Galena Gateway Park – A Partner Preserve

A 15-year quest to preserve one of Illinois’ most scenic views came to a successful close in late 2010 when JDCF closed on 100 acres known as the Galena Gateway Park and saved the first view of Galena as seen from Hwy 20 when ‘rounding Horseshoe Mound.  This achievement was the result of grants from two private foundations, an outpouring of community support that raised the money needed to apply for these grants, as well the hard work and dedication of countless volunteers since the early 1990’s.  JDCF then donated the park to the City of Galena, which will own the site in perpetuity.  In December 2017, JDCF donated the 80-acre Addition to Galena Gateway Park to the City of Galena.

In a public-private partnership with the City of Galena, JDCF purchased the Addition to Galena Gateway Park in February 2016 with funding provided by the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation and by funding and technical assistance made available as mitigation for impacts caused by the construction and maintenance of the Enbridge Pipelines, LLC, Flanagan South Pipeline in partnership with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The park now totals 180 acres and ensures that the Galena Gateway area will be forever open to the public to enjoy nature and the main view shed of historic Galena.

JDCF and the City will cooperatively manage the property going forward. The City will maintain a series of hiking trails and any benches, signage, or other public amenities that might be placed on the property. JDCF will manage the natural areas on the property with the help of the Galena Area Land Enthusiasts (GALE), a dedicated group of volunteers, who have been assisting JDCF with the management of Gateway Park for the past several years.