Green Valley Forest Preserve, IL

The 1,388-acre Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville is home to more than 540 native plant species, making it one of the county’s most botanically diverse sites. On weekends May through October, its 190-foot-tall scenic overlook provides a bird’s-eye view of the landscape and the Chicago skyline. It’s a great spot to picnic or look for migratory birds. Greene Valley also offers 12 miles of marked trails, picnic shelters, an off-leash dog area, a model craft area, a youth-group campground and more.

Greene Valley boasts a high-quality oak woodland north of 79th Street, an area one former owner set aside for plant and animal conservation more than 50 years ago. Native wildflowers provide spectacular spring displays. The savanna between Greene Road and the East Branch DuPage River and the aged oak woodland in the youth-group campground are excellent examples of how plant communities looked in DuPage County more than a century ago.

Greene Valley is also home to more than 370 different kinds of native animals. In its wetlands, waterfowl, herons, egrets and other aquatic life flourish, and choruses of toads and frogs call during the spring breeding season. In its meadows, you may catch a glimpse of a passing coyote or hear the songs of meadowlarks and bobolinks. Walk into the forest, and you just might flush a great horned owl from its roost or startle a white-tailed deer and fawn.

I give you an intro for Green Valley Forest Preserve at the trailhead.

REI Offer

I record some thoughts and observations halfway through my hike today

KÜHL Clothing Offer

Lunchtime – Sunflower butter and orange jelly “PB&J” sandwich today. Visit Jerry’s Fruit and Garden Market: https://www.jerrysfruitandgarden.com

Osprey Offer

I’ve finished my hike in 4.85 miles because I made a wrong turn. However, I really liked the birding opportunity of Green Valley Forest Preserve.

MSR Offer