Peoria Audubon Society
Local Natural Areas Open
to Public for Birding
The Peoria Audubon Society is inviting members and visitors
on to its conservation properties. The Oak Bluff Savanna
Nature Preserve and the Brimfield Railroad Prairie Nature
Preserve are now birding hotspots open for public birding.
The
Oak Bluff Savanna Nature Preserve
is a 22-acre high quality oak woodlands, savanna and hill
prairie in Marshall County. It is located about 4 miles
southwest of Henry, Illinois; 2 miles west of Route 29 on
County Road 1150N. Dozens of warbler species may be found in
the preserve during spring and fall migration. Resident
birds such as Eastern Bluebird, Indigo Bunting and Baltimore
Orioles can be found nesting on the site. Bird Surveys have
shown over 150 species of birds utilize this natural area.
Oak Bluff Savanna Nature Preserve
The
Brimfield Railroad Prairie Nature
Preserve is a 6-acre restored native prairie in
Peoria County. It is a ˝ mile long strip near Brimfield that
was once railroad right of way, located at 18320 W Forney
Road, Brimfield. The Jubilee Prairie Dawgs, a volunteer
group dedicated to native prairie restoration, have
partnered with Peoria Audubon Society to help maintain this
prairie. It contains over 100
native prairie plant species, which are a critical part of
the food web for many species of birds, butterflies and
bees.
Black Swallowtail on Thistle at Brimfield RR Prairie Nature
Preserve
Both of these high quality habitats are listed as protected
lands by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission to assist
with the protection of high quality natural areas and
habitats of endangered and threatened species. Peoria
Audubon Society is committed to long term conservation of
these areas and is excited to share them with the public.
Peoria Audubon Society encourages visitors to record their
bird sightings on these properties at
eBird.org. Both nature
preserves are listed as public birding hotspots. The nature
preserves are open for hiking, viewing and enjoying the
natural areas. No camping, no fires, no hunting or fishing,
no collecting, and no restroom facilities are available.
Visitors are asked to follow “Leave no Trace” principles
when visiting Peoria Audubon properties, or any natural
area.
Download Press Release (pdf) |