Lake Forest Open Lands Association (LFOLA) is offering a test drive of specially-designed outdoor wheelchairs at an Open House on Saturday, October 29 from 10 a.m. to noon. LFOLA is partnering with Access Ability Wisconsin (AAW) as a host location for a motorized, all-terrain wheelchair in its efforts to increase access for everyone to enjoy the outdoors.

“We’re thrilled to be the first Illinois partner with AAW,” LFOLA president Ryan London, said. “This partnership helps us deliver on our promise of making nature available for all, while raising awareness that there is a no-cost solution to the challenge of getting outdoors for those living with mobility difficulties.”

These special chairs become “hiking boots” for anyone living with a physical disability to experience the dignity and freedom to get outside in nature. The chairs are able to go where regular wheelchairs with skinny tires can’t go. An enclosed trailer also is available to take the special chair to a desired trail head.

As an AAW Network Host, LFLOLA can rely on AAW’s expertise in programming and adaptive equipment that provides increased outdoor access for those living with mobility challenges. Those interested can reserve the chair (available at NO COST with a small deposit andd required returned survey) to explore miles of trails at a favorite Lake Forest Open Lands preserve and other local private or public lands using the provided AAW trailer.

Lake Forest Open Lands Association was established in 1967 and is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, the first accredited land trust in Illinois. LFOLA has acquired, preserved, and maintained some of the finest natural habitats in the region including prairies, savannas, ravines, and wetlands, including more than 16 miles of walking trails and six (soon to be nine) nature preserves open to the public year-round.

Access Ability Wisconsin is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organizaiton dedicated to facilitating and providing the means for individuals with mobility challenges to acces and enjoy the outdoors, promoting equity and healthy living.

Ryan London named President

Lake Forest Open Lands Association is pleased to announce that Ryan London has been appointed to the position of President on May 18, 2022. Ryan becomes the fifth president in the nationally recognized land trust’s 55-year history, “I am incredibly thankful to continue my meaningful career with an organization that connects people with nature.”

An Illinois native and long-term staff member of Lake Forest Open Lands (LFOLA), Ryan London brings extensive knowledge of the land as well as a deep understanding of LFOLA to his role as president, acquired during his 20+ year tenure with our organization. In his previous role, Ryan directed the acquisition, stewardship and financial planning of our land preservation projects. Most recently Ryan was the chief project manager for LFOLA’s ambitious restoration and infrastructure project, the Jean and John Greene Nature Preserve at McCormick Ravine which is slated to open in late Fall, 2022. Ryan stewarded the organization through successful reaccreditation, guided our nature preserves to their highest level of habitat health, improved the management of our many conservation easements, and was intricately involved in helping secure some of our most recent land acquisitions, including Westfork Savanna in late 2021.

Ryan’s career highlights include projects that represent successful collaboration between federal, state and local organizations and the development of support from both public and private stakeholders for complex land preservation, recreation and environmental education initiatives.

Susan Lenz appointed Senior Vice President of Community Conservation

LFOLA’s vision is to expand the community’s commitment to conservation and connection with nature. With this in mind, LFOLA hired Susan Lenz, former Executive Director for Barrington Area Conservation Trust (BACT) for the new position of Senior Vice President of Community Conservation. While at the BACT, Susan directed land preservation initiatives and stewardship. Susan currently serves on the board of the statewide Prairie State Conservation Coalition, the coalition of land trusts throughout the state of Illinois. In addition, she also participates in several regional and state initiatives including Rotary International’s Operation Pollination, Illinois Monarch Project, the Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees’ Initiative and Oak Ecosystem Recovery Project, Chicago Wilderness and the Land Trust Alliance.

About Lake Forest Open Lands

Since its establishment in 1967, Lake Forest Open Lands, the first accredited land trust in Illinois, has acquired, preserved and maintained some of the finest natural habitats in our region including prairies, savannas, ravines and wetlands. Over 14 miles of walking trails and six, soon to be nine, nature preserves are open to the public year-round. Lake Forest Open Lands Association’s vision is to engage and expand the public’s commitment to land preservation and conservation, and the organization offers robust engagement programming to connect all people to nature. As an independent conservation land trust, LFOLA is supported solely by voluntary contributions, including membership dues and donations and receives no local or state government funding to support its day-to-day operations. For more information about Lake Forest Open Lands, please visit LFOLA.org.

Lake Forest Open Lands announced President and CEO John Sentell will retire in May, 2022. Sentell has led the highly-regarded conservation land trust for more than 11 years and will remain with the organization in an advisory capacity and continue to serve on LFOLA’s board of governors.

Here’s the news release with the announcement:

“We will miss John’s steady hand, contagious energy and passionate vision leading our organization,”said Fred Wacker, board chair of LFOLA. “John’s dedication during his tenure has brought many successes of which we can all be proud and that will endure for decades.”

During Sentell’s tenure, LFOLA extended its mission to preserve threatened native landscapes and connect people with nature. Notable land achievements include the addition of several high‐priority parcels to LFOLA’s portfolio of nature preserves, including the permanent preservation and restoration of the iconic McCormick ravine and woods along Lake Michigan, the recently acquired 102‐acre Westfork Savanna and completing the land trust’s 40‐year goal to link a 7‐mile protected greenway at West Skokie Nature Preserve.

