Two large forest preserves lie within the corporate boundaries of the Village
of Homer Glen. Scroll down for basic information about each location or click on
the link below for more details.
Forest Preserve District of Will County
(815) 727-8700
Public Meetings Regarding Proposed Deer Management Program
The Forest Preserve District of Will County will host four public meetings during the month of April to discuss its proposed plan to manage deer.
Thursday, April 1 - 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Village of Plainfield
24401 W. Lockport Street
Plainfield (Community Rooms A and B, on the upper level of Village Hall)
Tuesday, April 13 - 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Four Rivers Environmental Education Center
McKinley Woods
25055 W. Walnut Lane
Channahon
Wednesday, April 14 - 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Lincolnway Central High School
Rosenquist Auditorium (Enter at Door #1D.)
1801 E. Lincoln Highway
New Lenox.
Monday, April 19 - 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Plum Creek Nature Center
Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve
27064 S. Dutton Road
Beecher
Each meeting will offer an opportunity for the public to obtain information, ask questions and provide
comment. Comments may also be made via the District’s Web site by visiting
Reconnect With Nature.org
High density levels of white-tailed deer in many of the District’s preserves are damaging the health and well-being of our forests. Overbrowsing by deer over the last decade has become quite noticeable, and if left unmanaged will result in rapid and dramatic changes in these woodland areas.
The Forest Preserve’s mission dedicates our agency to the protection and conservation of the natural heritage of Will County. Currently, however, the balance and sustainability of our natural areas are being threatened by the impact of abundant deer populations.
Overbrowsing by deer not only negatively affects the vegetation within our natural areas, but also the availability of food sources for wildlife, threatening the well-being of the deer themselves as well as other animal species.
With drastic changes in the profusion and diversity of plants will come the reduction or elimination of animals that count on those plants for food and cover. Additionally, such changes in the forest floor leave gaps in the forest canopy, and advance erosion which leads to increased sedimentation in surface water and greater potential for flooding as rich top soil is washed away.
Management that is proactively done to reduce the numbers of deer will allow the District to move strategically to accomplish its goal of maintaining balanced natural areas. It is also important to note that the management program initiated by the District will in no way ever pose a threat to the existence of deer in Will County.
At a recent special working session of members of the District’s Board of Commissioners, District staff presented a detailed analysis of deer management options that best met the Forest Preserve’s management goals and its ability to manage safely.
At this meeting, members of the Board’s Operations Committee supported the use of sharpshooting and public hunting as the most feasible options. The Committee then directed staff to begin working on a proposed program design utilizing these options.
The Forest Preserve District is at a critical juncture in regard to deer management activities. If we choose not to reduce deer herds at this time, deer will continue to negatively impact our forests and their population could grow until they cannot be sustained by the local habitat. Maintaining the health of our preserves is key.
In implementing a management program, the District will strictly comply to all rules and regulations mandated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Moreover, the Forest Preserve District will work to model its program after those that have had proven success by IDNR standards.
The District recognizes white-tailed deer as an important part of Will County’s biodiversity, and in taking these measures seeks to secure the health of the deer as well as maintain sustainable natural areas for all plant and animal species.
Reconnect With Nature.org
Spring Creek Greenway - Messenger Woods Nature Preserve
Messenger Woods is located on Bruce Road (175th Street) north of Route 6 (Southwest Highway)
west of Parker Road and east of Cedar Road in Homer Glen. There are two
pavilions at this location.
Spring Creek Greenway - Messenger Woods
Spring Creek Greenway - Homer Trails
Homer Trails' 154 acres are located on South Bell Road about one-quarter mile south of 159th Street (Route 7) in Homer Glen.
Spring Creek Greenway - Homer Trails