Exploration Garden

Your tax-deductible contribution will go directly to this project as well as related community programming.

The Exploration Garden in Swansea’s Clinton Hills Conservation Park is a 6-acre public garden that showcases wildflowers, woods, and waters of southern Illinois. The garden converted one former golf course hole into natural habitat and exploration space for the community.

Since the 2019, HeartLands Conservancy has been working in partnership with the Village of Swansea on this garden. HLC holds a long-term land lease for the garden.

To date, the project has created a 4.5 acre pollinator meadow/prairie with winding trails, a dry creek feature called “the Raindrop’s Journey,” a stone beach, seven native landscaping demonstration circles, and a large entry sign.

To ensure the garden supports wildlife and connects kids and families to nature, improvements needed are:

• Creating woodland gardens on the eastern side for pollinator habitat
• Creating a water exploration station for kids to learn about nature and the water cycle
• Creating a bald cypress contemplation circle for quiet reflection
• Planting native flowers and grass along the lake and creek edge to clean the water, stabilize the shore, and provide important habitat for American Minks and Belted Kingfishers
• Enhance the rock creek and add education signs for the Raindrop’s Journey (dry creek) for education programs
• Caring for the land to enhance wildlife habitat and a positive experience for the community

Your tax-deductible contribution will go directly to this project as well as related community programming. With your support, we can complete the improvements this summer and fall 2025.

Gifts of any amount are welcome, including donations of stock, contributions from an IRA or Donor Advised Fund, or by check.

If you have questions, please contact Mary Vandevord, President & CEO, at (618) 566-4451 ex 20 or email her at ma************@*******************cy.org