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gutierrez family forest
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Fayette County, IL | 15 Acres
Type: Natural Area
Owned by: HeartLands Conservancy
Our role: Given the significance of the Kaskaskia River and surrounding lands, HeartLands Conservancy received the donation of forest land in 2025 from the Gutierrez Family. We own and manage this property for wildlife habitat.
Hours: We host periodic tours of the area. The property is not currently open to the public.
Location & Directions
Located southwest of Vandalia, Illinois in Fayette County on N. Carlyle Road.
Trails & Facilities
Given its sensitive nature for 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.
However, there is a similar habitat open to the public located nearby at the Carlyle Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area site owned by the State of Illinois.
Wildlife & Habitat
Habitat here consists of mature oak and hickory forest and creeks. Plants of interest include a variety of ferns, various oak varieties, maples, and spring wildflowers.
Depending on the season, you may be able to see a variety of birds and other wildlife.
Forest birds, such as screech owls and Eastern Wild Turkeys are prominent in the forest.
White-tailed deer and long-tailed weasels are found here as well.
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
Gutierrez Family Forest Reserve
The Gutierrez Family Forest Reserve protects a mature, natural forest near the Kaskaskia River. These lush woodlands are home to a wide variety of wildlife—from migrating songbirds to turtles, frogs, and long-tailed weasels.
The populations of migratory birds have been declining rapidly since the 1970s. Songbirds, such as black and white warblers and scarlet tanagers, needs protected forests like this one as they travel to their nesting areas. Protected forests and cleaner waterways have helped restore the habitat they need to thrive. Their return each year is a hopeful sign that when we care for the land and water, nature responds.
By conserving this small but significant patch of forest, we’re not only protecting habitat—we’re ensuring that future generations can experience the calls of migratory birds and enjoy the quiet beauty of the forest.
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.