Long Run Creek

Creek Info

  • Long Run Creek is part of the larger Des Plaines River watershed and is located southwest of Chicago in both Will and Cook counties. 
  • The Long Run Creek sub-watershed accounts for a total area of almost 17,000 acres. 
  • Long Run Creek and its many tributaries flow from east to west beginning in Cook county and eventually draining into the I&M Canal. 
  • The main channel of Long Run Creek begins at Tampier Lake in the John J. Duffy Preserve just outside of the northeast corner of Will County.

Resident Responsibilities

Many residents in Homer Glen have Long Run Creek situated on or in the vicinity of their property. The creek is a vital drainage route that is impacted during rains and melting snow. It’s ability to provide a functioning relief when these events occur is critical to reduce potential impact to private properties and public ways.

Maintenance and functionality of the creek is a complex issue as the creek is located mainly on private property and not public land. Private property floodways and floodplains are mostly impacted when extreme weather events occur. It is important to understand that because the creek is on private land the responsibility of maintenance is on the property owner. The Village is always available to assist property owners with a site inspection to assess the condition of the creek on their property. If you have any additional questions, please contact the Village of Homer Glen at 708-301-0632 or our Village Engineer, Brett Westcott at bwestcott@homerglenil.org. Thank you!

Useful Links

Long Run Creek Watershed Based Plan - The Long Run Creek Watershed Based plan is the official comprehensive plan regarding the Long Run Creek Watershed. The plan provides a wealth of information and insight into Long Run Creek.

USGS - Long Run Creek Near Lemont, IL - The United States Geological Survey website provides useful water data for Long Run Creek. USGS provides charts on gauge height and discharge for the creek. Historical data for the creek is also available on the USGS website. Gauge height and discharge can be useful tools and assist in visualizing how rainfall can impact the flow of the creek as well as a time to peak flow/runoff following rain events.

Native Plantings in Illinois - This database provides an extensive list of plant species native to the state of Illinois and can be useful in selecting species to plant along Long Run Creek to assist with stabilization and restoration.

Long Run Creek Update: February 2024


UPDATE:

Mr. Kotvich has removed the 7 shipping containers off of the property and out of the regulatory floodway and special flood hazard area.

Cook County and the IDNR are working with Mr. Tokaz to remove any structures and fill from the regulatory floodway and special flood hazard area. This process is ongoing and there are outstanding violations on the property. 

If you have any questions regarding these cases please contact the Village Engineer.

 


Previous Long Run Creek updates and correspondence from ACOE, IDNR and Cook County officials can be found here.