Over the last decade LFOLA found success in engaging more people to celebrate our unique “conservation community” and proudly promoted the rally cry to “Think Outside” and embrace the wonder of nature. This goal to connect people with nature extended to groundbreaking programs like the Center for Conservation Leadership and the recent blessing of our historic landscapes with Native American partners. The organization also recently completed a nearly $17-million capital campaign to help endow LFOLA’s current nature preserves and to accelerate their ambitious conservation goals into the future.

“As stewards of this fine organization, we know our mission is about the land,” added Wacker. “But just as important are the people that make what we do happen every day. Thanks to John’s leadership and that of our incredibly professional staff, an engaged Board and the support of the community, LFOLA is positioned extremely well for its next chapter of success.” Sentell’s passion for conservation runs deep. While president of LFOLA he also served as a past president of the state‐wide Prairie State Conservation Coalition (PSCC) along with other positions on non‐profit boards and leadership committees in the broader conservation field. Before joining LFOLA Sentell served as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of The Wetlands Initiative, a leader in innovative restoration models and partnerships that advance large‐scale wetland restoration throughout our state.

“It has been a privilege to serve an organization like LFOLA that is recognized at the very highest level and to help to make a meaningful impact that will endure for generations,” added Sentell. “This institution is a true gem and being a part of its legacy has been a dream job for me.”

LFOLA has an active search underway to identify the organization’s next Executive Director. A job description can be found HERE. Interested candidates are encouraged to email a cover letter, résumé, and references no later than Friday, February 11, 2022 to Fred Wacker, board chair.

PSCC Statement of Intention Regarding Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

September 2021

Prairie State Conservation Coalition (PSCC) commits to building a Board that is made up of and supports inclusion that reflects the diverse population that lives and works in Illinois. This diversity includes, but is not limited to, age, ability, economic circumstance, ethnicity, gender identity, race, religion, education, and sexual orientation.

We recognize that our effectiveness and impact will be enhanced, and our mission well served when the practice of diversity, inclusion, and belonging are reflected in all aspects of PSCC, and specifically when we, the Board of Directors, reflect the rich diversity of all our members throughout the state.

However, we understand that supporting diversity goes beyond the makeup of the Board and must include a commitment to building a culture where diverse voices can be heard and respected. As we advance in this important work, we must openly and proactively pursue the cultural changes that will be necessary to meaningfully include these voices.

As we discover equitable ways of engaging with new partners and implementing our programs, we will continually review our practices and decision-making in all our program areas as we look at them through an equity lens.

Therefore, we commit to creating a Board and culture that:

• Reflects all the communities in which PSCC works to advance the diversity and inclusion criteria listed above.
• Encourages open and respectful engagement and interaction among the different voices invited to join the Board and promotes opportunities for discussion and debate in the regular course of Board meetings, retreats, and conversations to ensure differing perspectives are not ignored.
• Strives to create long lasting and meaningful partnerships so that our work benefits people.
• Recognizes that urban areas are critical for pollinators, habitat connectivity and expanding our conservation impact.
• Links climate change and nature-based solutions to environmental justice outcomes recognizing that communities of color are disproportionately impacted by inequitable and structural environmental policies and practices.
• Maintains a positive, productive, inclusive, transparent, and supportive environment where the diverse experiences, voices, ideas, and skill sets that the board, staff, and volunteers bring to their work help PSCC to better fulfill its mission.
• Is committed to examining how diversity in all its forms can advance conservation in ways that build resilient and just communities for the benefit of all people.

By adopting the values and actions outlined above, the Board of Directors seeks to ensure a stronger foundation from which the Board and the organization can grow. We recognize that a diversity of experience, perspective, and expertise will strengthen our ability to make smart, strategic decisions, and find solutions to the challenges and opportunities we face.

The Board of Directors commits to pursuing the inclusive goals listed above and working proactively to build the culture of the Board to ensure the long-term success of PSCC.

The Biden-Harris administration has announced its America the Beautiful initiative, a collaboration between the U.S. Department of the Interior, United States Department of Agriculture, and the U. S. Department of Commerce to conserve and restore the lands, waters, and wildlife that sustain the nation.

This decade-long effort will support conservation and restoration efforts to address climate change and will also create jobs.

You can view details in the News Release here.

Final Event for Illinois Monarch Virtual Summit Series

Tuesday, May 4 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Warmer months are finally here! Hopefully soon trees will begin to fill out and grasses will begin to take off. Celebrate the changing of the season with recent wins and actions people plan to take to #SaveTheMonarch. Register today for the final part in the @IMonProj’s summit series taking place May 4 from 1-3 p.m. to learn what you can do to help.

Forefront is asking all nonprofit organizations across the state to fill out a survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 on their  operations and to determine community needs. Forefront is Illinois’ statewide association representing both grantmakers and nonprofits, as well as their advisors and allies.

Open space and nature is critical now more than ever. Nature is a human service; it’s not just about plants and animals, it’s about people — all of us.

Because so many of our foundation supporters are moving to COVID support, the conservation community of land trusts in Illinois need to join our voices to emphasize the importance of natural areas and nature to each of us during this pandemic now more than ever.

Our parks, preserves, and other open spaces already have seen a surge in use as our friends, families, and neighbors seek out these healing places as a refuge from the stresses of the pandemic restrictions.

Your input is critical as the results of the survey will be considered in recommendations shared with state elected officials and grantmaking organizations.

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey no later than Friday, November 13 by 5 p.m.

Your voice is needed on this important issue. We encourage you to let the foundations know through this survey how important this is as a mental, emotional, and physical healing response to the stresses of the pandemic.