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KNOLL FAMILY WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
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Madison County, IL | 40 Acres
Type: Natural Area
Owned by: HeartLands Conservancy
Our role: With less than 1% of Illinois prairies remaining, HeartLands Conservancy acquired the 40 acres of rare sand prairie in 2023. We own and manage this property for wildlife habitat and are actively restoring the prairie.
Funding support to purchase the property was made available as mitigation for habitat impacts arising through the construction of the Glacier Sands Wind Project and Moraine Sands Wind Project in partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and The Conservation Fund; a grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation; and by a generous donation by Mary Knoll Sullivan.
Hours: We host periodic tours of the area. The property doesn’t yet contain trails for general public access given its sensitive wildlife habitat. Public access is currently being planned.
Location & Directions
Located at the southwest corner of New Poag Road and Wanda Road in Edwardsville, Illinois.
Trails & Facilities
Because the property is under restoration and is sensitive wildlife habitat, this site is currently only available for tours. We host periodic tours and announce them through our eNewsletter (you can sign up here). There are no trails, facilities, or parking areas available at this location.
[We are actively raising funds to support public access and trails. If you’re interested, you can help the habitat and access here.]
However, there are trails located nearby at Poag Sand Prairie.
Wildlife & Habitat
Knoll Family Wildlife Sanctuary includes rare sand prairie and sand savanna habitat. Less than 2,500 acres of this habitat remains in the state.
You’ll find sand soils, a shallow wildlife pond, and unique plants and wildlife at Knoll.
Plants of interest include prickly pear cactus, hoary vervain, blackjack oak trees, and primrose.
Depending on the season, you may be able to see a variety of birds and other wildlife.
Prairie birds, such as Woodcocks and dickcissels have been observed here.
The property is also home to state-endangered Ornate box turtles and Illinois Chorus Frogs. SIUE researchers are monitoring the sanctuary’s population of turtles, including one they named Abby.
Regulations
The property is only accessible through guided walks hosted by the HeartLands Conservancy.
As a community-supported conservation organization, your support is important to foster the love of the land, care for the lands we own, and protect additional properties. We therefore want you to know that when you participate in our programs or visit our properties, you do so recognizing that we may use photographs or videos of program participants for educational and promotional use. By visiting our properties, you therefore acknowledge this possibility and convey consent.
Overview
Knoll Family Wildlife Sanctuary
The Knoll Family Wildlife Sanctuary protects one of the rarest habitats in Illinois – sand prairie. These sandy grasslands are home to a unique wildlife, including pollinators, frogs, prairie birds, and the vulnerable Ornate box turtle.
Prairies once covered two-thirds of Illinois. Today, less than 1% of original prairie is left. Along with the loss of prairies came loss and decline of many wildlife that relied on prairie habitat for food, nesting ground, and shelter. Ornate box turtles are one example. Once found in 51 Illinois counties, today they are found in less than ten. The recent discovery of a breeding population of the turtles on the property is a hopeful sign that when we care for the land, nature responds.
By conserving this rare and ecologically rich landscape, we’re not only protecting habitat—we’re ensuring that future generations can connect with the rare beauty of the Illinois prairie and the wildlife it sustains.
You can support turtle habitat and public access at Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary
Habitat restoration and trails won’t happen without support from the community. We’re currently raising funds to support critical prairie restoration and public access needs at this property. Donations are currently being matched 3x by the Prairie State Conservation Coalition! If you’re interested, click the button below to learn more.
If you would like to find out more about how to create a new public conservation area and conserve wildlife habitat, feel free to call Anna McAtee at (618) 566-4451 ex 23 or email her at an*********@*******************cy.org.
You may find information on our Land Conservation page and Ways to Give page helpful, too.