[{"id":1841,"title":"Kane County Forest Preserve \uFEFFAcquires 220 Acres of Rare Natural Habitat ","byline":"Forest Preserve District of Kane County Media Release ","urlSlug":"KaneCountyForestPreserve-Hemmer-2026","imageUrl":"KCC/PublishingImages/Hemmer1.jpg","imageDescription":"The District protected two separate parcels along Brier Hill Road in Hampshire Township, totaling 220.041 acres","content":"

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County added two long sought-after properties to its holdings, June 26, land that hasn't been on the market for a century and that includes some of the highest quality, privately-held wetlands and woodlands in Illinois.

The District protected two separate parcels along Brier Hill Road in Hampshire Township, totaling 220.041 acres. Acquired from the Hemmer family, the properties include an Illinois Natural Areas Inventory (INAI) site — land recognized by the state for its high-quality natural areas, endangered species habitats or areas of outstanding ecological and geological significance.

 \"Hemmer2.jpg\"

The properties include two types of rare wetland ecosystems: fen and sedge meadow. Both are biodiversity hot spots and provide critical habitat for a variety of species. In addition to high-quality wetlands, remnant, never-been-plowed oak woodlands are also present. Oaks support more plant and animal species than any other tree in all of North America.

 

Forest Preserve District Executive Director Benjamin Haberthur said years of caring for the lands were evident on both parcels.

 

“Generation after generation of Hemmer made a living from but also protected the flourishing natural areas on which they lived. Because of one family's multigenerational love of the land, the quality of the woodlands and wetlands that exist at the site today is of a quality that rarely exists," he said.

 

Haberthur added that land records from the 19th century are difficult to decipher, but Hemmer family lore is that they settled 'where the wagon broke down' in the 1840s.

 \"Hemmer3.jpg\"

“I've seen the Hemmer ownership on an 1860 map and others of that era, but legal records don't tell the full story of who was living where, on the land. The records for the parcels the Forest Preserve District just protected have been recorded under Hemmer since at least 1920," Haberthur said.

 

Future plans for the site include restoration of the natural areas and likely the addition of passive, recreational amenities like mowed or limestone trails, a picnic shelter and a small parking area.

 

The District invested $3,141,826.92 for the two parcels, at an average of $14,278 per acre. The addition brings total District holdings to 24,835 acres.

 \"HemmerMap.jpg\"

For more information on the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, visit www.kaneforest.com or search @forestpreserve on social media.


","blurb":"The Forest Preserve District of Kane County added two long sought-after properties to its holdings, June 26, land that hasn't been on the market for a century and that includes some of the highest quality, privately-held wetlands and woodlands in Illinois...","tinyBlurb":"The Forest Preserve District of Kane County added two long sought-afte...","guid":"ab09707e-a379-4a2b-b742-c97956c4946b","slideshow":null,"publishDate":"2026-07-02T08:00:00-05:00","modified":"2026-07-02T09:52:36-05:00","created":"2026-07-02T09:49:32-05:00","categoryIds":[2,18,9,30]},{"id":1834,"title":"What Happens If? Residents of Senior Living Community Explore Kane County's Emergency Response Plans","byline":"Kane County Connects Staff ","urlSlug":"KaneCountyOfficeofEmergencyManagement-KaneCounty-Greenfields-2026","imageUrl":"KCC/PublishingImages/Jon%20at%20Greenfield%202.jpg","imageDescription":"Preparedness Starts Before an Emergency","content":"

Residents at Greenfields just west of Geneva recently took a closer look at emergency preparedness during a presentation by the Kane County Office of Emergency Management.

Located across the road from the Union Pacific railroad tracks in unincorporated Kane County, some residents of the large senior living community raised an important question: What would happen if a train carrying hazardous materials derailed and an evacuation became necessary?     \"Jon

While senior living complexes are required by law to maintain emergency and disaster plans, residents wanted to hear directly from first responders about how emergency situations are managed and what they can do to be prepared.

Kane County Office of Emergency Management Deputy Director Jon Mensching outlined the extensive planning, training, and coordination that take place before an emergency occurs. He explained that the initial response to a hazardous materials incident would come from the local fire department—in this case, the Elburn Countryside Fire Protection District—with additional support available through mutual aid agreements and Kane County agencies, including KaneComm 911, the Sheriff's Office, the Department of Environmental and Water Resources, the Division of Transportation, and the Kane County Health Department. State and federal agencies may also be called upon as needed, depending on the scope of the incident.

