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Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Sunrise: 7:02 a.m.
Sunset: 5:10 p.m.
Saturday, February 04

Acres: 81

Amenities: Drinking Water, Parking and Portable Washrooms

Hours: Open daily one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset

Location: Downers Grove, IL

Activities & Facilities

Bicycling, Hiking, Picnicking, Wildlife Watching

Downloadable Maps

Preserve Map

Habitats:

Lake/Pond/Waterway and Woodland

Maple Grove

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One of the oldest forest preserves in DuPage County, Maple Grove is the largest remaining remnant of the vast maple forest that became Downers Grove. Because less than 0.5 percent of Illinois’ natural areas are intact today, Maple Grove is both a rare historic forest and a valuable natural area. The preserve is categorized as a “globally endangered ecosystem” by ecologists.

The preserve’s remnant black maple savanna and upland maple forest communities host hundreds of plant species, some of which are threatened or endangered. Spring is an especially wonderful time at Maple Grove, with carpets of trillium, buttercups and wild geraniums blooming throughout the forest. In fall, the preserve’s woodlands put on a spectacular color show, and are home to a variety of birds, from indigo buntings to great horned owls. The preserve is also a migratory bird stopover.

Recreation

Picnicking

Picnic tables, water pumps and portable washrooms are available for visitors. Ground fires are not allowed, but visitors are welcome to bring their own grills and use the hot-coal disposal containers on site.

Trails

Multipurpose and interpretive trails wind through the maple forest, where hikers can appreciate the spring wildflowers and amazing fall colors. Trails are provided to experience this rare habitat; please follow all rules.

Volunteer Opportunities

Working under the direction of the Office of Natural Resources, volunteer site stewards and “Volunteer Restoration Workday” participants help to monitor and manage the large maple woodland and oak savanna that make up this preserve. For information on volunteer opportunities at Maple Grove and other forest preserves, visit the Natural Resource Management volunteer page, or contact Volunteer Services at (630) 933-7681 or volunteer@dupageforest.org.

Accessibility

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is committed to making its facilities accessible to all visitors. Individuals with accessibility needs or concerns should contact the District’s ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days before their visit.