Ryerson Woods Master Plan
Thanks to the foresightedness of the Lake County Forest Preserves and The Friends of Ryerson Woods, along with support from voter-approved bond funds and private donations, the grounds and buildings at Ryerson Woods have been renovated to promote environmental education, conservation and research in the 21st century.

"We want visitors to enjoy this special place and learn about nature without inadvertently dmaging the resources we all want to protect," said Terry Haight, Chairman of the Friends of Ryerson Woods Board of Directors. "The plan will enable us to provide exciting new environmental, cultural and research opportunities to youth, adults, professionals and other audiences."

The Master Plan
Partners in Planning
The Lake County Forest Preserves and the Friends of Ryerson Woods worked together for four years to create a master plan that will improve public access and protect Ryerson Woods’ historic and natural treasures. Both governing boards approved the plan in June 2001.

Update 06.20.06
Brushwood
The Forest Preserve District already has completed restoration of the exterior of the historic Brushwood home, which was originally constructed as the summer home for the Ryerson Steel family. The Friends of Ryerson Woods are raising private funds to renovate the interior of Brushwood for use as a meeting and retreat center. Future plans include conversion of a large barn for public exhibits, programs and events.

The New Vistors Welcome Center
A model of green architecture
(click for more details...)
Construction began in July 2004 on the new Environmental Education and Visitors Center that is a model of “green architecture”. The $2,513,100 contract approved by the Board with Boller Construction Company, Inc., of Waukegan, Illinois, renovated an existing historic farm building for use as a maintenance facility and completed related site improvements. Funding for the project included bonds approved by voters in 1999 and 2000. The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation provided two grants totaling $104,565 toward green architecture design costs and an energy-efficient geothermal heating and cooling system.

“This exciting new building will better serve visitors to Ryerson Woods and keep operating costs to a minimum,” said Bonnie Thomson Carter, President of the Lake County Forest Preserves. “We also hope that it will serve as a model for how future public, private and commercial buildings in Lake County can be more energy efficient and cause less environmental impact.”           

Designed by Serena Sturm Architects of Northbrook, Illinois, the new Environmental Education and Visitors Center maximizes use of natural light to reduce electrical costs. A geothermal heating and cooling system employs the temperature of the earth to reduce energy use. Rainwater collects in a cistern under the new building for fire protection, toilet flushing and landscape watering. 

Many building materials were selected because they cause less environmental impact to produce or transport and to create a more healthful indoor environment for visitors, staff and volunteers. The 5,200-square-foot center includes a reception and exhibit area, program room, nature library, public restrooms, and education staff and volunteer offices and support facilities.

A new 100-car parking area has permeable asphalt pavement that allows storm water to soak in instead of running off, the first use in Lake County of this innovative type of pavement. Use of native plants in landscaping reduces water use and maintenance costs. Renovation of a historic farm building preserves its exterior appearance while providing a more efficient site maintenance facility.
The new building and site improvements are expected to earn certification by the national Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program of the U.S. Green Building Council.

Stop by to see the progress for yourself!

Key Goals

• Protect the natural treasures of Ryerson Woods.
  Over half of Ryerson Woods’ 552 acres are dedicated as an Illinois Nature Preserve to recognize that they are among our state’s finest remaining natural areas.
• Restore the elegant Brushwood home and other buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  Sensitive restoration of the buildings will maintain their charm while making them more useful for public education, exhibits and events.
• Expand Ryerson Woods’ role as a leader in environmental education in the Chicago region.
  Renovating and adding classrooms and other public spaces will support the award-winning educational programs offered by the Lake County Forest Preserves and the Friends of Ryerson Woods.

Major Improvements

• Brushwood - Exterior completed, Spring 2006
  Repair and restore the exterior and interior of Brushwood home to allow it to function as a center for meetings, retreats and special events. Maintain the exterior of the building according to national standards for historic structures and restore the historic character of interior spaces.
• Visitors Center - Completed, Summer 2006
  Reconstruct the former riding arena to create a new Visitors Center with facilities for educational programs, staff and volunteers. Use “Green Architecture” to design the new building using environmentally friendly building materials and energy-efficient technologies and systems.
• Cabins
  Renovate existing cabins and construct one new log cabin to host school field trips and other educational programs.
• Farm Animals
  Create new housing and reconfigure pastures for resident sheep, goats, chickens and other farm animals.
• Barns
  Convert the main barn and north shed for public use for programs, exhibits and special events.
• Habitats
  Restore natural habitats along Des Plaines River and tributary streams.

Copyright 2001-09
Pustelnik Designs and Friends of Ryerson Woods