Plum Valley Preserve
Location
Plum Valley Preserve is located south of Burville Road and east of Route 394 in Crete Township.
Hours
8 a.m.-Sunset
Trails
Plum Creek Greenway Trail
Phone
815-727-8700
The 491-acre Plum Valley Preserve in Crete Township features forest and wetland habitat along a portion of Plum Creek, providing space for wildlife and outdoor recreation.
Planning your visit
Plum Valley Preserve is open 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.
Exploring the preserve
- Dog park: The preserve includes a 9-acre off-leash dog park divided into three enclosures, including one designated for dogs under 35 pounds. A permit is required for use.
- Picnicking : A picnic shelter is available for rental at the Burville Road access area, with a capacity of 60 people.
- Trail: Plum Valley Preserve features a 1-mile crushed limestone segment of the Plum Creek Greenway Trail, ideal for biking, hiking, running, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Flora and fauna
Plum Valley supports a variety of wildlife, including reptiles and birds. Its plant communities include species such as lobed violet, sycamore, red pine and fire pink.
Ongoing management — including prescribed burning — helps maintain and enhance the preserve’s natural resources.
Preserve history
Plum Valley Preserve was acquired between 1990 and 2000. The preserve is part of the Plum Creek preservation system, which protects more than 3,300 acres.
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Upcoming events
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Lake Renwick Migratory Bird Viewing
July 18, 2026 | 8:00 A.M TO 12:00 P.M
See the dazzling spectacle of nesting herons, egrets and cormorants at our weekly bird viewings at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve.
Native Illinois History and Contemporary Issues
July 18, 2026 | 1:00 P.M TO 2:15 P.M
Don't miss this presentation by Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Dr. Dorene Wiese, who will guide audiences through the historical foundations of tribal nations as well as how urban Native communities developed in Chicago in the 20th century.
Friends of Thorn Creek Woods Picnic
July 19, 2026 | 11:00 A.M TO 2:00 P.M
You and your family are invited to a fun-filled afternoon to celebrate Thorn Creek Woods.
Latest headlines
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Wander at Will: Kayaking at Monee Reservoir
July 17, 2026 | Recreation
Meghan headed out on the water for the first time this summer for a kayaking adventure at Monee Reservoir.
Be a Trailblazer experience turns points, prizes into lasting outdoor rewards
July 13, 2026 | Programs and events
Participants say app-based missions have led to a stronger connection to nature.
Nature Foundation donation directs $104,500 to preserve projects
July 10, 2026 | Board of commissioners
Funding will support restoration work, Woods Walk supplies and a new water bottle filling station.
Frequently asked questions
Groups less than 25 people may use picnic groves and shelters on a first-come, first-served basis without a picnic permit if the picnic area is not already reserved. However, purchasing a picnic permit is recommended due to the high demand for picnic groves and shelters. A picnic permit will reserve your space. Picnic permits are required for groups that are 25 people or more. Visit the picnicking page for more information.
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.
There are many opportunities to volunteer with us. Visit the volunteer information page for more information.
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.
Visit the Frequently Asked Questions: Concealed Carry page for information about firearms in the District's forest preserves and visitor centers.