Fall 1998

Hidden gem in the rough features hiking and horseback trails.

DuPage County, Illinois

"The diversity of Greene Valley is what makes it special," says Elaine Turski, who has lived adjacent to this DuPage County forest preserve since 1976.

At 1,500 acres, Greene Valley is a relatively large, though little-used, preserve.

Those who know it consider it a recreational gem in the rough. Eight miles of mixed crushed stone and turf trails loop in and out of open areas and majestic oak woods and will eventually extend to the east side of the DuPage River. Hikers and horseback riders may come upon fox, coyotes, and the usual raccoons, deer, and possum.

Along with its oak groves, Greene Valley has large open grasslands that provide habitat for birds such as savanna sparrows and bobolinks. Be on the lookout for herons and egrets along the river and associated wetland areas and for hawks soaring along the thermals.

In 1974, the Forest Preserve District developed a 200-acre portion along the southern end of the property into a sanitary landfill. The landfill was closed in 1997 and the District has begun to redevelop the site for recreation.

Now 190 feet tall, the hill is the second highest point in DuPage County and one of the highest in the state. Though the summit is not yet open to the public, the hill itself will be opened for special events as early as spring of 1999 when the roads leading to the top will be re-graded for automobiles. " We are doing what we promised we would do. It took us a little longer, but it is happening," stated Joe Benedict, the District's Director of Environmental Services.

The trails and views will be even more appealing when the plantings begin on the hillside. Greene Valley will be the site of various test plots to ascertain what types of native plants and trees will grow in an open area subject to the constant winds found at that height. This is the first plant and tree study of its type and should, over the next 5-10 years and longer, produce results that will improve the habitat of other reclaimed areas. Long term, this hill should eventually become an open savanna blending into a forest.

At the northern end of Greene Valley, visitors will find large picnic shelters and associated amenities. The Thunderbird Youth Camp on the south end of the property has always been an actively used campground. The old farm buildings on Hobson Rd. are the site of Indian and pioneer festivals.

Note the progress of the District's prairie reconstruction from the long driveway leading to trailhead as well as along the trail. Several years ago the District planted white, red, and bur oak trees along this drive to expand the oak groves. To keep the area attractive while these very young trees grow to maturity over the next several decades, a colorful mix of native forbs — yellow and purple coneflower, monarda, black-eyed Susan, asters, prairie dock, rattlesnake master, and goldenrod — was planted. These native plants provide a pleasing vista as the area makes its slow transition back to a healthy savanna.

Trailhead parking has been improved to a large paved lot with water available. Horseback riders in particular will be pleased to learn that the parking lot has been sealed with the good non-slip surface that has been used at the Waterfall Glen trailhead.

— Kandee Haertel