Project Sponsors

Lake County Forest Preserve District, Open lands, Lake Forest Open Lands Association, and City of Lake Forest

Current Status

Available funds will be used to continue post-construction monitoring for both project phases through FY25.

Project Description and Background

The project restored 207 acres of four main ravines (McCormick, Hutchinson, Schenk, and Scott), bluff, dunes, lacustrine habitat, and riparian woodlands. The goal was to bring resilience and connectivity to coastal habitats and restore historical native plant communities along 2.75 miles of Lake Michigan.  Phase 1 of the project was focused on the ravines, while Phase 2 included installation of nearshore underwater reefs in lake Michigan.

Project Authorization

Sec 506, Water Resources Development Act of 2000, as amended; Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Restoration (GLFER) Program

Project Manager

Jeff Zuercher

Project Location

City of Lake Forest, Town of Ft. Sheridan, City of Highland Park, Lake County, Illinois

Project Area / Photos

Click map to enlarge.