We are beyond thrilled to announce a trio of exciting land protection projects that have come to fruition in the last couple of months, preserving 330 acres across Kane, Kendall and LaSalle Counties.
LaSalle County
After 22 years, and two near misses, we finally were able to place a conservation easement on nearly 180 acres of THE most pristine and beautiful property along the Lower Fox River. The easement will protect this land in perpetuity, maintaining its scenic and ecological value for generations to come. This land is the gorgeous sandstone bluffs along the Fox River seen as you float down the river near Wedron. It contains rare plant species brought here by glaciers that are more common in the Northwoods of Wisconsin and Minnesota, and preserves more than a mile of unique geology.
Kendall County 
Kendall County’s wild places also have a couple of conservation angels looking out for them, though they have asked to remain anonymous. These angels have previously saved hundreds of acres of open space through conservation easements and donations to public agencies and conservation organizations, and they have now donated 132 of their original farm’s 187 acres to The Conservation Foundation. The donors’ longterm vision for the donated property has always been that it never be developed, and that it eventually become part of the Kendall County Forest Preserve system. We will hold and manage the land, which already has a conservation easement in place, until the Forest Preserve District is ready to take ownership, at which time we will donate it to them. Since the property has Millbrook Road frontage, it will also provide public access to the Hollenback Sugarbush Preserve, which currently has no public access, effectively making two forest preserves available to the public at once!
“This property is very special to us,” said the husband half of this most inspirational couple. “So many of our family’s memories were made on this property, as well as countless hours invested in trying to be good stewards of this land. After seeing how The Conservation Foundation undertook the acquisition and stewardship of the Dayton Bluffs Preserve, we had total confidence they would be the most qualified local organization to take title to the property and carry out our wishes.”
Kane County
Betsy Bramsen – yes, the same Betsy Bramsen that provided the $75,000 matching grant for our New Member Challenge last year, and the same Betsy Bramsen that put a conservation easement in place on land in Wayne a few years ago and then donated it to the Village of Wayne – is back at it again!
Betsy has purchased a 17-acre property in the Village of Wayne in Kane County and has entrusted The Conservation Foundation as the holder of a conservation easement on the property which preserves it as open space in perpetuity. The land is adjacent to a 3-acre property on the corner of Army Trail Road and Dunham Road, called “Misty’s Meadow”, which is owned by the Village of Wayne and has been restored to native vegetation. This property is also near another property Betsy has preserved with a conservation easement, and together with the Dunham Woods Riding Club, these parcels make up a significant corridor of protected wild lands along Norton Creek. Betsy’s hope is to donate this property within the next year to either the Village of Wayne or the Wayne Area Conservancy Foundation. The conservation easement will remain in place on the property regardless of its future owner, ensuring it is always open space.
The Conservation Foundation is in the forever business. Sometimes it takes a long time to preserve land.
Your ongoing support helps makes these miracles happen, and we’d like to thank you!
