At more than 898 acres, Goodenow Grove is one of the District's largest holdings. Its first parcel was acquired by the District in 1938, and the core of the preserve started with the purchase of a Boy Scout Camp in 1977.

Goodenow Grove was dedicated as a State Nature Preserve in 1996 in recognition of its rich, diverse mixture of natural communities, including forests, floodplain, seeps, savanna, prairies, meadows, and marshes.

The preserve protects habitat for several state-threatened or endangered species, including the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, the Kirtland's watersnake, the spotted coral root orchid, and the ear-leafed foxglove, among others. Natural resource management, restoration, and monitoring activities were initiated in the 1990s to maintain and enhance these high-quality habitats.

The preserve features Plum Creek Nature Center, a facility devoted to the environment, family fun, and learning. Primitive campsites provide overnight fun for families and organized groups such as scouts. Two picnic shelters are available for reservation for large group get-togethers.

When the weather turns cold, Goodenow Grove provides winter recreation as well. An ice-skating pond is available when ice conditions are right, and cross-country skiing is available when the preserve is covered by snow. A 40-foot sledding hill is also open when snow conditions are right, and tubes can be rented at the Nature Center.

In addition, nearly four miles of hiking trails crisscross the preserve. The Trail of Thoughts, a 0.5-mile paved loop, leads around a pond filled with a cattail marsh to a wildlife observation deck where you may catch a glimpse of a frog, bluebird, or even a coyote. The Pine Grove Trail, a 1-mile loop with a natural surface, offers a scenic overlook from the highest point in the preserve, an excellent spot for viewing hawks and fall colors.

With all of the fun things to do at Goodenow Grove, be sure to pack a picnic basket and spend the day, or bring a tent and spend the night.

Photographs Courtesy of Glenn P. Knoblock