‘Absolute gem’: Rotary Club honored for role in Forest Preserve’s creation
The Rotary Club of Joliet was honored at the Oct. 8 Forest Preserve Board meeting for the role it played in the creation of the Forest Preserve District 100 years ago next month.
Rotary members were the catalyst behind a successful referendum on Nov. 2, 1926, that was approved overwhelmingly by voters.
“The effort was led by Dr. W. Henry Wilson, chairman of the Rotary’s Forest Preserve Committee,” said Forest Preserve Board President Judy Ogalla. “Wilson, a nationally known pathologist who worked at Silver Cross Hospital, stressed the benefits of preserved open space.”
After the referendum passed, the Forest Preserve was formally organized in June 1927 and made its first land acquisition – Messenger Woods – in 1930. That first property, located in present-day Homer Glen, was 143.86 acres and was acquired for $124 per acre. The District now owns, leases or manages more than 24,000 acres throughout Will County.
“Today, as we prepare for a yearlong Centennial Celebration in 2027, we wanted to acknowledge the roots of the Forest Preserve’s creation and give credit to the Rotary Club of Joliet for recognizing the importance of preserving natural areas for generations to come,” Ogalla said before presenting Rotary members with a plaque of appreciation.
Rotary President John Spesia and Diane Cepela, the Rotary’s assistant governor for District 6450, accepted the plaque.
“We are honored to receive this award,” Spesia said. “And I would like to say that all of us know that the Will County Forest Preserve is an absolute gem in this community. The services and the opportunities that it provides are unparalleled here and around the country.”
Spesia said the Rotary Club members who were instrumental in starting the Forest Preserve District “would be proud of where we are today.”
Spesia also welcomed Forest Preserve Executive Director Tracy Chapman as a new Rotary member.
“We look forward to collaborating with the Forest Preserve going forward,” Spesia said.
