The 300-acre plot is close to Bull Valley. It is home to numerous species of wildlife and bridle trails that stretch for miles. In time, the plot could be converted into a nature park. The Land Conservancy of McHenry County is a non-profit that works to maintain the natural areas in the county and purchased the plot in early March.
According to the executive director of the group, Lisa Haderlein, this is the biggest acquisition the group has ever made. The plot has been used by private farms and horseback riders since the middle of the 1900s. Haderlein went on to say:
“Natural resources are at the heart of Bull Valley. Being able to preserve this, … it anchors the whole character of the community. It should be really great for bird-watching. It’s such a nice, big, open area.”
Some work will need to be done before the public can access the park. Most of the area is farmland now, but it used to be wetland that was drained. The plan for the park involves allowing the wetlands to make a comeback. Brochure printing can be used to show how a project is planned.
Converting the land from farmland to a park is expected to take several years. The goal is make some of land accessible sometime this year on a limited basis so that the ecological restoration process is not disturbed.