PARTNERS IN PRESERVATION

Nancy and Ron Fletcher of Lake Forest reflect on a shared passion for conservation as they prepare to co-char this month’s Bagpipes & Bonfire fundraiser.

AT 10 A.M. ON A BRILLIANT TUESDAY MORNING, the sun is as bright as the plaid dresses worn by Nancy and Ron Fletcher’s granddaughters. Dressed for a festive family photo, the little girls scamper ‘round a bend in the path at Middlefork Farm Nature Preserve to catch up with their dad, leaving Ron and Nancy free to chat.

It is here that on Sunday, September 28, from 4 to 7 p.m., the Fletchers will co-chair the 2025 iteration of Bagpipes & Bonfire, Lake Forest Open Lands Association’s (LFOLA) epic fundraiser.

“We love everything about Bagpipes & Bonfire,” says Nancy. “The face painting, log tossing, Highland dancing, awe-inspiring parachute jumps and bonfire. But what brings tears to our eyes every year is the powerful performance of ‘Amazing Grace’ by 100 bagpipers. It’s unforgettable.”

Ron, clad in the Fletcher family tartan jacket he’ll be wearing at the event, agrees.

“Our daughter Kate and her family join us every year,” he says. “It’s become a family tradition.”

For the Fletchers, co-chairing the upcoming event is just one way they support the Lake Forest community and LFOLA’s important work here. The couple moved to Lake Forest in 2020 to be closer to their younger children and their families. Learning about LFOLA’s mission and impact on conservation, they quickly stepped up to help.

“I’ve served on the board for three years and continue to be impressed by the organization, its leadership and community support,” says Ron. “They accomplish so much with a small but talented and dedicated staff.”

Getting down in the trenches, Ron also joined LFOLA’s Wednesday work crew about a year ago.

“From what I see when Ron returns, it’s a mix of good company, muddy boots, and making sure your puffy jacket doesn’t get too close to a burn pile!” laughs Nancy.

The Fletchers’ passion for conservation is a natural outgrowth of their upbringing and family experiences.

“We both came from families that loved the outdoors,” says Nancy, who fondly remembers fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling in Minnesota and Canada.

Meanwhile, Ron grew up in Iowa next to his grandfather’s truck farm and spent summers on Clear Lake or exploring America’s national parks. But it was the experience of piloting planes over the changing American landscape that galvanized the Fletchers’ interest in preserving open lands. Both Ron and Nancy had studied law and pursued successful careers—Nancy as CEO of a national trade association, and Ron as an investor, when single engine aircraft became a part of their life. Flying allowed the Fletchers to live in Washington, DC, while still spending time with family in Minnesota and visiting out-of-town children.

“My interest in conservation really took off in the 1970s after I began flying,” Ron explains. “Early on, I often flew at night, seeing the stars above, farm lights below and clusters of city lights. But over time, I watched the stars fade from pollution, the farm lights disappear, and city lights spread. I became concerned for our planet as I watched in real time the open land disappear. LFOLA has given me a chance and a vehicle to participate in a local solution. I’m deeply grateful for that.”

Through their family foundation, Ron and Nancy have been aiding Chicago and North Shore nonprofits, with LFOLA as a key beneficiary. One recent example? Supporting the organization’s initiative to improve the trails at the Derwen Mawr Nature Preserve. Funds from the foundation have gone to create the Fletcher Family Prairie Path there.

“Volunteerism is a vital part of our retirement,” adds Nancy. “For Ron at LFOLA, and I love my work with Elawa Farm, the Forest Park Conservancy and the Lake Forest Garden Club. Some retirees decide to travel, improve their golf game or build a new home. We chose to focus on family, friends and volunteerism. We are so grateful for LFOLA and to be living in Lake Forest. So many people have done so much over many years to make this the wonderful community it is today. We want to do our small part to add to that.”

Northern Trust is proud to be the presenting sponsor of Bagpipes & Bonfire. For more information or to become a patron, visit lfola.org.