LIBERTYVILLE, Ill.- The Lake County Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners approved purchase of a new 467-acre Preserve near Old Mill Creek for $13,192,750 and officially named it Ethel's Woods in honor of the District's founder, Ethel Untermeyer of Riverwoods.

It is the sixth acquisition made using funds from successful, voter-approved November 2000 referendum and the single largest Forest Preserve purchase since 533-acre Singing Hills Farm near Volo in 1997. Lake County Forest Preserve land holdings now encompass 23,236 acres.

"One of the most unique features of this new Preserve is the 170-acre unprotected oak-hickory woodland that's dominated by century-old burr oak, white oak, shagbark hickory and black walnut trees," said Al Westerman, Lake County Forest Preserve Presidnet. "The combination of the site's massive woodland and its 60-acre serpentine-shaped lake offers a picturesque landscape reminiscent of a north woods setting. We are very excited for the opportunity to preserve a spectacular site."

For more information or for a free Preserve Packet containing a map and guide of the Lake County Forest Preserves, a set of trail maps and a copy of the Horizons newsletter, please call 847-367-6640.