BARRINGTON AREA CONSERVATION TRUST

Results: BACT has preserved over 480 acres of land in the Barrington area -- 438.5 acres by conservation easements, 31.5 acres by land donation or bargain sale, and 11.5 acres by scenic road easements -- including a co-held easement on Horizon Farms in Barrington Hills, a beautiful oak woodland, a high quality fen, and a rare gravel hill prairie. In the past 5 years, BACT has received donations of 26 acres of open space, including a stream that flows into the Fox River, and key properties adjacent to a designated Illinois Nature Preserve. The Trust also strategically purchased a 5 acre wetland to connect a 5 acre conservation easement to a 20 acre property being restored by PepsiCo. Partnering with the Village of Barrington Hills and other government agencies, BACT has completed 17 conservation easements that protect scenic rural roads through our Heritage Corridor program. Working with landowners, homeowner associations, and municipalities to implement best management practices to protect and preserve water resources in our area, BACT provides water stewardship expertise to Tower Lakes Drain Partnership, Flint Creek Watershed Partnership, and the Barrington Area Council of Governments Water Resources Committee. A strong partnership with Lake County Stormwater Management Commission has allowed for funding of many of our water preservation initiatives.

Target demographics: preserve open lands, rural character, and scenic, historic, recreational, and natural resources of the area.

Geographic areas served: the Barrington communites

Programs: work day opportunities to promote responsible land stewardship, Conservation @Home, Work, and School to educate, support, and recognize eco-friendly landscape practices, and high school focused Conservation Leadership Project to promote active engagement in our environment.