Agencies
Services
Nature Preserve Area
5
County
Macoupin
Location And Access
From Carlinville go south on the Shipman Blacktop for approximately 2 miles. The preserve lies adjacent to and west of the blacktop.
Description
During presettlement times, this part of Illinois was a mixture of forest and prairie, with forest covering over 80% of the land and prairie occupying the rest. Denby Prairie contains vegetation characteristic of the Carlinville Section of the Western Forest-Prairie Natural Division. Dominant species include big bluestem, Indian grass and flowering spurge with tall gayfeather, shooting star and white false indigo as common associates. The preserve also provides critical habitat for the prairie trout-lily. Common animal residents include prairie king snake, dickcissel and meadow jumping mouse. Current management of the prairie includes prescribed burning, which is critical for controlling the encroachment of woody shrubs.
Ownership
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Dedicated
May 1987
Size
2.5 acres
Topographic Quad
Plainview
Topo Map
For Further Information
Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Natural Heritage Biologist, Sangchris Lake State Park, R.R.#1, Rochester, IL 62563 (217/498-9208)