Environment

Sandy understands the vital importance of forest preserves and local green spaces to our community. Under her leadership, Lake County Forest Preserves has gained full ownership of Oriole Grove and implemented a comprehensive master plan for the property. Oriole Grove serves as a crucial link between Lake Forest and Lake Bluff Open Lands.

The Lake County Forest Preserves remains fiscally responsible, having refinanced bonds to save taxpayers over $11 million. Through an innovative program, they have entered the world of carbon credits, receiving payments to plant more trees throughout Lake County.

Sandy continues to advocate for the completion of the bike trail network, the removal of buckthorn across the county, and the restoration and opening of more forest preserves for the enjoyment of Lake County residents.

Sandy is committed to preserving and improving the natural environment of Lake County, focusing on air quality, water quality, and stormwater management. In addition to her roles as Board Member for District 13 and County Board Chairwoman, Sandy is a member of the Lake County Forest Preserve District.

She has collaborated with the Lake County Health Department and other officials to address ethylene oxide emissions from local businesses, ensuring violations are investigated and emissions are reduced. A long-time advocate for native plants and natural stormwater solutions, Sandy shared her experience with planting a rain garden in the Lake Bluff Open Lands newsletter in spring 2020.

Under Sandy’s leadership as Lake County Board Chair, the Board has implemented a Clean Air Ordinance to maintain clean and healthy air in Lake County, created the C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) program to offer financial incentives for energy-efficient decisions in businesses, and established Lake County Forest Preserves’ first net-zero building, reducing the environmental footprint and saving taxpayers money.