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| Plum Creek Nature Center |
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| The beauty of a blossom.the roar of the wind in the trees. At some time in our lives, nature touches us in ways that foster deep admiration of the world around us. Plum Creek Nature Center is designed to provoke those same feelings.
The Nature Center is situated in the over 700 acre Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve. Nestled among forests, fields, cattail marshes, and a small pond, the Nature Center is the perfect place for discovering the outdoors. It offers something for little children who like to touch feathers and rocks, school children who marvel at the structure of animal skulls, adults who wonder how to attract butterflies in their gardens, and seniors who enjoy watching winter birds at the feeders. Outdoor recreation opportunities as well as indoor experiences make this a place for learning and exploration.
Inside, children discover an exciting place to examine natural objects such as animal bones, feathers, shells, and fossils. Filled with cozy bean bag chairs, the reading corner entices visitors to settle down with one of our many children's books. |
Plum Creek Nature Center
27064 S. Dutton Road
Beecher, IL 60401
708.946.2216
Located in Goodenow Grove Forest Preserve, 1.25 miles east of the intersection of Route 1 and Route 394 on Goodenow Road, in Crete Township.
Hours:
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Tuesday - Saturday
Noon - 4:00 p.m., Sunday |
A large window provides an observation area for the bird feeding station. Surrounding the bird feeders is a butterfly garden which demonstrates plants that attract a variety of wildlife.
Using nature to enlighten, Plum Creek Nature Center hosts family programs on hummingbirds, bats, and bird-feeding, as well as night hikes, and book discussion groups. Campfire programs during the summer provide families an opportunity to enjoy the evening out-of-doors listening to songs, stories, and skits.
For school children and youth groups, Goodenow Grove becomes a place of adventure. Programs, focusing on nature-awareness, are offered to school groups in the spring and fall.
Plum Creek Nature Center is your first stop before heading out for a myriad of outdoor activities. Picnicking, hiking, and camping await those looking for summer fun. In winter, enjoy cross-country skiing and ice skating. Stop by the nature center to rent an inner tube ($1.00/all day with a valid ID) or bring your own sled (no snowboards or sleds with runners) and try sledding on our 30-foot hill. Afterwards, warm up in the Nature Center by the crackling fire. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee while viewing birds at our bird feeding area.
Calendar of Events | Educational Programs | Special Events & Grand Openings |
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