The Story of the North Shore Ravines

Our local ravines offer a magical window into the past. Before Europeans arrived, the Lake Michigan coastal zone boasted one of Lake County’s most diverse ecosystems. This diversity stemmed from the distinctive landforms such as moraines, ravines, bluffs, and beaches, sculpted by glacial activity and the retreat of Lake Chicago, which was much larger than the current Lake Michigan. Densely wooded ravines and savannas, along with a variety of herbaceous plants adapted to ravine environments, thrived alongside bluff faces, beaches, and numerous bird species.
As a lifelong resident of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff, Ryan London brings a deep knowledge of our local ecosystems as well as his full understanding of organizations like Lake Forest Open Lands help residents connect locally with nature. Now in his third year as President of Lake Forest Open Lands, he brings 22 years of experience to partner organizations like the History Center. Ryan served as Chief Product Manager for Open Lands’ most ambitious restoration and infrastructure project in our history, the Jean and John Greene Nature Preserve. In 2019, Ryan was a recipient of the Garden Club of America’s Conservation Commendation, “For his invaluable work promoting the protection, conservation, and appreciation of our ravine ecosystems.”