Late Winter Ramble at Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville, IL
Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville, IL beckons visitors to explore 12 miles of trails. The 1,388-acre preserve is home to over 540 native species and protects woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. During our visit this past weekend, we admired Greene Valley Forest Preserve in winter while enjoying a 3-mile hike.
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| The golden winter sun warmed the barren trees and caramel-brown leaves of the forest floor at Greene Valley Forest Preserve. |
Arriving at Greene Valley Forest Preserve, we immediately noted that the preserve is a regional favorite after observing the number of hikers and runners visiting the preserve. Upon embarking on the White Oak Trail, we soon discovered that we were in for a treat.
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| Crushed limestone trails roll through the preserve. |
Along our hike, we basked in the scraggly figures of oak trees while traversing through the oak forest. Truly beautiful and I am sure this section will delight as spring starts to unfold. Although there were quite a few hikers taking in the gorgeous weather, we felt totally at peace on our adventure.
Note: The trail did cross a street but it was easily crossed.
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| The forest opened up to reveal a beautiful pond at Greene Valley Forest Preserve. |
Greene Valley Forest Preserve features the East Branch DuPage River, creeks, and ponds. We happened upon one of the ponds during our amble. The trees broke to welcome light to the pond. So spectacular. We did spot meandering ducks taking in the wonderful weather. A number of footpaths allowed us to venture closer to the pond and savor the views. I can just hear the frog chorus of spring!
The preserve once consisted of farmland owned by William Briggs Greene. You can still see the home he began in 1850 -- which was added too -- and his 1870s barn on the north end of the preserve. Greene originally acquired the land in 1835. The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County purchased its initial parcel of land for the preserve in 1926.
We often visit the Naperville area, so I am looking forward to returning to Greene Valley Forest Preserve. Bobolinks have been seen in the preserve, so I would love to try to see them! Overall Greene Valley is home to over 370 species of native wildlife. As spring approaches, there will be more and more opportunities to see them.
Other activities at Greene Valley Forest Preserve include biking, horseback riding, picnicking, and cross-country skiing. There also is a youth-group campground, an off leash dog area, and model-craft area. In the warmer months, there is a scenic overlook that treats to views of the Chicago skyline. Greene Valley Forest Preserves offers quite the range of adventures!
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