Colvin Grove Preserve
Hours
8 a.m.-sunset
Trails
Rock Run Greenway Trail
Phone
815-727-8700
The 175-acre Colvin Grove Preserve in Joliet contributes to the protection of natural areas in the region, while providing recreational opportunities for the public.
Planning your visit
Colvin Grove is open 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.
Amenities and activities
- Fishing: Colvin Grove offers shoreline fishing at a detention pond within the preserve. State and District regulations apply.
- Trails: Colvin Grove Preserve provides access to the 11.29-mile paved Rock Run Greenway Trail, ideal for biking, hiking, running, in-line skating, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The Rock Run Greenway Trail and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ I&M Canal State Trail both connect to the 4.36-mile paved Joliet Junction Trail to create a 16-mile, mostly paved loop trail.
Flora and fauna
Colvin Grove Preserve protects a diversity of habitats, including forest, wetland and a portion of Rock Run. Wildlife found at the preserve includes a variety of bird species. The preserve is also home to a variety of plant species, including small skullcap.
Preserve history
Colvin Grove Preserve was acquired between 1991 and 2007. The preserve is part of the Rock Run preservation system, which protects more than 1,400 acres.
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Upcoming events
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Wilderness Wayfinders
Calling all adventurers! Learn how to use a compass and map before embarking on an adventure through the woods.
Wild Child
Answer the call of your wild child by getting outside with this monthly nature-themed program geared toward children ages 3 to 5.
Community Pride Stroll to the Bridge
Help us kick off the summer months by joining us for an affirming and scenic hike to our picturesque big bridge.
Latest headlines
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Wander at Will: A rare sight at Lake Renwick Migratory Bird Viewing
With a goal of becoming a better birder, Meghan headed to a Lake Renwick Migratory Bird Viewing on a Saturday morning in June to learn more about some of our feathered friends.
Project Update: Messenger Woods reopens with completion of new entrance road
Replacement of the deteriorating entrance road at Messenger Woods Nature Preserve has been completed, and the preserve has reopened.
What you need to know about the lone star tick
Lone star ticks are grabbing headlines because they can cause people to develop an allergy to red meat. Learn how to identify them and how to prevent tick bites.
Frequently asked questions
Electric-assist bicycles are allowed within the preserves as long as they meet certain requirements. The bikes must:
- Be low speed (an electric motor of less than 750 watts).
- Have a maximum speed of less than 20 miles per hour.
- Have functional pedals.
- Have a rider who is 16 years of age or older.
Per the District's General Use Ordinance, persons riding a bicycle must conform to federal and state bicycle laws.
Prescribed fire is a carefully planned activity, and controlled burns are conducted under specific weather conditions by trained professionals. Many Illinois ecosystems — including prairie, oak savanna and woodland — evolved with periodic fire. Prescribed burning helps:
- Control invasive species
- Encourage native plant growth
- Recycle nutrients
- Maintain healthy ecosystem structure
Burns are conducted with public safety as the top priority.
Sites are prioritized based on ecological quality, presence of rare species or communities, restoration potential and their importance in supporting larger landscape-level conservation goals. Protecting and buffering the best remaining natural areas ensures the greatest long-term ecological benefit.
Call 911 in an emergency. Non-emergency safety concerns should be directed to the Laraway Communications Center dispatch at 815-727-6191 (option 9) to have a Forest Preserve District officer dispatched. Non-emergency and past concerns can also be reported to the District's police department by calling 815-727-8700 or through the online form.