A well-known Joliet park in Illinois, this beautiful forest drive winds through old oaks. The forest was owned by a family that donated a large portion of it to the City of Joliet Park District. The park purchased a handful of my forest photos and hung them in the new convention center. The sizes are 3×6 ft, with some 4×6 ft framed.
The land for Pilcher Park was purchased from businessman Harlow Higginbotham in 1920 by Robert Pilcher, a local naturalist and paper mill owner. Pilcher immediately donated the approximately 327-acre forest, originally known as the Forest of Arden, to the City of Joliet. It was turned over to the Joliet Park District when the district was established.
Key details of the donation and park:
The stipulation: Robert Pilcher donated the land with the explicit condition that it be left in its wild and natural state unless necessary improvements were required.
The growth: Today, Pilcher Park encompasses roughly 500 acres. It is located on the east side of Joliet and features nature trails, the Bird Haven Greenhouse, and the Woodruff Golf Course.
Family legacy: Robert Pilcher’s son, Ray Pilcher, later served on the Joliet Park District board for over 35 years (1922–1958) and served four terms as its president.
