Forest preserve exploring uses for Greene Farm barn

A Forest Preserve District of DuPage County ad hoc committee is seeking businesses with ideas for mission-aligned uses for the Greene Farm barn at the southeast corner of Hobson and Greene roads in the Greene Valley Forest Preserve, near Naperville and Woodridge.

"The forest preserve district recently entered into a license agreement with Tinkergarten, a business with programs that fit the district's mission," said ad hoc committee chairwoman Rachel Jenness. "The Greene Farm barn could provide a location for a similar complementary agreement."

Businesses looking for a distinctive environment for activities, meetings, discussions, classes, performances, parties, exhibits, camps, trainings and more are encouraged to consider how the historic timber-frame barn could complement their missions, as well as that of the district.

Interested parties are invited to contact Jenness at rbjenness@yahoo.com with their ideas.

"The Greene Farm barn is a public asset," said ad hoc committee member Troy Cooper. "Relationships with businesses and other organizations through license agreements could minimize district expenses and expand program diversity for county residents."

The district's board of commissioners created the ad hoc committee in January 2019 to explore potential uses for the barn that would not only benefit the public the most, but also align with the district's mission and master plan goals and objectives.

In addition to the barn, the 1,388-acre Greene Valley Forest Preserve has a 190-foot scenic overlook, 12 miles of trails, picnic shelters, an off-leash dog area, a model craft area and a youth-group campground.

It is also home to more than 540 types of native plants, making it one of the county's most botanically diverse sites.