Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary

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

Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary in Edwardsville, Illinois, (Madison County) is a conservation area featuring a 40-acre sand prairie and pond restoration.

Knoll was established in 2023 and is planned to open to the public once appropriate access can be established.

The sanctuary is home to vulnerable turtle and frog populations that need sand prairies to survive. Extreme development pressures and habitat loss in the western Edwardsville area have caused these animals to decline significantly.

Habitat restoration is critically needed to help the frogs and turtles have a safe haven. Abby the turtle is one of the residents of the property and is being monitored and tracked by researchers at SIUE. 

To ensure the prairie and wildlife continue to thrive and families can connect to nature, improvements include:

When HeartLands Conservancy acquired the property, the prairie had been nearly overtaken by invasive plants, like bradford pear trees, that are crowding out the native flowers and grasses that wildlife need.

Habitat stewardship is critical, such as continual removal of invasive plants and care and establishment of native prairie plants. The property has extensive prickly pear cactus, which is a main food source for the turtles. 

The pond on the property also needs clean up and restoration of the pond edges to support wildlife.

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

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