist Lisa O’Brien taught the initial classroom program and worked with Natural Resource Manager Jason Johnson to develop and lead stewardship opportunities at Helm Woods Forest Preserve in Barrington Hills. We’ll continue to work with 5th graders throughout the coming school year, with plans to expand Mighty Acorns to 3rd and 4th graders in coming years.

Mushroom Monitoring

In its third year, the District’s Mushroom Monitoring community science program has captured the interest of the prestigious Illinois Mycological Association, resulting in a joint mushroom foray in July 2024. Over 30 fungi enthusiasts gathered at Brunner Family Forest Preserve in Dundee to study and identify mushroom diversity, and collect several hundred different specimens. Many identified species were rare to the region or in pristine condition; these were taken to the Field Museum for preservation and addition to their permanent collections.

George B. Rabb Force of Nature

Environmental Education staff received the George B. Rabb Force of Nature Award for their work on the annual Rusty Rodeo event, along with their partners from the Fox Valley Park District, St. Charles Park District, Illinois Indiana Sea Grant/ Center for Great Lakes Learning and Friends of the Fox River. Rusty Rodeo introduces patrons to the concepts of aquatic invaders, like the Rusty Crayfish. Families enjoy activities like creek exploration, crayfish species identification, invasive species removal, cleanup, games and music during this fun and educational event.

Online Program Registration Added

The Environmental Education division made the long-awaited transition to online registration for nature programs. For years, patrons have requested the ability to register for programs from the comfort of their computer or mobile device and to be able to pay by credit card. Now, they can do both!

Learn from the Experts programs

School programs conducted

Scan the QR Code to register for nature programs

Volunteers

5,000

2,500

Fox River Collaborative Clean Up

As the Fox River was freed by the removal of the Carpentersville Dam, approximately 150 years of accumulated trash was exposed when water levels dropped naturally. Multiple river clean ups based at Fox River Shores Forest Preserve in Carpentersville were coordinated, in partnership with Friends of the Fox. With the Stratton Dam scheduled to open on Nov. 1, releasing water and bringing the Fox’s levels back up, this effort was a race against time and conditions. Staff and many volunteers were successful in removing nearly 5,000 pounds of debris from the mighty Fox.

Celebrating Service

The District’s volunteer program creates an inclusive environment for all who want to serve in nature. In 2024, the District expanded its partnerships and programming with three groups of adults with disabilities, Giant Steps of Sugar Grove, Ampersand Community Services of LaFox, and Awesome Life Academy of Naperville. Volunteer events invite these participants to be a force for good in our forest preserves, and involve acts of service including collecting trash, picking native seeds, and cleaning the historic Fabyan Windmill. Additionally, activities include environmental education and tours of historic properties, expanding learning and growing opportunities for the groups. Creating and nurturing these relationships and the payoff of positive service events for this under-served community is tremendous.

Pounds of debris removed from the Fox River

Feet of fence removed from Johnson’s Mound Forest Preserve

Scan the QR Code for Volunteer Information!

Volunteer Workdays

Volunteer Restoration Workdays are wonderful individual and family experiences for all-ages. Forest Preserve stewards, in conjunction with our Natural Resource Management team and volunteer coordinator, have various restoration workdays scheduled throughout the Kane County forest preserves. To learn more about Restoration Workdays and to view a list of upcoming dates, visit www.kaneforest.com/volunteer.

Seed Harvests

Each year, the Forest Preserve District identifies preserves with ripe seeds, typically starting in mid to late July. The District invites the public to participate in this laid-back volunteer opportunity. It’s a chance to get outdoors, explore the prairie, and help collect seeds that will support the restoration and growth of native habitats. The District welcomes anyone interested in contributing to the health of our local ecosystems. No experience is necessary — just bring your enthusiasm for nature!

Volunteer Stewardship Grants

The Forest Preserve District received two Volunteer Stewardship Network (VSN) Stewardship Fund grants totaling $3,900 in 2024. One grant allowed the District to purchase herbicide applicators for its growing program, with more than 80 current volunteers trained to do this missioncritical work. The second award provided resources for the District to design and purchase promotional event signage in both English and Spanish, to expand invitations to members of the community interested in providing volunteer service in its forest preserves. This gives District volunteers more tools, literally, in their tool box to participate in important conservation efforts.

10,946

Volunteer Natural Resource Management Hours

2,043

Pounds of seed harvested

$3,900 Stewardship Funds granted

Recreation

40,040

Overnight campers (May - Oct)

16,177

Campground reservations

75,998

Shelter & special event guests

Online Reservations Implemented

PAUL WOLFF & BIG ROCK HOST 40,000+ CAMPERS

The District implemented an online reservation system for Paul Wolff and Big Rock Campgrounds in 2024 — a big change from the previous first-come, first-served policies.

