PLACES WE'VE PROTECTED

 

The open space and farmland around us give us inspirational natural beauty and much more. Undeveloped land soaks up excess flood waters which protects our community. Trees and other vegetation prevent soil erosion and clean the air. Forest and open space also provide the habitat for the native plants and animals that all play a role in the balance of nature. Here are some of the places that are permanently protected thanks to people like you who recognize the value of preserving the natural world around us.

 

Madison County

 

 

Willaredt Site

 

The Madison County Board, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and TLC signed a conservation easement to protect 39 acres in Madison County in 2004. The Land Conservancy will hold the conservation easement of this parcel of land to preserve, restore, and maintain natural features, wetland resources, and ecological values of the property to provide wildlife habitat, maintain water quality, and control water runoff. "The Land Conservancy has been a very cooperative partner in assisting Madison County with this long-term conservation effort. The Land Conservancy's involvement will ensure that the land is conserved as open space for generations to come," stated Mike Fruth, Stormwater Coordinator for the County.

 

Willoughby Heritage Farm & Conservation Reserve

 

The Collinsville Area Parks and Recreation District entered into a conservation easement with The Land Conservancy in 2003 on 30 acres of wooded land located in Collinsville. The land will be used for conservation purposes as outlined in the master plan for the property. Residential, commercial, and most all other land uses are prohibited by the conservation easement. TLC will monitor the property for perpetuity to make sure the conservation values are maintained. The Willoughby Heritage Farm & Conservation Reserve is a unique site that is heavily secluded from adjacent properties. This secluded nature is conducive to environmental education. Once restored, the farm will represent the stand-alone subsistence family farm of the 1920's through the 1950's. The conservation easement will ensure that a portion of the property retains the secluded feel of a wildlife preserve several miles from the nearest development.

 

St. Clair County

 

 

O'Fallon

 

180 acres are held in a conservation easement as a mixture of cropland, woodland, riparian areas, and a house area. This property is located just outside of O'Fallon, and the easement will keep the land from being converted to urban uses. Forest, wildlife, and other conservation values will be maintained for perpetuity in an area where much of the surrounding lands have been converted to urban uses. Since the O'Fallon area has seen such a high rate of growth and conversion of land to impermeable sources, this easement provides critical groundwater recharge and absorption capacity to the community. The long-term plan of the landowner is to convert the cropland to either forestland or grassland through the CRP program. The landowner has implemented woodland improvement through removal of undesirable woody vegetation in several areas to encourage the growth of more desirable species. This is having a positive effect on the conservation values of the property.

 

OTHER LAND PROTECTED BY SWIRCD & PARTNERS

 

 

Rockwood Island

 

Chouteau Island

 

Left photo: Marty Kemper, Right photo: Glen Schuetz