 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
War Bluff Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
The largest of Illinois Audubon’s sanctuaries, War Bluff Valley Sanctuary is located in rural Pope County in southeastern Illinois. Adjoining the wilderness of the Shawnee National Forest, this nearly 500-acre sanctuary is home to a large variety of birds and mammals, as well as a great diversity of rare plants, including several species of native orchids. The purpose of the sanctuary is to protect the wildlife and habitat, and for research on populations and native species. War Bluff Valley Sanctuary is a place for birds and other creatures. It is also for people - people who respect and love wildlife and the land.
The History of War Bluff Valley Sanctuary
In prehistoric times the land that is now War Bluff Valley Sanctuary was mostly forested. Eventually settlers cleared much of the land for farming and grazing, leaving woodlands along creeks and steep slopes. The Illinois Audubon Society is allowing the natural regeneration of woodland habitat to reclaim the majority of the old farm land. There are several stages of succession taking place, offering the visitor an invaluable lesson in habitat regeneration.
Visiting War Bluff Valley Sanctuary
Several miles of maintained trails wind through the various habitats including upland and bottomland forest, shrub and regenerating forest, and open land. Simmons Creek is a beautiful rock bottom clear creek that runs through the middle of the property, with its many tributaries encountered throughout. Other features include 7 ponds, historic homestead sites, and interesting geology. Visitors are welcome from dawn to dusk daily, with guided tours possible with advance notice.
Trails range in difficulty from easy to moderately difficult. Appropriate all-terrain footwear is essential where ever you go. Other than out-house accommodations at three locations within the sanctuary, there are no amenities -- please bring your own food, water, etc.
War Bluff Valley Sanctuary Stewards
Stewardship of the Sanctuary rests with the Shawnee Audubon Society, the local chapter of the Illinois Audubon Society. The second Saturday of every month is War Bluff Stewardship Day where you get a chance to volunteer your time and talents while spending a day in the wild working and socializing with others who value nature as much as you do. For information on current activities call the Sanctuary at 618-683-2222, send us an email, or write to War Bluff Valley Sanctuary, RR 1 Box 216A, Golconda, IL 62938.
Directions to War Bluff Valley Sanctuary
Take Hwy. 146 north from Golconda, Illinois 3.5 miles to Bushwhack Rd. (look for the brown Wildlife Viewing Area signs) and turn left, follow the gravel road approximately 2 miles to the sanctuary entrance.
Friends of War Bluff Valley Sanctuary
The Friends of War Bluff Valley Sanctuary supports the work of Shawnee Audubon Society at WBVS. All funds received are used to support projects, programs, and the general operation of the WBVS.
The FWBVS offers several membership categories and members will receive bi-annual issues of The Warbler.
Lusk Creek Sanctuary
Lusk Creek Sanctuary was acquired by Illinois Audubon Society in April 2007. It is located in Pope County in the middle of the Lusk Creek Wilderness Area. At only 56.8 acres, this sanctuary might be small in size, but it is very large in what it has to offer.
The property is near the headwaters of Lusk Creek, and the creek itself runs right through the middle of the property. Lusk Creek is a rocky, spring-fed stream traversing wooded uplands. Springs and caves throughout its course add to the high biological diversity of the system and provide habitats for unique flora and fauna. The stretch of stream that flows through Lusk Creek Sanctuary runs the full range of possiblities--slow broad sections, fast narrow channels, deep pools, and active riffles. The riparian zone ranges from flood plain canebreaks to hardwood forest canopies.
At the other end of the spectrum, sandstone glades give way to sandstone bluffs and an amazing array of wildflowers, included the rare French's shooting star.
Lusk Creek Sanctuary is not open to the public,
but arrangements can be made to visit the
sanctuary by contacting Shawnee Audubon.Home - About Us - Activities - Sanctuaries - Contact
