Prairie Hills Wetland Reserve

Located just off of the Illinois River Scenic Byway, Prairie Hills Wetland Reserve is 550 acres of beauty with habitats ranging from wetlands to upland prairies. On August 3rd, 2017 PLC procured the final 13 acres needed to complete the North unit and has begun work on improving the property! This site is still young, but be on the lookout for new additions to visit!

Public Access Closed for Hunting

From Oct 1-Jan 31, this property will be closed to public access due to active hunting as part of our conservation program. Check out our events page for public events in the meantime!

Check out our drone video of the berms here!

This property was preserved with assistance from:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Accessibility Information

Trail features: Natural surface trails. Some upper woodland trails and some flat lowland trails
Structures: Picnic Table
Parking: Gravel parking lot
Bathrooms: No restrooms available

Enjoy Our Trails!

Thank you to Julie Robinson, a Master Naturalist out of the Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell group for adding Prairie Hills Wetland Preserve to the OPAL database. Please click the following link for more information about hiking at Prairie Hills Wetland Preserve: OPAL Prairie Hills Wetland Preserve

The Reserve in Photos

You are sure to find an abundance of wildlife and native flora when you visit PHWR. Bring your camera and binoculars when you visit!

Photo Credits: Dan Moorehouse, Angella Moorehouse, Kate Van Sloten, Julie Robinson

Rules to Remember While Visiting

Please follow the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace while visiting this site.
Plan Ahead and Prepare

If possible, take a photo of this map to keep with you.
Take care to look around you from time to time as to not get lost

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Please watch your step while touring the property as to minimize trampling the plants. Walk in bare areas when possible.

Dispose of Waste Properly

If you brought it in with you, bring it out.
There are no restrooms at the property. There is a restroom at The Goosepit, but please be respectful and consider ordering something!

Leave What You Find
Aside from garbage, please leave all plants, animals, rocks, and artifacts where you found them and how you found them. This ensures that the next visitors can enjoy them as well.

Use the hashtag #PrairieHillsWetlandReserve or #PrairieLandConservancy on social media, tag us on Facebook, or share via our iNaturalist Project.

Minimize Campfire Impacts

There are no fires allowed on the property.

Respect Wildlife

Do not approach wildlife. This is their home and as such please respect their space for yours and the animals safety

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Keep noise to a minimum to protect the integrity of the soundscape

Address

North Unit Parking lot Address is 22360 US-24, Canton, Illinois (The hiking trails are located here)