Agencies
Services
Land and Water Reserve Area
8
County
Effingham
Location
The site is approximately 2.5 miles east of Altamont.
Description
Ballard Nature Center consists of floodplain and upland forest habitats that support an unusual concentration of amphibian and reptile populations. The site has known occurrences of at least 24 reptile and amphibian species, making up 22% of all the Illinois herptile species. Multiple vernal pools have been constructed around and within the reserve to provide adequate habitat. The natural character consists of 65 acres of dry-mesic forest, 10.5 acres of mesic floodplain forest, a small 2.5-acre wetland reconstruction, and 5.5 acres of a tree planting. The floodplain forest has locust, maples, and sycamore with an occasional pin oak. The upland forest is primarily oak and hickory with sugar maple prevalent. The site has a beautiful display of woodland wildflowers throughout the growing season. The spring ephemerals include spring beauty, Dutchman’s-Breeches, trillium, green dragon, and jack-in-the-pulpit. Ballard Nature Center’s mission is to provide high quality environmental education through visitor interpretation, educational displays, natural community restoration, and management.
Ownership
Ballard Family Nature Center
Natural Division
Effingham Plain Section of the Southern Till Plain Natural Division (#9a)
Registered
March 2021
Size
83.5 acres
Access
The site is open to the public. Multiple hiking trails exist throughout the property. All trails are for foot traffic only, with strollers and wagons being allowed. Along the trails there are small areas with benches to provide a resting spot, as well as a stop for educational purposes during educational hikes. The trails are mowed or mulched throughout the year to provide easier terrain for hikers utilizing the site. There are small foot bridges located throughout the property as well. All trails and bridges are maintained by volunteers or staff of the Ballard Nature Center.
Topographic Quad
Altamont East
For Further Information
Visit the Ballard Nature Center Website or Contact the INPC
Illinois Nature Preserves Commission
One Natural Resources Way
Springfield, IL 62702
217-785-8686
DNR.INPC@illinois.gov