PRESERVING NATURAL AREAS
for PEOPLE, for WILDLIFE,
FOREVER
in
EAST CENTRAL
ILLINOIS
On March 7, 2024, LCF closed on 12 acres of wildflower-filled upland forest, expanding our Mouth of Jordan Reserve in Vermilion County to 27 acres. William and Barbara Childers sold this parcel to LCF to protect it forever! LCF has raised 63% of the $70,000 needed to acquire and care for this land. You can help by donating today. Soon we'll offer opportunities to visit this beautiful site — or help with trail construction and removing invasive plants! Photo by Melissa Records.
Many of you have likely heard the sad news of the passing of Bruce Hannon on February 18, 2024. Bruce founded LCF and served as president for many years, among his many significant accomplishments. Bruce had the vision to protect LCF's Sangamon River Corridor Reserve and use an old levee to create a unique trail, which LCF named for him. In Bruce's memory, take a hike on the Bruce Hannon Levee Trail and enjoy the floodplain forest up-close. Watch for news about special services in the coming weeks. Photo by Derek Liebert.
A big thank-you to everyone who made our sixth annual Mudpuppy Festival a success, and to all those who braved the fog to enjoy the day! We're grateful to all of the volunteers and sponsors who contributed their live animals, engaging displays, creative crafts, financial support, and enthusiasm for the work of LCF! Photo by Melissa Records.
Join us on the trail as we welcome the return of spring birds and wildflowers! A series of woodland walks will take you to all of the beautiful natural areas LCF is working to preserve. Families are welcome; most of our hikes go at a leisurely pace, as our hike leaders share their discoveries along the way! Some events need registration. See our events page for details. Photo: Merrybells at Brady Woods by Melissa Records.
LCF is delighted to announce that, in memory of devoted LCF volunteer Bob Feller, his wife, Theresa, has donated 20 acres to LCF. The newly named Feller Woods sits along the Sangamon River in Piatt County. Watch for details soon, here and in our e-newsletter!
Learn what's so unusual about the mudpuppy salamander, and watch our video of researchers looking for mudpuppies in the Sangamon River at Allerton Park. Mudpuppies have also been found in LCF's nearby Sangamon River Corridor Reserve. LCF's Mudpuppy Festival celebrates all of the wonderful wildlife and natural lands that LCF is working to protect — especially the unique and fascinating mudpuppy salamander! Photo by Alex Lourash.
The Meyen family of Clinton has significantly extended the network of trails at Mettler Woods, west of Clinton. A full two miles of trails now lead into more rolling portions of the woodland, including the western area that was damaged by a tornado in 2003. These super volunteers even installed signage! Pictured here, Cassandra Meyen pauses at the start of the Valley Trail. Photo by Melissa Records.
Follow a unique raised trail to the Sangamon River and our floodplain forest restoration. Visit the Sangamon River Corridor Reserve near Monticello.
LCF works to ensure a future with abundant clean water by focusing on rivers, wetlands, and groundwater.
All creatures who share our Illinois home benefit from LCF's work to connect and improve natural lands and waters.
LCF offers opportunities to encounter nature nearby, inspiring wonder and a future commitment to preservation.
Coyotes, mink, busy beavers, a bobcat, and a bunch of turkeys! They've all been caught on camera at our Sangamon River Corridor Reserve.