Preserve history
The 1,541-acre Hickory Creek Preserve was acquired between 1942 and 2010.
The preserve is part of the Hickory Creek preservation system, which conserves more than 2,000 acres.
The preserve is the District's largest individual preserve, and the majority of the land was acquired for a regional stormwater reservoir which was never constructed.
Hickory Creek Preserve has three access areas: Hickory Creek Barrens in New Lenox; Hickory Creek Junction in Mokena; and LaPorte Road Access in Mokena.
Hickory Creek Barrens features the New Lenox Historical Society's historic one-room Schmuhl School. A 595-acre portion of the site was dedicated as an Illinois Nature Preserve in 1998. This dedication provides permanent protection for the preserve's natural resources.
Natural resources
Hickory Creek Preserve protects a diversity of habitats, including forest, prairie, savanna, wetland and a portion of Hickory Creek.
Wildlife found at the preserve includes more than 50 bird species, such as the pileated woodpecker, yellow-rumped warbler, brown creeper and hermit thrush.
The preserve is also home to a variety of plant species, including lead plant, beechwood sedge, yellow trout lily, prairie gentian and wild senna. The nature preserve is home to the largest population of the state-threatened savanna blazing star in Illinois, as well as the federally threatened Mead's milkweed.
The site is managed with invasive species control, prescribed burning and habitat restoration to protect and enhance its natural resources.
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Amenities and activities
Trails
Hickory Creek Junction features 0.55 mile of natural surface trail, ideal for the following activities:
- Hiking/running
- Cross-country skiing
- Snowshoeing
LaPorte Road Access features 1.16 mile of natural surface trail, ideal for the following activities:
- Hiking/running
- Cross-country skiing
- Snowshoeing
Hickory Creek Barrens and Hickory Creek Junction provide access to the 3.75-mile paved western segment of the Hickory Creek Bikeway; the 7.56-mile Route 30 Bikeway and the 22-mile Old Plank Road Trail. LaPorte Road Access provides access to the 2.25-mile paved eastern segment of the Hickory Creek Bikeway. All three trails are ideal for the following activities:
- Biking
- Hiking/running
- In-line skating
- Cross-country skiing
- Snowshoeing
Picnicking
Hickory Creek Preserve has four picnic shelters available for rental:
- Hickory Creek Barrens Shelter, which has a permit capacity of 60 people.
- Hickory Creek Junction Shelter, which has a permit capacity of 120 people.
- Hickory Hollow Shelter, at LaPorte Road Access, which has a permit capacity of 150 people.
- Shagbark Grove Shelter, at LaPorte Road Access, which has a permit capacity of 90 people.
Geocaching
Permits are available for geocaching at LaPorte Road Access.
