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Mill Creek Natural Area
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Randolph County, IL | 115 Acres
Type: Natural Area
Owned by: State of Illinois – Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Our role: Southern Randolph County includes significant and highly sensitive ecological lands. So, in 2012, HeartLands Conservancy and partners Clifftop, acquired Mill Creek Natural Area to protect critical habitat in the area. Funding support was provided by the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation and Grand Victoria Foundation. The property was transferred to the State of Illinois in 2019 for inclusion in the State’s Nature Preserve system.
Hours: The property doesn’t contain trails for general public access given its sensitive wildlife habitat.
Location & Directions
Located on Piney Creek Road near Campbell Hill, IL in Randolph County
Trails & Facilities
This is a sensitive ecological area and does not currently have any public facilities. (Please contact IDNR for questions about future public access.)
However, there are trails open to the public located nearby at the Piney Creek Ravine State Natural Area owned by the State of Illinois.
Wildlife & Habitat
Habitat here consists of sandstone canyons, gorges, and cliff systems that host unusual plants. A significant stretch of Mill Creek winds through the property.
Plants of interest include cinnamon ferns, club moss, and bishop’s cap.
Forest and migratory birds, such as warblers, Bald Eagles, and Eastern Wild Turkeys are prominent in the forest.
White-tailed deer, bobcats, and other wildife are found here as well.
Regulations
Contact the State of Illinois for more information. 618-826-2706 or email dn*********@******is.gov
Photo: Tom Rollins
Overview
Mill Creek Natural Area
Mill Creek Natural Area protects highly sensitive and rare habitat and limestone canyons in southern Randolph County. These lush woodlands are home to a wide variety of wildlife—from migrating songbirds to turtles, owls, and sly bobcats.
Once nearly gone from Illinois due to habitat loss and over-harvesting, bobcats have made a strong comeback thanks to conservation efforts like this one. Protected forests have helped restore the habitat they need to thrive. Their return 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 quiet beauty of the Illinois ozarks and the wildlife it sustains.
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.