Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve

Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve today to experience and learn about nature. Preserve open 8 a.m.-sunset; Nature Center open 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
(446)

The Forest Preserve District of Will County's Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve provides parking areas, two shelters, latrines, drinking fountains, primitive campsites, and access to a 40-foot sledding hill, the Plum Creek Nature Center, and the 3.15-mile Plum Creek Greenway Trail, ideal for horseback riding, bicycling, hiking/running, and, in the winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Tuesday-Saturday, Noon-4 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m.-sunset when sled hill is open, and closed Monday.

Add beekeeping to your list of skills when you sign up for our six-week Be a Beekeeper class. Our resident beekeeper wil...
05/31/2026

Add beekeeping to your list of skills when you sign up for our six-week Be a Beekeeper class. Our resident beekeeper will teach all the basics of beekeeping and will give participants hands-on experience working with hives. Each week will have a different focus, with the class intended to be a resource for both beginning and seasoned beekeepers.

Be a Beekeeper Class
When: 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturdays from June 20 to Aug. 1. (Class will not meet July 4.)
Where: Plum Creek Nature Center at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve
Registration is required.

6/20/2026-8/1/2026: Don't miss this opportunity to learn about beekeepers and gain hands-on experience working in local beehives from beekeeper Dade Bradley.

If you love the sight of birds in your yard, you may have to do more than just put out birdseed to attract a greater var...
05/29/2026

If you love the sight of birds in your yard, you may have to do more than just put out birdseed to attract a greater variety. Bird feeders are a start, but the plants in your yard also play a large role in attracting birds and other wildlife. They rely on plants like trees, shrubs and even grasses and flowers for both food and shelter. And when it comes to plants to attract wildlife, native plants are best.

If you are looking to attract a wide variety of birds to your yard, one of the best ways is to fill your landscape with native plants.

Stroll through the trails around Plum Creek Nature Center with a sense of wonder while learning how mindful observation ...
05/29/2026

Stroll through the trails around Plum Creek Nature Center with a sense of wonder while learning how mindful observation has shaped our understanding of the natural world. Participants will also learn strategies for staying present while outdoors as well as mindfulness practices they can use anywhere.

Wonder Walk at Goodenow Grove
When: 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 6
Where: Plum Creek Nature Center at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve
Registration is required.

6/6/2026: Join us for a gentle stroll around Goodenow Grove while learning about mindfulness practices.

Much has been said about the beauty and meaningfulness of the sun rising and setting each day, and June is a perfect tim...
05/28/2026

Much has been said about the beauty and meaningfulness of the sun rising and setting each day, and June is a perfect time to appreciate it because it's the month in which we experience some of the longest days of the year.

The time between sunrise and sunset reaches its maximum in June, so make plans to enjoy all that daylight.

Hit the trails for a naturalist-led early-morning bird hike as we look for our state bird, the northern cardinal, and ot...
05/26/2026

Hit the trails for a naturalist-led early-morning bird hike as we look for our state bird, the northern cardinal, and other familiar species. After the hike, take some time to explore the "Winged Ambassadors" art exhibit in the nature center while also watching the birds come and go from our feeders.

"Winged Ambassadors" and Avian Amble
When: 7:30 to 9 a.m. Thursday, June 4
Where: Plum Creek Nature Center at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve

6/4/2026: Take an early-morning bird hike then continue your experience indoors with a viewing of the “Winged Ambassadors​” exhibit.

Shirts will appeal to a wide variety of groups with themes for wildlife, birds, fishing, gardening, and outdoors/camping...
05/24/2026

Shirts will appeal to a wide variety of groups with themes for wildlife, birds, fishing, gardening, and outdoors/camping.

Nature lovers can save up to 25% on Forest Preserve District merchandise during a Memorial Day holiday week sale at OutsiderThreads.com. Proceeds from the nature-themed merchandise sales benefit conservation, recreation and education programs through The Nature Foundation of Will County.

Guess what? The section of the Plum Creek Greenway Trail that was previously closed due to a fallen tree damaging the no...
05/22/2026

Guess what? The section of the Plum Creek Greenway Trail that was previously closed due to a fallen tree damaging the north bridge near Bemes Road has officially reopened — just in time for the long weekend!

(Photo by Chris Moeller)

Your instinct may be to turn and run away, but this is exactly what you should not do.
05/18/2026

Your instinct may be to turn and run away, but this is exactly what you should not do.

It's nesting season for Canada geese, so don't be surprised if they seem a little more feisty and aggressive than usual. If you happen come face to face with one, don't turn your back and run.

The pyrrhuloxia looks an awful lot like the northern cardinal, just in a different color way.
05/15/2026

The pyrrhuloxia looks an awful lot like the northern cardinal, just in a different color way.

The pyrrhuloxia is a bird that looks a lot like our familiar cardinals but the colors are all wrong.

Address

Beecher, IL
60417

Telephone

(708) 946-2216

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share