Land recently acquired by the Lake County Forest Preserves has officially been named Mshkodé — pronounced mish-coe-deh — a Potawatomi word meaning “prairie.”
The Board of Commissioners recently voted unanimously to name the 120-acre site in Winthrop Harbor following its $4.59 million purchase in November.
Executive Director Ty Kovach noted that the acquisition advances the agency’s mission to provide equitable access to nature, particularly in underserved parts of the county.
Located along Lewis Avenue between 5th and 9th streets, Mshkodé borders the Robert McClory Bike Path and features wetlands and scenic views. Currently, the parcels are farmed under leases that will transfer to the forest preserves. It will eventually be restored to its natural state as funding becomes available, officials said.
Dunn Museum curator Diana Dretske led the monthslong naming process in collaboration with Native Americans. She consulted with Rafael J. Wahwassuk, a tribal council member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, to ensure accuracy. For years, the agency has built relationships with First Peoples in order to present Indigenous stories correctly, she said.
“We continually try to give them a voice and platform to share their way of life,” Dretske said. “We want them to lead in telling their stories.”
The Potawatomi were the dominant tribe in Lake County until the early 1800s. Officials said that the name honors both the site’s natural history and the native people who maintain long-standing connections to the area.
“This new preserve name reflects a thoughtful approach to stewardship,” said Jessica Vealitzek, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. “By listening, learning and working alongside Indigenous partners, we’re making sure our preserves reflect the full history of this place and the values that guide our work today.”
When naming a new preserve, staffers recommend names reflecting the land’s history, features or cultural significance for approval by the Board of Commissioners.
That approach follows a longstanding tradition of honoring the area’s heritage, such as the Wright Woods preserve, which was among the first lands acquired by the agency in the 1960s, named after one of the county’s first settlers, Capt. Daniel Wright.
