Nature Preserve Area:
5
County:
McLean
Location and Access:
From the Interstate 55 exit at Lexington, proceed westward on the county road about 5 miles. At the stop sign, turn right (north). A parking lot is located on the east side of the road, just after the county road crosses the Mackinaw River. The trail system begins at this parking lot.
Description:
This preserve protects a rare 11-acre savanna with a small hill prairie overlooking the Mackinaw River within the Grand Prairie Section of the Grand Prairie Natural Division. The preserve also contains upland and bottomland forest, a savanna restoration, and a portion of the Mackinaw River, a stream noted for its high mussel diversity. Notable birds observed in the savanna include the summer tanager, red-headed woodpecker, and eastern towhee. Prescribed fire is an important management tool being used to restore natural communities to a high-quality condition.
Ownership:
The ParkLand's Foundation
Dedicated:
November 2006
Size:
30 acres, with an additional 48 acres in buffer in two tracts
Topographic Quad:
Gridley
Topo Map:
Directions:
For further information:
The ParkLands Foundation, P.O. Box 3132, Bloomington, Illinois 61702-3132 (309-454-3169, www.parklandsfoundation.org)