The 206-acre Walnut Hollow Preserve (previously known as “Lower Spring Creek”) west of Farrell Road in Joliet started with numerous purchases between 1973 and 1975 for a proposed regional stormwater reservoir partnership with the state. Although the project did not come to fruition, it did give the District a western terminus for a future greenway to build upon.

Given the soils and configuration of the site, there are limited opportunities to develop public access or recreational facilities. There is currently no active resource management. Ongoing preservation and planning activities will explore ways to buffer Walnut Hollow and to work with others to provide local public access and trail connections westward through Joliet to the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail, Joliet Iron Works, Joliet Prison, and other cultural resources along the heritage corridor area of the Des Plaines River, for education and recreation.

Photograph Courtesy of Lorenzo Pesce