Madison to gain a new designated nature preserve

Mill Creek Nature Preserve is a collaborative effort between the Land Trust of North Alabama, Madison Greenways and Trails, and local volunteers.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:03pm

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The Land Trust of North Alabama has announced the creation of a new nature preserve called Mill Creek Nature Preserve in the northern section of Madison, Alabama. The preserve is the result of a collaborative effort between the Land Trust, Madison Greenways and Trails, and local volunteers, and will feature the Old Providence Trailhead as its first phase, opening to the public in June.

Why it matters

As Madison's population has grown significantly over the past 40 years, the need for accessible green spaces and nature preserves has increased. The Mill Creek Nature Preserve represents an important addition to the city's outdoor recreation and conservation efforts, building on the success of previous projects like the Bradford Creek Greenway.

The details

The Mill Creek Nature Preserve is being developed through a collaboration between the Land Trust of North Alabama, Madison Greenways and Trails, and local volunteers. The first phase, the Old Providence Trailhead, is located off Balch Road just north of the Chelsea Park subdivision and is named after the historic Old Providence Church that once stood nearby. Madison Greenways and Trails has been working quietly for around 25 years to promote greenways and outdoor spaces in the city, with the Bradford Creek Greenway and Rainbolt Trail being previous successes.

  • The Old Providence Trailhead, the first phase of the Mill Creek Nature Preserve, is scheduled to open to the public in June 2026.
  • Madison Greenways and Trails was founded around the year 2000 to promote the city's first greenway, the Bradford Creek Greenway.

The players

Land Trust of North Alabama

A non-profit organization that works to protect natural lands and promote conservation in northern Alabama.

Madison Greenways and Trails

A volunteer group founded around 2000 that has worked to establish greenways and outdoor spaces in the city of Madison, Alabama.

Jim Chamberlain

A founding member of Madison Greenways and Trails and the current president of the organization.

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What they’re saying

“Madison was booming, and we knew we needed more green space. This volunteer group got together and worked with the city and managed to get some federal grants and National Park Service support to build Bradford Creek Greenway.”

— Jim Chamberlain, President, Madison Greenways and Trails

What’s next

The first phase of the Mill Creek Nature Preserve, the Old Providence Trailhead, is scheduled to open to the public in June 2026.

The takeaway

The creation of the Mill Creek Nature Preserve represents an important collaboration between community organizations and local government to expand Madison's network of greenways and nature preserves, providing residents with increased access to outdoor recreation and conservation efforts as the city continues to grow.