Homer Glen, Illinois – A new land acquisition expands Messenger Woods and pushes total protected acreage past 24,000.
According to the Forest Preserve District of Will County, officials purchased nearly 106 acres on March 27 on the southwest side of Messenger Woods Nature Preserve, located north of Bruce Road and east of Cedar Road.
The $4.2 million acquisition expands one of the district’s oldest preserves, originally established in 1930, and increases the agency’s total owned, leased, and managed land to 24,084 acres.
Forest Preserve officials said the newly acquired property includes remnant woodlands and agricultural fields that will be restored to native plant communities. The restoration is expected to strengthen habitat protection and create a more resilient ecological buffer around the preserve.
“This feels like a full-circle moment,” said Juli Mason, director of conservation programs, noting Messenger Woods was among the district’s earliest land purchases.
The expansion also opens the door for future infrastructure improvements, including a planned extension of the Spring Creek Greenway Trail. The extension would connect Hadley Valley Preserve and Messenger Marsh Preserve, improving regional trail access.
The purchase is part of the district’s 2025–2030 Capital Improvement Program, which allocates $25 million for land preservation efforts.
Additional acquisitions this year include nearly 500 acres added to Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, 241 acres to Kankakee Sands Preserve, and 40 acres to Riverview Farmstead Preserve.
The milestone highlights continued conservation growth in Will County, with potential impacts for outdoor recreation and environmental education, including opportunities for students and local residents.
