Judy and John Lovaas embarked on a mission to find land in the Driftless Area in 1988, driven by Judy’s deep-rooted passion for land preservation. This passion was ignited when the farmland adjacent to their home in McHenry, Illinois, was sold and earmarked for a sprawling subdivision. Before they departed, Judy valiantly fought to safeguard their property in McHenry County, which housed the historic Holcombville School, a quaint one-roomed schoolhouse dating back to 1858.
“Judy grew up helping on her grandparents’ farm in the summers, developing a love of horses, rural life, and preserving the past,” shared Nancy Nichols and Lisa Cvengros, the current owners of the former Lovaas property.
“They were intentional about the land they wanted to purchase and preserve forever. Blackhawk Lake Recreation Area is across the road, and there had been talk about sectioning up the land around here into smaller lots,” the new caretakers explained.
Nancy grew up just down the road, and the couple knew the Lovaas’s for years, helping out at times and enjoying the company of their neighbors. After John’s passing and Judy’s health declined, they offered to purchase the land from Judy in 2023. Judy knew their shared passion for conservation and that Nancy and Lisa would love and care for this land the way she had.
“Judy loved her flowers and bluebirds. She worked at preserving the oak savannas and had a lovely prairie,” Lisa shared, underscoring Judy’s deep connection to the land.
Nancy and Lisa are slowly but surely trying to regain the trail system and continue with the preservation that Judy started. “Judy and John had seen what was happening off of 18 West with the development and the windmills along with their fight in McHenry County, so there was no question that they would put their land in a conservation easement with DALC to protect it from development forever.”
A Lasting Legacy
Judy passed away on March 25, 2024, at Crest Ridge Assisted Living in Dodgeville. She left a generous bequest to the Driftless Area Land Conservancy, cementing her legacy as a conservationist dedicated to their cherished Driftless Region.
Judy’s bequest, a testament to her unwavering commitment to land preservation, has significantly strengthened the financial health of DALC. Judy’s legacy is not just a financial boost, but a beacon of hope, helping DALC to protect land forever.
We are profoundly grateful to everyone who has preserved their land through conservation easements. We are humbled by those like Judy, who have entrusted the Driftless Area Land Conservancy with their legacy. Your support ensures the enduring impact of our work, with the most meaningful gifts being made through bequests after passing. Your contributions are the lifeblood of our mission, and we are honored to be the custodians of your trust.