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Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve and its Plum Creek Nature Center are closed for major site improvements. The preserve, located in Beecher, was originally anticipated to be reopened in July 2012. However, as construction is progressing, an updated timeframe of a fall opening is being given with public safety in mind to ensure all major work is completed before the site is reopened. Updates will be provided on this Web site.
During the closure, the existing roadway, parking, and visitor circulation systems will be reconstructed, and significant changes will be made to the preserve campground. Accessibility related improvements and enhancements to circulation pathways and program areas throughout the preserve will also be addressed during construction.
In addition, about three miles of the multi-use Plum Creek Greenway Trail (six miles round-trip) for equestrians, bicyclists, and hikers will be constructed between Goodenow Road and 265th Street, with additional natural surface trail loops for hiking and cross-country skiing.
Because of the closure, no public access is allowed into the preserve for any recreational activities.
In addition, two special events, “Goodenow Grove Fall Fest” and the “Harvest Hustle 5K,” were canceled in 2011, and no "Groovin' at Goodenow" event will be held in 2012. However, an outdoor concert and car show will be held at McKinley Woods in Channahon in June. Learn more about upcoming special events.
Plum Creek Nature Center’s closure is due to its location within the construction zone. As soon as public access and parking become available, the Nature Center will reopen.
Public programs that were planned for this site will largely be relocated to Monee Reservoir in Monee. Only those programs that rely on a particular animal or natural feature, like the sledding hill, within Goodenow Grove will not be offered.
School field trip programs to Goodenow Grove, available during the months of April through May, will be relocated to the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) in Mokena. The ELC offers similar natural surroundings found at Goodenow Grove, including forest, stream, prairie, meadow, and pond habitats. District education staff will also provide in-school program visits during the entire construction period.
Youth group programs will also be relocated, to Hickory Creek Preserve. Programs will be offered at established preserve access points: LaPorte Road Access (Mokena), Hickory Creek Junction (Mokena), and Hickory Creek Barrens (New Lenox).
For more information on this development project, including a printable fact sheet and mapping, visit its Land Preservation and Improvement Project page.
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