TLC Preserves 16.5 Acres for Life in Bull Valley

Acquisition will expand Boloria Meadows Nature Preserve to 56.5 acres

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County (TLC) has acquired 19 acres on Ridge Road in Bull Valley. Part of the parcel, 16.5 acres, will be preserved and added to TLC’s existing Boloria Meadows Nature Preserve. The addition includes oak woods, wetland and a headwater stream that flows into the nature preserve. It is a high-quality natural area that provides an important addition to Boloria Meadows.

The remaining 2.5 acres, which includes a four-bedroom home, will be sold to help TLC pay the mortgage on the property.

The site represents a precious remnant of what much of McHenry County once was and will ensure that it will remain healthy and accessible to the community. Boloria is a haven for endangered and uncommon species that were once common in McHenry County, including 31 butterfly species, the Southern flying squirrel, pileated woodpecker, woodcock, and the rusty-patched bumble bee.

Boloria Meadows was dedicated a nature preserve by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission in 2003 and signed into law by the governor. Illinois nature preserves represent the best remaining examples of Illinois’ natural heritage, and once dedicated, are protected from development forever by the State of Illinois.

The Boloria addition has frontage on Ridge Road, which will allow for a new entrance to the preserve and a small parking area. New paths will connect to the existing mile of trails within Boloria Meadows.

The property was home to Charles and Mary Liebman since the 1950s. The Liebmans were active in the community, especially philanthropically, helping to found The Community Foundation for McHenry County, and Charles was instrumental in establishing the Liebman Science Center at McHenry County College.

The Liebmans raised their four children on the 19-acre property. Mary passed away several years ago, and Charles died in January 2024 at the age of 103. The property was left to the Chicago Community Trust (CCT), and proceeds from the sale of the home and its contents will support the charitable mission of CCT.

The children inherited their parents’ generosity, and each of the three surviving Liebman children made significant donations to TLC to help acquire the property so that it can be preserved forever as a nature preserve.

In addition to paying off the mortgage, TLC’s goal is to raise at least $100,000 for the property’s land management endowment fund. These funds will generate annual income to help take care of this important natural area forever. You can make a donation here or by mail to: The Land Conservancy of McHenry County PO Box 352, Woodstock, IL 60098 Attn: Boloria Addition.

For more information on the home and 2.5 acres for sale, interested parties can contact realtor Alisha Mowbray with @properties at 708-848-0200 or [email protected].

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County is a member-based private nonprofit dedicated to preserving natural, scenic and agricultural land.