Project Overview In Progress
The area between the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden and the Museum of the Grand Prairie, known as the Discovery Garden, is being renovated to provide plant production space for the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden, more formal space for indoor and outdoor programs, improved accessiblity, and a more unified feel to the area that complements both the museum and the garden. The Forest Preserves received funding from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Public Museum Capital Grant Program.
The former greenhouse was demolished in 2023. The new greenhouse will provide substantial efficiency improvements over the previous greenhouse, which was over 50 years old. Construction of the concrete was completed in 2025. The buildings will be installed in 2026.
Improvements being made include:
- Install a new greenhouse facility (August 2026)
- Install an outdoor classroom (June 2026)
- Install a restroom (complete)
- Create accessible pathways (complete)
- Establish native landscaping (fall 2026)
- Install benches, signage, exhibits, and interpretive signs (summer, fall 2026)