Groth/Norene Nature/Forest Preserve

This is an area of natural forest surrounded by cleared fields with a network of trails winding through it.  It is a great place for a casual walk in the woods.  The most difficult part of walking these trails is getting to them. There are three points of entry, each with it’s obstacles.

You can enter from the north, by going through the Lucky Memorial Dog Park.  Park at the parking lot for the Dog Park, enter the Dog Park gate, walk straight south through the fenced area, and at the far fence turn right, exit the gate and enter the nature preserve.  It is also possible to walk down NE 101st Pl to reach the nature preserve, but this road is a private drive, so please be respectful of the neighbors.

To enter from the south, you park at the end of NE 97th Ave, then step over the low barbed wire fence, or through the gate, and follow the trail to the trees.

Another trail enters from the track behind Laurin Middle School, but that is mostly useful for anyone coming from the school.

An interesting oddity is the fact that when entering from the south, there is a sign that says “Groth Nature Preserve”, and when entering from the north, there is a sign that says “Lauretta Norene Forest Preserve”.  It appears that there were two adjoining plots of land dedicated by the two families to form the preserve.

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