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Community Corner

Nonprofit Turns Army Road Into Beach Access Point

Openlands has taken a small slice of the former Army base and done good.

Highland Park may be a city by the lake, but we have precious few access points to go down by the water. 

Lake Michigan resides to the east, but is only found via a few beaches, a few parks and the occasional glimpse through the trees off Sheridan Road. Two years ago, a new lakeshore property opened to the public--literally in my backyard.

While I write frequently about the over the future of the Lake County Forest Preserves land, just to its south, a group called Openlands has taken a small slice of the former Army base and done good. The Openlands Lakeshore Preserve encompasses Bartlett Ravine and the lakefront to its east and south. It is open to the public, free and a great example of urban renewal.

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Why renewal? Because Openlands has made some beautiful lemonade out of lemons. Bartlett Ravine was an access road at Fort Sheridan, paved over and used for utility purposes. Leftover conduit pipes and sewer drains can still be seen through its three-fourths of a mile length. It is hard to imagine looking at this property in its former state and envisioning a nature walk and lakefront public access.

With some creativity, financing and community support, the result of that vision is now available to all of us.

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Openlands is a nonprofit organization dedicated to natural and open space protection in northern Illinois. Since 1963, the group has helped preserve and protect over 15,000 acres of land through wetland and ecosystem restoration. That process is under way now in Barlett Ravine, where Openlands is clearing out invasive species and planting native grasses, plants and flowers. 

But Openlands is doing more than cleaning up after the Army. While still a work in process, a walk down Bartlett Ravine leads to numerous points of interest and observation.

Signposts show where interesting or unique trees, plants, and flowers grow. There are even signs for your dog--written in "arf arf" speak--along with provisions for cleaning up after Fido.

Art is blooming, too. Multiple colorful obelisks dot the ravine and lakefront. Though on a recent walk, we found that one blended in to its natural surroundings and could only be detected from certain angles.

The Patten Road overpass--a modern concrete block construction--has been painted with original artwork and metal designs. And the lakefront itself has been cleared of debris, providing space for quiet recreation.

Openlands' work is not done. Two more nearby ravines--Van Horne and Schenck--and the bluff overlooking this property are slated to open to public access this year or next. Schools plan to use Barlett Ravine for math, science and social studies programs. In short, what the community has given to Openlands, Openlands is giving back.

Want to visit Openlands Lakeshore Preserve? Simply drive, bike or walk on over to the intersection of Lyster and Westover roads in Highwood--that's the west end of the ravine and the main entrance. On a sunny spring day, the walk is exhilarating--a chance to experience a slice of nature that's right in our midst.

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