The Forest Preserve District is moving ahead with plans for a new preserve intended to protect a watershed, rather than trees, south of University Park.
The proposed 285-acre Black Walnut Preserve will safeguard the headwaters of the Black Walnut Creek, which meanders several miles southwest through Will County into Kankakee County, almost to Manteno.
The preserve’s first component is the 68-acre former Koelling Farm, northeast of the intersection of Western Avenue and Crete-Monee Road.
Forest district commissioners last week approved buying the property, which includes a floodplain, according to a forest district analysis. The property previously served as a school bus parking area.
The Black Walnut Creek Preserve reflects the district’s orientation toward protecting properties “with special attributes,” according to district spokesman Bruce Hodgdon.
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Hodgdon said the district has a long history of protecting waterways, but has stepped up its efforts in response to increasing residential and commercial development in Will County. Recently the forest district bought land to protect Jackson Creek south-southeast of Joliet and Forked Creek in southern Will County. It also previously obtained land along Spring Creek and Hickory Creek, the largest creek in the county.
Under the terms of the agreement, the district will pay the Amelia Koelling Living Trust $822,800 or $12,100 per acre.
Trust information lists Amelia Koelling and Carol Kopman as beneficiaries.