If you’ve ever watched a bald eagle soar overhead, spotted a river otter along the water’s edge, or listened to the songs of migrating birds, you’ve experienced just a glimpse of what makes southern Illinois such a remarkable place.
Protecting those experiences and the habitats wildlife depends on is becoming more important every year.
In the 36 counties where much of our work takes place in southern Illinois, less than three percent of the land is permanently conserved.
That means many of the forests, wetlands, and river corridors that sustain wildlife remain vulnerable, even though they are essential for healthy ecosystems and for the outdoor traditions so many people enjoy.
Oxbow Lake of the Kaskaskia Rivera
Washington County, Illinois
One place where conservation is making a difference is our 170-acre Kathleen Scanlan Conservation Area along the Kaskaskia River in Washington County. This beautiful floodplain forest, with its towering oak, pecan, and other native hardwood trees, provides important habitat for river otters, bald eagles, smooth soft-shell turtles, migratory songbirds, and many other species.
The property is also part of the largest connected block of forest remaining in Illinois. Those connections matter.
Many wildlife species need large, unbroken forests to survive, especially migratory birds like the beautiful prothonotary warbler that depend on these woodlands during their remarkable seasonal journeys.
As summers become hotter and weather patterns continue to change, connected forests and river corridors are becoming even more valuable. They provide cooler places where wildlife can find food, water, shelter, and safe places to rest as they move through the landscape.
Prothonatary Warblers are migratory birds that need large, connected floodplain forests for nesting and resting.
The work doesn’t stop with protecting a single property. As opportunities arise, we hope to work with willing landowners to conserve additional forests, wetlands, farmland, and other natural areas along the Kaskaskia River. By connecting these lands over time, we can create larger, healthier habitats while preserving opportunities for people to enjoy nature through walking, fishing, hunting, and quiet moments along the river.
None of this happens overnight. It takes landowners with a conservation vision, community partners, volunteers, and supporters who believe these special places are worth protecting.
As a community-supported land trust, every acre we conserve is made possible through the generosity of people who care about the future of southern Illinois.
Together, we’re helping create a connected landscape where wildlife can flourish and future generations can continue to enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor traditions that make this region such a special place to call home.