Small Naperville forest preserve expanding

A small forest preserve in the heart of Naperville is about to get a little larger.

Goodrich Woods on the south side of Hobson Road will expand by 1.7 acres after the DuPage County Forest Preserve District agreed Tuesday to buy the additional land from Naperville Unit District 203.

"We're purchasing beautiful, high-quality forest," said Mary Lou Wehrli, a forest preserve commissioner whose district includes Goodrich Woods. "It's a real gem in the heart of Naperville."

The land the forest preserve district bought for $630,000 surrounds Hobson School, a cooperative preschool that rents its space from District 203. The new segment of the preserve abuts the 13.4 acres that previously made up Goodrich Woods.

The land won't look any different now that it is changing ownership. But Joseph Cantore, forest preserve president, said that's the point.

"Our interest in the open space around Goodrich Woods stems from our mission, which is to preserve open space," Cantore said. "We thought this was an opportunity to preserve and protect open space for the benefit of all DuPage County residents."

Wehrli said nearby residents can benefit from the preserve's trails and interpretive signage, which are maintained by Naperville Park District. The woods, at 25W505 Hobson Road, are located between Olesen Lane and Naper Boulevard and not far from the DuPage River Trail that parallels Washington Street.

Wehrli said the natural area offers inviting scenery through the seasons.

"I've been there in the winter and the spring, and it has beautiful woodland plants, and it has a creek running through it and beautiful oak trees," Wehrli said. "It's a real asset."

Cantore said the sale of the land clarifies the boundary between school district property and the forest preserve itself.

District 203 officials said negotiations for the sale were lengthy but resulted in a fair price and a well-reasoned agreement.

"I think ultimately it's going to be a benefit to the community," school board President Terry Fielden said.