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Arlington Wetlands
Madison County | 83 Acres
Type: Natural Area
Owned by: Madison County
Our role: Give the importance of the American Bottom (i.e., the historic floodplain of the Mississippi River in the St. Louis Metro East area), HeartLands Conservancy acquired 83 acres of wetlands, woods, and cropland in 2009. We permanently conserved the land through a conservation easement and transferred the land to Madison County in 2009. We also restored the property and built the trails and public access so the community can now enjoy it.
Funding support for the acquisition was provided by the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation and US Fish and Wildlife Service. HeartLands Conservancy and a nonpoint source pollution grant from the Illinois EPA funded the restoration.
We partner with the County and township to care for the prairie and woods and monitor it every year to ensure it is staying conserved.
Hours: Open Sunrise to Sunset
Location & Directions
From I-255, take Horseshoe Lake Road exit west toward Granite City. Turn north on Arlington Drive. Arlington Wetlands will be on the left.
Trails & Facilities
The 1.5-mile unpaved trail takes you from the parking lot past a tall grass prairie restoration and woods, over a boardwalk floating in the wetland, and a mowed path through a sand prairie on the other side.
The trail also features informational signs about the ecosystem, American Bottom, and more.
Picnic tables and trash receptacles are available throughout the site; however there are no restrooms.
[We are actively raising funds to support enhancements to this public conservation area. If you’re interested, you can help make it a reality here.]
Wildlife & Habitat
Arlington Wetlands used to be a part of the Mississippi River centuries ago. Today, what remains is a remant of the river ecosystem that supports abundant wildlife.
Habitat here consists of prairies, forest, and a large wetland.
Plants of interest include spatterdock, lizard’s tail, prickly pear, little bluestem, and buttonbush.
Depending on the season, you may be able to see a variety of birds and other wildlife.
Water birds, such as Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Green Herons, and Black Crowned Night Herons are prominent in the American Bottom wetlands. Arlington Wetlands is a hot spot during bird migration, as well. You may hear black and white warblers, dickcissels, and a variety of songbirds.
Slider turtles, beavers, and varieties of amphibians are found here as well.
Regulations
The property is open sunrise to sunset 7 days a week, unless posted otherwise.
This is a dog-friendly trail. Please keep your dog on a leash for the safety of your furry friend, other visitors, and the wildlife.
While the wetland looks tempting, boating, swimming, wading, and fishing are not permitted. The bottom of the wetland consists of deep mud and walking through it could result in serious injury or getting stuck.
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.
Kara Pritchard
Overview
Arlington Wetlands
Arlington Wetlands protects a rare sand prairie and wetland ecosystem in the American Bottom (historic floodplain of the Mississippi River in Illinois). These habitats are home to a wide variety of wildlife—from water birds to turtles, songbirds, and the ever busy beaver.
Once prominent breeding areas for a variety of egrets and herons, the American Bottom area has lost the majority of its shrubby wetlands that the birds rely on. Protected wetlands and prairie restorations are helping to restore the habitat they need to thrive. The recent return of Black Crowned Night Herons and meadowlarks to the property is a hopeful sign that when we care for the land and water, 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 historic beauty of the American Bottom and the wildlife it sustains.
You can support habitat and access enhancements at Arlington Wetlands
Habitat restoration and trails won’t happen without support from the community. We’re currently raising funds to support enhancements to the trails, boardwalk, and habitat at this property. 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 anna.mcatee@heartlandsconservancy.org.
You may find information on our Land Conservation page and Ways to Give page helpful, too.