Emergency officials evaluate each incident to determine whether residents should shelter in place or evacuate. Decisions are based on factors such as the type of hazardous material involved, weather conditions, and computer modeling that helps predict the affected area. In the event of a train incident, hazardous materials can be identified through placards displayed on rail cars.   \"Jon

Mensching emphasized that while first responders continually train and prepare for emergencies, residents also play an important role in being ready. He encouraged everyone to:

To sign up for Kane County emergency alerts, visit:
https://oem.kanecountyil.gov/Pages/Emergency-Alerts.aspx


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🎆 2026 Kane County Area Fireworks Guide

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Algonquin 


📅 Saturday, July 25 | Fireworks at Dusk
📍 2610 Harnish Dr. - part of Algonquin Fest July 24-25 


​​Aurora

📅 Friday, July 3 | Fireworks at Dusk

📍 Viewing areas: Aurora Transportation Center (233 N. Broadway Ave.) and McCullough Park (150 W. Illinois Ave.) DJs from 6:00–9:45 p.m.

 
Batavia


📅 Saturday, July 4 | 9:30 p.m.
📍 Engstrom Park, 360 Parkview Dr. Batavia - Community Band: 8:30–9:15 p.m.
   
Burlington


📅 Friday, July 3 | Fireworks at Dusk
📍 Burlington Park ​Festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. Limited-edition America 250 commemorative items available.
 
Dundee Township (Carpentersville)


📅 Saturday, June 27 | 6:00–10:00 p.m. 
📍 Meadowdale Park (Besinger Dr. & Maple Ave.) Community event begins at 6:00 p.m. Fireworks at approximately 9:30 p.m.
 
East Dundee


📅 Saturday, July 4 | Fireworks at Dusk
📍 The Depot, 319 N. River St. Family festivities from 4:00–7:00 p.m.
 
Elburn


📅 Saturday, July 11 | Fireworks at Dusk
📍 Elburn Lions Park Concessions open at 7:00 p.m.
 
Elgin


📅 Saturday, July 4 | Approximately 9:30 p.m.
📍 Festival Park Festivities begin at 5:00 p.m.
 
Huntley


📅 Saturday, July 4 | 9:30 p.m.
📍 Deicke/Warrington Park
 
North Aurora


📅 Friday, July 3 | Approximately 9:30 p.m.
📍 Riverfront Park  Festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. Live music from 6:00–9:00 p.m.
 
Pingree Grove


📅 Saturday, July 11 | Fireworks at Dusk (Weather permitting)
📍 Baseball fields, 1125 Wester Blvd. Fireworks follow the community parade.
 
Sleepy Hollow


📅 Thursday, July 2 | 9:30 p.m.
📍 Sabatino Park  Gates open at 7:00 p.m.
 
St. Charles


📅 Saturday, July 4 | Fireworks at Dusk
📍 Launched from Langum Park (7th & Madison Avenues) Best viewing locations:
   
🎇 Before you go: Event times and activities are subject to change due to weather or other circumstances. Check each community's website for the latest updates.


​🎇 To add or update an event, email: kanecountyconnects@kanecountyil.gov​

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​\"\"

In celebration of America's 250th anniversary, Kane County has produced a special commemorative video featuring community members from across the county reading the Declaration of Independence.    

Over the course of several weeks, 25 residents representing a wide range of ages, backgrounds and communities were invited to read selected portions of the nation's founding document.

Adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence officially severed the political ties between the thirteen American colonies and Great Britain, marking the birth of the United States.

The Kane County video will premiere on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 marking the anniversary of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.  

Kane County's presentation will coincide with a nationwide reading of the Declaration of Independence taking place in all 50 states and U.S. territories at 5 p.m. 

"The Declaration of Independence is more than a historic document, it is the foundation of our nation and the enduring expression of the principles upon which our democracy was built," said Kane County Board Chairman Corinne Pierog. "This community reading brings together residents from across Kane County to reflect on those ideals and commemorate this milestone in our nation's history."

This special 250th anniversary video will debut during an event on July 8 at the American Legion Post in Geneva at 5 p.m.  It will be available on Kane County Government's social media channels, YouTube page and website following the inaugural airing.

A special thank you to Batavia Access TV for producing the video. 


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