Lake Bluff Open Lands - A Brief Review

Formed in 1981, Lake Bluff Open Lands Association’s (“LBOLA”) mission is the protection, preservation, restoration and management of open spaces and natural areas, including wetlands, forests, ravines, beaches, bluffs, prairies, rivers and savannas in and around the Village of Lake Bluff for the benefit of local residents and visitors.

LBOLA accomplishes this through the use of established land-management practices, sound conservation techniques and educational activities and the acquisition, maintenance and conservation of such natural areas.  In addition, Lake Bluff Open Lands Association holds conservation easements on several parcels of open land in Lake Bluff and monitors compliance with the terms and conditions of the easements to ensure that the properties remain open, healthy and natural. 

The Lake Bluff Open Lands Association utilizes adult volunteers and paid interns (primarily in the summer) to preserve, protect and restore the open spaces and natural areas in and around Lake Bluff, IL. Workers use chain saws, brush saws and loppers to clear away invasive plants, use herbicides to control re-sprouts and use controlled burning techniques to revitalize the natural seed bed. They also plant new seedlings and grasses to assist in the revitalization of the natural seed bed.

The largest portion of the Association’s expenses is for the wages, payroll taxes, workers compensation insurance and medical costs of these primarily high school and college age interns. Additional costs include restoration equipment and maintenance, purchase of herbicides, plants and seeds and the printing and postage costs of newsletter mailings to its donors/members. There is no paid full-time staff and the officers and directors do not receive any compensation for their efforts on behalf of the Association. 

Also attending with Sue will be, Al Trefts, Treasurer LBOLA and Michele Mrachek, Land Coordinator LBOLA

Host: Joe Erkenswick