The Lotus Country and Brownlee Properties project has sought carbon credits for forested parcels that have been recently acquired by the Lake County Forest Preserve District (the District). Since 1958, the District has protected the natural and cultural heritage of Lake County with holdings of more than 31,500 acres across 65 preserves. Each year, the preserves provide more than 3.5 million visitors with opportunities to exercise, relax, and spend quality time outdoors in peaceful, natural settings. The preserves are free and open to the public and contribute to the health and well-being of the local community.

The total forested project area is 26.52 acres, which spans across multiple parcels. The properties have been zoned as suburban estate, open space, and agricultural. These properties maintain valuable ecological features, namely the largest heron and egret rookery in the county, and will increase habitat connectivity.

This project is part of the Chicago Region Carbon Credit Program and complements other tree preservation projects in the seven-metro counties coordinated by the Chicago Region Trees Initiative.

Photo credit: R. Scott McNeill

Total Credits Issued: 1,875

• 2026: 1,875 credits issued

Total Credits Sold: 0

Total Credits Retired: 0

Total Credits Cancelled: 0

Total Credits Available for Purchase: 1,875

Co-Benefits

Forest preservation projects not only reduce carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but provide ecosystem services or co-benefits that can be quantified. The co-benefits from this project represent a savings (avoided costs) of $54,016 per year, and $2,160,660 over 40 years.

• Rain interception (stormwater management) – 5,837 m3/year, $41,796 per year
• Air quality – 0.2443 t/yr, $367 per year
• Energy – cooling (electricity) – 45,953 kWh/year, $3,487 per year
• Energy – heating (natural gas) – 859,244 kBtu/year, $8,364 per year

Social Impacts

The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are an urgent call for action and global partnership among all countries, representing key benchmarks for creating a better world and environment for everyone. Well-designed and managed urban forests make significant contributions to the environmental sustainability, economic viability and livability of cities.

The main SDGs for this project are described below, with more detailed information in the Project Design Document.

This forest will protect forested parcels, including one adjacent to an elementary school. The trees protected will provide ecosystem services such as removing air pollutants and reducing stormwater runoff and individual and community health and wellness benefits.

The forest will provide increased access for outdoor recreation such as a new greenspace for nature experiences.

The forest will help combat climate change through various ecosystem services like carbon sequestration. The protected acres will also enhance wildlife habitat through preservation and increased connectivity for endangered species.