Chicago couple's 40-year forest legacy becomes 126-acre public preserve

In the 1980s, Dr. Shin Theke Kang and his wife Tae Sue Kang made the decision to conserve a 126-acre tract of land in southwestern Illinois rather than develop it. Over time, the couple restored former farmland, planted thousands of trees, and tended to the woodland along Horse Creek. On September 9, 2026, the Forest Preserve District of Will County acquired the property and designated it as Horse Creek Preserve, Kang Woodland, marking the transition from private conservation to public access.

The property boasts over 32,000 surviving trees, including black walnut, oak, maple, ash, pine, and cherry. These trees were planted by the Kangs, who acquired 40,000 saplings and nurtured them over years of patience, as many did not survive the initial planting period. The property also includes a historic bur oak, believed to be centuries old, which adds an element of deep time to the landscape.

The preserve features a creek corridor along Horse Creek, a waterway that provides habitat for wildlife and connects other natural areas. Trees along the creek help stabilize soil, support aquatic life, and maintain water quality downstream. The diverse tree community offers habitat for various species and contributes to the woodland's resilience against environmental stressors.

The new preserve sits within a broader watershed, meaning that the land's stewardship can influence water quality for the surrounding region. The land offers opportunities for public engagement, including trails, educational programs, and volunteer activities. As the preserve develops, it will provide a public forest area that reflects the family's dedication to conservation and serves as a natural landmark within the wider Kankakee River watershed.