- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Round Lake Today
By the People, for the People
Lake County Expands Forest Preserves with Land Acquisitions
The purchases will protect wetlands, mature trees, and Manitou Creek in Kestrel Ridge and Lakewood Forest Preserves.
Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:48pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The Lake County Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners has approved two land acquisitions totaling about 38 acres. The larger purchase is the 24.9-acre Goshgarian property in Round Lake, which will expand the Kestrel Ridge Forest Preserve. The board also approved the $3,994,100 purchase of 13.4 acres in Fremont Township, known as the Quentin Road Bible Baptist Church property, to expand the Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda.
Why it matters
These acquisitions will help protect important natural habitats and resources, including wetlands, mature trees, and Manitou Creek, while also expanding the boundaries of two key forest preserves in Lake County. The purchases demonstrate the Forest Preserves' commitment to conservation and providing recreational opportunities for residents.
The details
The Goshgarian property in Round Lake includes pocket wetlands, mature trees such as red and white oaks and shagbark hickories, and nearly 500 feet of Manitou Creek. The Quentin Road Bible Baptist Church property in Fremont Township currently operates as a seminary and includes dormitories, apartments, and a gymnasium that could potentially support future preserve operations, such as seed storage.
- The Lake County Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners approved the land acquisitions on Wednesday, March 12, 2026.
- The Goshgarian property purchase was for $923,000, while the Quentin Road Bible Baptist Church property was purchased for $3,994,100.
The players
Lake County Forest Preserves
The government agency responsible for managing and expanding the forest preserves in Lake County, Illinois.
Jessica Vealitzek
The President of the Lake County Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners.
Goshgarian
The owners of the 24.9-acre property in Round Lake that was purchased by the Lake County Forest Preserves.
Quentin Road Bible Baptist Church
The previous owner of the 13.4-acre property in Fremont Township that was purchased by the Lake County Forest Preserves.
What they’re saying
“These acquisitions strengthen two important preserves and protect land to benefit both wildlife and residents.”
— Jessica Vealitzek, Forest Preserves President
What’s next
The Lake County Forest Preserves will work to incorporate the newly acquired properties into the Kestrel Ridge and Lakewood Forest Preserves, including potential future use of the buildings on the Quentin Road Bible Baptist Church property to support preserve operations.
The takeaway
The Lake County Forest Preserves' strategic land acquisitions demonstrate their commitment to expanding and protecting important natural habitats and resources for the benefit of both wildlife and the local community. These purchases will help ensure the long-term sustainability and enjoyment of the region's forest preserves.
