Did you know that the Forest Preserve District of Cook County has 24 nature preserves - the highest number in the state of Illinois? Even better news is one of the preserves was recently granted added protections by the state.
Wampum Lake is latest site to be approved for dedication as an Illinois Nature Preserve at the 231st meeting of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. This designation as a Nature Preserve is granted only to natural areas of exceptional ecological or cultural significance, and means that any future land uses are restricted to preserve the natural state of the parcel and perpetuate the natural conditions.
Wampum Lake joins the ranks of a number of other Cook County Forest Preserve sites to receive Nature Preserve status, including Deer Grove West and Somme Woods located in the 14th District. Ready to plan your next trip to the Forest Preserve? Check out their interactive map to get started!