For over a century, the vision of Forest Preserve District leaders has been to provide an open space system that protects natural areas and serves as a respite from the urban condition. Land acquisition is core to our mission as outlined in the Downstate Forest Preserve Act, which states that Forest Preserve Districts should “acquire and hold lands containing forests, prairies, wetlands and associated plant communities or lands capable of being restored to such natural conditions for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure and recreation of its citizens.”

Throughout the years, we have acquired land with valuable natural resources and important historical significance to serve that purpose, and today we protect nearly 26,000 acres of prairies, woodlands and wetlands. With few large tracts of land left to acquire in the county, the Forest Preserve District board is taking a thoughtful approach to further its vision outlined in the 2024 Land Preservation Plan.

As the few remaining parcels of open private land become available, we will evaluate each against our obligations to operate and maintain existing properties as well alignment with our land preservation policy guidelines which include:

• Protecting watersheds, floodplains and remnant native areas.
• Expanding existing preserves.
• Connecting land holdings.
• Enhancing outdoor recreational and learning experiences.

View Recent Land Acquisitions By Year

2025 (Partial List, Updated May 19, 2025) (PDF)

2024 (PDF)

2023 (PDF)

2022 (PDF)

2021 (PDF)

2020 (PDF)

2019 (PDF)

2018 (PDF)

A conservation easement offers legal protection for a piece of land and its natural-resource value by limiting its use — all while the owner maintains possession. Many property owners have worked with the Forest Preserve District to protect hundreds of acres through conservation easements. For additional details about exploring conservation easements, contact Land Preservation at 630-933-7200.