Agencies
Services
Nature Preserve Area
5
County
McLean
Location And Access
Leave I-55 from Exit 145 (to McLean) or Exit 154 (to Shirley), then go northeast or southwest to Funks Grove on the I-55 frontage road (old U.S. 66), then go west across railroad track 0.1 mile on blacktop road, then turn and go south and west 0.2 mile on a blacktop road. The nature preserve is south of the road. Special Note: Trails and a parking lot are available for public use.
Description
Funk's Grove Nature Preserve is an 18 acre tract of land within a larger parcel known as Funk's Grove, one of the largest remnants of virgin forest in Illinois. The grove contains mesic upland forest of the Grand Prairie Natural Division. Funk's Grove has been protected for 160 years, however, the high quality forest is experiencing succession. White and bur oaks, representing the largest and oldest trees, are gradually dying out and the more shade tolerant sugar maples are becoming more abundant. The preserve is also rich in woodland wildflowers, and is ideal for wildlife, including some 53 species of birds and many common mammals. The large sugar maples outside the preserve are responsible for the ever-popular maple syrup production in the area.
Ownership
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Dedicated
December 1985
Size
18.6 acres
Topographic Quad
Funks Grove
Topo Map
For Further Information
One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, Illinois 62702-1271 (217-785-8686) or Illinois Department of Natural Resources, District Natural Heritage Biologist, 301 S. Date Street, Gibson City, Illinois 60936 (217-784-4730).
