Plum Valley Preserve

Location

Plum Valley Preserve is located south of Burville Road and east of Route 394 in Crete Township.

 

View Plum Valley interactive map

Hours

8 a.m.-Sunset

Trails

Plum Creek Greenway Trail

Phone

815-727-8700

Activities

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.

Get to know the bobcat

Bobcats in Illinois? That's right, this wildcat was once almost eliminated, but now there are around 5,000 in the state of Illinois.

The road to 24,000 acres

The Forest Preserve District sprouted up in 1926 and has continued to save land from development.

Buzz bit: Wild turkeys

Six different species of wild turkey live in the United States, but only one, the eastern wild turkey, is found in Illinois.

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.

(Photo by Anthony Schalk)

Limestone trail lined with grasses, vegetation, and trees.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
Field of vegetation with trees in the background.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
Limestone trail lined with grasses and trees.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
Field of vegetation with trees in the background.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
Northern flicker standing in grass.
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)
Northern crescent butterfly landed in grass.
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)
Bur marigold flower blooms.
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)
Crayfish in grass.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
American robin perched on a branch.
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)
Limestone trail lined by grasses and vegetation with a tree line in the background.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)

Upcoming events

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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.