MADISON – The City of Madison, Land Trust of North Alabama, and Madison Greenways & Trails invite the community and media to celebrate the grand opening of Mill Creek Nature Preserve on Friday, October 2, at 11 a.m. The grand opening will take place at the Balch Road Trailhead, located at the same site as the historic Gray Cemetery.
The new preserve provides approximately one mile of gentle hiking trails through beautiful woods and along streams in the heart of Madison. The trails are designed to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages and abilities and provide a new opportunity for residents to experience nature while connecting with an important piece of the community’s history.
The grand opening will feature remarks from City of Madison Mayor Ranae Bartlett, Madison City Councilman Kenneth Jackson of District 7, and representatives from the Land Trust of North Alabama and Madison Greenways & Trails.
The Balch Road Trailhead marks the beginning of a larger vision for Mill Creek Nature Preserve. The project has been part of Madison’s vision for greenspace since 2006, when the property was acquired. Mill Creek Nature Preserve was identified as a high-priority greenspace project in the City’s Comprehensive Plan and is being developed in multiple phases.
“Mill Creek Nature Preserve is a wonderful example of what can happen when a community comes together around a shared vision for protecting greenspace and creating places for people to experience nature,” said Marie Bostick, Executive Director of the Land Trust of North Alabama. “We are grateful to the City of Madison, Madison Greenways & Trails, the volunteers who have invested their time and energy, and the many partners who have helped bring this vision to life. The Land Trust is proud to play a role in protecting and stewarding this special place for the community, and we look forward to seeing Mill Creek Nature Preserve grow in the years ahead.”
Madison Greenways & Trails has been instrumental in bringing the project from an idea to reality.
“Madison is a growing and vibrant city. We work hard but need additional greenspace where we can relax, absorb the sights and sounds of nature, and enjoy the peaceful world around us,” said Jim Chamberlain of Madison Greenways & Trails. “Balch Road Trailhead at Mill Creek Nature Preserve provides a mile of gentle hiking trails suitable for all ages and abilities. Come out, hike the trails, and enjoy our beautiful woods and streams.”
The preserve also recognizes the history of the Providence community, whose early settlers established roots in the area more than 200 years ago. Located at the trailhead is the historic Gray Cemetery, which has been undergoing renovation and restoration through the efforts of local volunteers. The partnership between the cemetery volunteers, Madison Greenways & Trails, the City of Madison, and the Land Trust will establish the site as both a recreational preserve and a place for historic preservation.
The project has involved the efforts of numerous community partners over several years, including the Land Trust of North Alabama, Madison Greenways & Trails, City of Madison, Madison Visionary Partners, and local Madison history and cemetery organizations, along with countless volunteers and community members.
The Land Trust of North Alabama will ultimately oversee the Mill Creek Nature Preserve as a whole, similar to its role at Rainbow Mountain Preserve in Madison.
Future phases will expand recreational opportunities throughout the preserve. Beginning in 2027, the Land Trust has recommended development of a second trailhead on the east side of the property, with the potential for up to two additional miles of trails.
The long-term vision also includes extending the Mill Creek Greenway from its current terminus near Browns Ferry Road toward the Wall Triana Highway area. This future connection could link the western side of Madison, including Bradford Creek Greenway, with the eastern side of the city and existing walking and biking paths near Wall Triana Highway and Hughes Road.
The Balch Road Trailhead is located just north of the Chelsea Park subdivision at the site of the historic Gray Cemetery. The public and members of the media are invited to attend the grand opening on Friday, October 2, at 11 a.m. and explore the new trails.
Media Release/Abigail Harrison, Marketing Director/Land Trust of North Alabama
