In 2014, Ducks Unlimited identified Stewart lake as a project of their Big River Initiative. The 1,500-acre shallow lake wetland is an important natural resting area for migrating teal, pintails, mallards and other ducks and one of the best remaining and least disturbed backwater lakes in the Illinois River Valley. The west half (700 acres) was purchased and donated to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Shortly after, the east end (800 acres) was secured with funding provided by Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation and the Grand Victoria Foundation, along with the agreement that this parcel would be donated to the Illinois Audubon Society and become a permanent sanctuary for waterfowl and other migratory birds.

The protection of Stewart Lake is a showcase of partnerships between non-profit land trusts and foundations committed to the conservation of our natural areas. Illinois Audubon Society took possession of the property in late 2017.

Public Access Guidelines

• Open dawn to dusk
• Open to public but no trails available

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Hopewell Hill Prairies Nature Preserve includes several hill prairie remnants while Fern Ridge Nature Preserve is more wooded with healthy populations of ferns and yellow lady-slippers orchids.

Maury and Emiko donated the property to Illinois Audubon Society in February 2019.  A  management agreement will be developed with Peoria Audubon Society who will serve as the Hopewell/Fern local sanctuary committee.

Visitor Rules

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The property includes approximately 1 mile of frontage on the Illinois River and approximately ¼ mile of lower Senachwine Creek at its confluence with the river.

The area has been identified as a Conservation Opportunity Area in the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan (IWAP) and is a conservation priority in the US Fish & Wildlife Service’s North American Waterfowl Management Plan.

A total of 152 bird species have been identified at the site including many IWAP species of conservation concern. These include American black duck, great egret, lesser scaup, canvasback, brown creeper, northern harrier, marsh wren, yellow-billed cuckoo, northern flicker, bald eagle, wood thrush, yellow-breasted chat, short-billed dowitcher, hooded merganser, Connecticut warbler, Kentucky warbler, osprey, pied-billed grebe, prothonotary warbler, brown thrasher, greater yellowlegs and blue-winged warbler. Two of these species—the northern harrier and osprey—are state listed endangered species.

The protection of Chillicothe Bottoms is part of a broader effort to protect and restore the Middle Illinois River. Illinois Audubon Society has enlisted Peoria Audubon Society as the lead in overseeing management, providing stewardship and expanding future public use of the property.

Visitor Rules

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The $2.1 million purchase was made possible through a land acquisition grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (Chicago, Illinois), long-time Society member Russell Gremel, and Illinois Audubon’s land acquisition fund. The land was dedicated in early 2017 as the Gremel Wildlife Sanctuary: a Legacy Project of the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation. It was dedicated as an Illinois Nature Preserve in January 2022. Gremel hoped that generations of young land stewards and bird enthusiasts would be able to visit and enjoy the sanctuary. Public access is available from a parking area off Lewis Road.

Visitor Rules

• Gremel Nature Preserve Trail Map
• Learn more about Russell Gremel and his drive to leave a legacy from this Illinois Audubon magazine article – Russell Gremel, IAS Benefactor.
• Hot Spot Link to eBird Species List for Gremel Nature Preserve
• 2019 Summary Report of the Avian Breeding Community at Amboy Marsh Nature Preserve and Gremel Nature Preserve

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BE AWARE: 
October 1, 2025 through January 18, 2026 is Bow Season. Trails are open BUT wear bright orange if visiting the preserve

Amboy Marsh was purchased by the Illinois Audubon Society in 2012. This acquisition provides for permanent protection of a rare and fragile portion of the Green River Lowlands section of the Grand Prairie Division.

Located in southeastern Lee County, the 302-acre wetland complex is interspersed with black oak sand savannas, sedge meadows and dry sand prairie. Diverse habitat provides homes for a variety of native flora and fauna.

By definition Amboy Marsh Nature Preserve is a watery place. Several springs and seeps emerge from the side of sand dunes; characteristic marshes and wetlands here have always been a seasonal phenomenon, a blessing for amphibians that require fishless ponds for successful breeding.

Visitor Rules

Amboy Marsh Nature Preserve Trail Map

Hot Spot Link to eBird Species List for Amboy Marsh Nature Preserve

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In 1990, Dick and Jean Graber gifted this property, along with an endowment for its care and maintenance, to the Illinois Audubon Society.  The long-term goal for the War Bluff Valley Sanctuary is to preserve an upland forest ecosystem in Southern Illinois.

Habitat is provided for the red-shouldered hawk and other forest birds, as well as the state-threatened timber rattlesnake and golden mouse. Native orchids and other rare plants are also protected.

Stewardship for the sanctuary is coordinated by the Shawnee Chapter.

Download a War Bluff Valley Sanctuary Trail Map.

Visitor Rules

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Robert Ridgeway Grasslands is 25.86 acres of reconstructed prairie typical of the Effingham Plain Section of the Southern Till Plain Natural Division. Little and big bluestem are the dominate grasses; common forbs include blazing stars, rattlesnake master, Illinois bundleflower, prairie dock, compass plant and rosinweed. The site is managed in conjunction with Prairie Ridge State Natural Area.

Enjoy trails through the restored prairie and wetland.  It is located on 40 acres, about 5 miles south of Newton in Jasper County, and 1/2 mile from the Prairie Ridge SNA headquarters

From the jct. of Hwys. 33 and 130 in Newton, take Hwy. 130 south 7.5 to county road 300N, go west 4 miles to county road 1100E, go north 1 mile to county road 400N, go west 0.3 miles to the parking lot on the north side of the road.

Visitor Rules

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This very high-quality natural area has been dedicated as an Illinois Nature Preserve for the highest degree of long-term protection. This preserve is located on 40 acres in Hamilton County, near the town of Dahlgren.

Stewardship activities for this area include prescribed burning and the selective removal of exotic and invasive plants in order to maintain the high quality of this Illinois Natural Areas Inventory site. The site is monitored and managed by Illinois Nature Preserve Commission staff.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS NO PUBLIC ACCESS TO THIS SANCTUARY

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The island had been threatened by a series of plans for residential and commercial development. A three-year struggle to save it ended successfully due to a generous grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation.

Bald eagles use the island as a wintering site, perching in the trees and flying forth over the river to feed at the nearby lock and dam. The Society wanted to save the island not only for eagles, but to preserve the scenic view from atop Starved Rock, and to protect the Native American archaeological sites which are there.

Reforestation of part of the island is ongoing, and it will be closed to visitation except for stewardship activities.  Many hours of volunteer time have been donated to help plant trees.

OCTOBER 15, 2022 Tree Planting on Plum Island in partnership with
Living Lands and Waters

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Map location is approximate.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS NO PUBLIC ACCESS TO THIS SANCTUARY

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