Discover a ‘hidden gem’ near Addison Trail

When walking or driving by Addison Trail on Lombard Road, you might have missed a hidden gem right across the street from the school.

If you haven’t visited Army Trail Nature Center at 270 N. Lombard Road, be sure to experience this local treasure. Inside the center is nearly 18 acres of land that includes .75 miles of walking paths and trails, a pond and a variety of vegetation that supports wildlife such as red foxes, pheasants, rabbits, opossums, turtles, geese, ducks and other birds.

The center was bought in 1987 through an open-space grant and is an intergovernmental project between the Addison Park District, District 88, Addison Elementary School District 4 and the Village of Addison (which maintains the pond).

One can often see Addison Trail students using the ropes course at the center for teambuilding exercises or sketching and taking photos of the area for art classes. And members of the newly formed Fishing Club enjoy honing their skills by the pond.

Students give back to the center as well. The Environmental Club updates and maintains the kiosk with information about the center, and a variety of groups help keep the land clean during the park district’s Park Pride Cleanup event.

Community members are invited to visit the center from sunrise to sunset and also can enjoy two observation decks and an outdoor educational classroom.

“Army Trail Nature Center is a wonderful asset for our students, staff and community,” said Mike Bolden, Addison Trail Assistant Principal. “It truly is a hidden gem in our backyard, and we would love for more people to experience the center.”

For more information about Army Trail Nature Center, call Addison Trail at 630-628-3300.