Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve

10/16/2026

Discover, explore and connect with nature at Plum Creek Nature Center! Nestled within Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve and just steps from the Plum Creek Greenway Trail, the nature center is the perfect place for families to spark curiosity and enjoy the outdoors. Get an up-close look at local wildlife, learn about native habitats and discover hands-on experiences that bring the natural world to life. Whether you're exploring indoors or heading out for an adventure, there's something for nature lovers of all ages.

10/15/2026

The pigments that create the vivid yellows and oranges that paint the fall landscape have been present since the trees leafed out in spring; they've just been masked by chlorophyll, the pigment that gives leaves their familiar green color.

Taking in the fall foliage has become such a thing that it's even generated its own term — leaf peeping. Here's your chance to learn more about the annual dazzling display.

10/12/2026

“They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky,” and it’s not just The Addams Family we’re talking about. Animals big and small scream Halloween — sometimes almost literally.

These creatures have a reputation for being some of the creepiest.

10/09/2026

In partnership with Birdability, Plum Creek Nature Center is hosting a birding by sound program intended for people who are blind and visually impaired. Recognizing birds by their songs and calls is a large part of birding and bird identification, and this hiking program will introduce participants to birding by sound only.

Birding for the Blind and Visually Impaired
When: 8:30 to 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19
Where: Plum Creek Nature Center at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve
Registration is required.

10/19/2026: Join us as we bird by sound alone in this program geared toward the blind and visually impaired.

10/08/2026

Spend an evening walking through the woods in search of tricks instead of treats! Join us to learn about the darker side of nature through challenges and games before relaxing around a fire with drinks (BYOB) while roasting hot dogs and marshmallows.

Moonlight Masquerade
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17
Where: Plum Creek Nature Center at Goodenow Grove Forest Preserve
Registration required.

10/17/2026: Learn about the darker side of nature through challenges and games in this adults-only evening in the woods.

10/08/2026

"You get to experience things at Goodenow Grove that you might not find in your own neighborhood or park."

Facility officer manager Marissa Jones tells us why she loves spending time at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve.

10/02/2026

Squirrels are generally pretty active from spring through fall, but autumn brings about a heightened flurry of activity for these clever rodents. Signs of colder weather fuel a need to forage and cache food for winter.

Look around, and you'll see many signs of changing seasons.

10/02/2026

Spend an evening learning about some of nature's most misunderstood creatures of the night. Enjoy a night hike listening for owls and other animals while learning how they use their senses to navigate the world at night.

Who Goes Bump in the Night?
When: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10
Where: Plum Creek Nature Center at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve
Registration is required.

10/10/2026: Join a naturalist for an evening hike as we uncover the truth about owls, one of nature’s most misunderstood nighttime residents.

10/01/2026

The free program is for ages 16 and older, and the registration deadline is Thursday, Oct. 15. Participants are responsible for their own transportation. A hike of up to 1 mile will be part of the program.

Free Oct. 19 program teaches participants to identify birds by sound.

10/01/2026

Nature is full of picture-perfect scenes, so find a scenic spot and re-create it in a drawing in this creative program at Plum Creek Nature Center. Drop by the nature center for a camera cut out then head out to take in the scenery along the trails. After you create a drawing of your scenic spot, return to the nature center for a prize.

Nature's Candid Camera
When: 10 am to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays through Nov. 1
Where: Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve at Plum Creek Nature Center

9/30/2026-11/1/2026: Capture the stunning sights of Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve by creating a drawing of something you saw and returning it to the nature center for a prize.