MADISON-The Land Trust of North Alabama’s 11th nature preserve is officially open!
On October 2, the Land Trust celebrated the grand opening of Mill Creek Nature Preserve in Madison, marking an exciting new chapter for conservation and recreation in the community. Located off Balch Road, the preserve’s first phase features approximately one mile of gentle hiking trails through beautiful woods and along streams.
The grand opening brought together community members, volunteers, city leaders, and the many partners who helped make the preserve possible. The event featured remarks from City of Madison Mayor Ranae Bartlett, Madison City Councilman Kenneth Jackson of District 7, and representatives from the Land Trust and Madison Greenways & Trails.
“Mill Creek Nature Preserve is a wonderful example of what can happen when a community comes together around a shared vision for protecting greenspace,” said Marie Bostick, Executive Director of the Land Trust of North Alabama. “We are proud to play a role in protecting and stewarding this special place for the community.”
The idea for Mill Creek Nature Preserve originated with Madison Greenways & Trails and has been years in the making. The property has been part of Madison’s vision for greenspace since 2006, when the land was acquired, and was later identified as a high-priority greenspace project in the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
Bringing the preserve to life has been a true community effort. More than 700 hours of volunteer work have gone into the project, with contributions from Madison Greenways & Trails volunteers, Land Trust staff and volunteers, the City of Madison, Madison Visionary Partners, local history and cemetery organizations, and many other community members.
The preserve also connects visitors to Madison’s history. The Balch Road Trailhead is located at the historic Gray Cemetery, where local volunteers have been working to restore and preserve the cemetery. The site honors the early settlers of the Providence community, who established roots in the area more than 200 years ago.
“Mill Creek gives our community another place to relax, enjoy nature, and experience the peaceful world around us,” said Jim Chamberlain of Madison Greenways & Trails.
Phase 1 is just the beginning. Future plans include a potential second trailhead on the east side of the preserve with up to two additional miles of trails. There is also a long-term vision to extend Mill Creek Greenway from its current terminus near Browns Ferry Road toward the Wall Triana Highway area, creating additional connections across Madison.
For now, we invite you to come explore Mill Creek Nature Preserve, enjoy its gentle trails and beautiful natural surroundings, and experience the Land Trust’s newest preserve for yourself.
Mill Creek Nature Preserve is located off Balch Road in Madison, just north of the Chelsea Park subdivision. The Balch Road Trailhead is located at the historic Gray Cemetery.
Media Release/Land Trust of North Alabama