Daily reservations totaled 16,177 between the two campgrounds for the 2024 season, with 40,040 guests logging overnight stays within the Forest Preserve District’s improved, primitive, or equestrian camping sites.

1,700 Shelter Reservations

April through October continue to be the most popular months for picnic shelter reservations. In 2024, the District hosted 1,700 shelter and special-event reservations, with 76,000 attendees throughout the year.

Finance & Administration

Responsible Outdoor Lighting

The effect of light pollution brightening the night sky has a measurable negative impact upon wildlife, human health, energy and climate change, as well as our night sky heritage. Of particular importance to the District, as a conservation agency, are the impacts that nighttime light pollution can have on the ecosystems present within the preserves. Artificial lights can disrupt breeding rituals of amphibians, confuse migratory birds that depend on moonlight and starlight to navigate, and create fatal attraction sources for insects drawn to light sources. To combat these issues, the District enacted a responsible outdoor lighting policy in June 2024 following recommendations and practices supported by DarkSky International.

Agricultural Policy & Organic Farming

The District currently manages over 5,000 acres of farmland across Kane County. As a conservation agency, the District has a responsibility to implement best management practices on all of its holdings, including farmland. In an effort to codify management practices such as pesticide restrictions and conservation tillage conditions, the District enacted an agricultural policy for the first time in 2024. Immediately following the implementation of this policy, the District also signed its first organic farming license at Prairie Green Forest Preserve in Geneva.

Land Acquisition & Preserve

Improvement Referendum

The success of the 2024 referendum marks the sixth successful referendum in 25 years — a testament to the value Kane County places on preserving and enhancing natural spaces. This positive outcome means the District can move forward with exciting new land acquisitions and capital projects that will further strengthen the District and help us meet our mission.

5,000

Acres of farmland managed

Successful referendum

Forest Preserve properties

Foundation

The Kane Forest Preserve Foundation supports the Forest Preserve District of Kane County through charitable efforts that advance the District’s mission — including acquisition, preservation, restoration, education and recreation — for the greater good of the citizens of Kane County, Illinois.

Osprey tower installed

9,335

Native plants sold

Adopt-a-Turtle Program

The Kane Forest Preserve Foundation supports Blanding’s Turtle conservation in Kane County. When patrons adopt a turtle, they aid the Forest Preserve District’s conservation efforts and research. Donations fund research staff, field supplies and technology to further aid in the study of this important species. Adopt-a-Turtle, today! For more information, visit www.kaneforestpreservefoundation.org.

Kane Native Plant Sale

The Foundation hosted its fifth annual Native Plant Sale. This successful event emphasizes the importance of biodiversity and local ecosystems. The sale offers a diverse selection of native plants to the community. A total of 9,335 native plants were sold, helping to promote sustainable gardening practices while supporting vital habitats for local wildlife. The sale also provided an opportunity for attendees to gain expert advice on incorporating native plants into their landscapes, enhancing water retention, improving air quality, and fostering thriving ecosystems. Save the date: Our next Kane Native Plant Sale is May 3rd. Order online at www.kaneforestpreservefoundation.org.

Inaugural Golf Outing

The Foundation celebrated the success of its inaugural Golf Outing, which brought together golf enthusiasts and nature lovers for a day of camaraderie and conservation. The outing featured 18 holes of golf, contests, and opportunities to win exciting raffle prizes. Thanks to generous participants and sponsors, the event raised $18,250. All funds directly support the Foundation’s mission to preserve and enhance Kane County’s natural areas, including trails, trees, and wildlife habitats. Save the date for the Foundation’s next Golf Outing on Sept. 11, 2025.

Save the Date!

CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF KANE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES: JUNE 8, 2025

We’re having a birthday party, and everyone’s invited!

Save the date for the Forest Preserve District’s Centennial Celebration: Sunday, June 8, 2025, at noon at Johnson’s Mound Forest Preserve in Elburn.

Johnson’s Mound was the District’s very first forest preserve, and it only makes sense to return to the preserve that started it all.

Among new amenities to be unveiled are a trail spur, our firstever piece of public art (a sculpture

by local artist Mike Baur, entitled Guardians), an 800-tree oak grove in a newer section of the preserve — which you can help plant — and a new prairie.

The Kane Forest Preserve Foundation is soliciting funds to help defray the cost of the centennial grove and artwork, and your name can be a permanent part of this milestone celebration. By sponsoring at the Centennial Champion level ($800) or the Heritage Partner level ($400),

your name will be inscribed on a permanent bronze plaque at the site. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Visit www.kaneforestpreserve foundation.org or scan the QR code for more information. Don’t miss your chance to contribute to this meaningful celebration and enrich the natural landscape for generations to come. Sponsorships are due no later than June 1st.

We’ll see you June 8 at noon at Johnson’s Mound!