Homer Township is rich in history, volunteer spirit, scenic and natural resources. The Township is fortunate to have an Open Space program that was established in 1999 through citizen-based initiative. The Open Space Land Stewardship Committee is dedicated towards preserving these things in our community. In light of the rapid growth of the community, it is important to set aside open land that can be preserved for all residents, wildlife, and nature alike.

 To date the Township has acquired over 200 acres of land for the program. Most of the parcels continue to be farmed which allows for the best short term management practice of the land. The Open Space Land Stewardship Committee is currently working on the long-term plans for the sites. By law the purpose of Open Space is to promote the preservation of the natural environment, scenic resources, geological features and historic sites. With those goals in mind the program presents opportunity for educational programs, outdoor recreation and conservation practices.

 The Open Space Land Stewardship Committee is currently working to establish a Native Plant Nursery, a community garden project, a historic preservation project and restoration of a wetland. Some of the future projects are to develop a living history farm, reforestation, woodland management, prairie restoration, paths and some public access areas. The group continues to seek grants, funding and to maintain an active volunteer base.

Trantina FarmUnder Construction
This parcel of land is located on 151st Street between
 Cedar Road & Gougar Road .

Dog Park
Homer Township Trantina Farm Dog Park is Almost Ready

The Homer Township Trantina Farm Committee has been receiving many calls of interest in the new Dog Park which will be located at the Farm on 151st Street.
However, callers are being asked to be patient. The Dog Park was seeded last Fall with high quality turf grass and needs to be given a chance to take hold now that Spring appears to finally be here. A similar athletic turf has served the Township well on the eastern football field at the Homer Township Sports Complex because it requires much less maintenance than the other football field that began as sod. But it must be allowed to “spring forth” before it can handle any foot traffic whether of the human or canine kind. Supervisor Bud Fazio and Trantina Farm Committee Chairwoman Pam Meyers are working closely with the park’s contractor to insure that this grass gets the proper start. The Committee therefore asks that the public not attempt to use the park until it is opened by the Township. It is ve ry difficult to predict when this opening will take place as it is too early to assess how the young grass made it through our tough winter and whether or not Spring is really here. Premature use of the park will damage this turf which was funded in part by the Township and in part with funds from an Illinois Department of Natural Resources OSLAD Grant. Care must be taken that this round of seed succeeds as further funding would be difficult to obtain. The Committee would appreciate the dog lovers of the area being patient and the end result will be a beautiful, lush park that, once opened officially, will provide many of hours of enjoyment for both pooches and their people.
 

(South side of 151st Street)

(North side of 151st Street)

Paul Farm
This farm is located between Gougar Road & Farrell Road on south side of 151st Street.

Welter Farm/Barn
This piece of land is located on Bell Road just south of 143rd Street. The front part of the farm was purchased by the Township for their Senior Housing project. The deconstruction of the (Austin) Welter Barn was performed by Preservation Trades, Inc from October 6 through October 15, 2002 as requested by the Homer Township Trustee. The original three-bay, hand hewn oak, c 1850 English style barn was considered a historic building worthy of preservation. The Welter Barn is a beautiful specimen that is an example of the craftsmanship and pride of the community's forbears. It would be a well-received centerpiece at the Trantina Farm complex where community events and future generations can enjoy the history and function.

Purdy Farm
This property is located in the south west of the Township. It is on the corner of Gougar Road & 175th Street (Bruce Road). This was the first piece of property the Township purchased for Open Space.