Agencies
Services
Land and Water Reserve Area
6
County
Coles
Location
The reserve is located about 2.5 miles southeast of Charleston in Hutton Township. It lies about 0.9 mile east of the Embarras River and 1.4 miles south of Lake Charleston. Warbler Woods Nature Preserve adjoins the north boundary and Fox Ridge State Park lies 1.5 miles south.
Description
Embarras Ridges is composed of steep hills and ravines cloaked with dry-mesic and mesic upland forest that harbors a diverse assemblage of native plants. Natural communities include Grade B and C dry-mesic upland forest, Grade B and C dry woodland, Grade B and C mesic upland forest, Grade C wet floodplain forest, and successional field. At least 42 species of birds inhabit the woods during the breeding season, including 17 species that are sensitive to forest fragmentation and 7 bird Species in Greatest Need of Conservation as identified in Illinois’ Wildlife Action Plan. 170 plant species are found on the site including 41 species of native trees, shrubs, and woody vines and over 80 species of native wildflowers.
Ownership
Grand Prairie Friends
Natural Division
Grand Prairie Section of the Grand Prairie Natural Division (#4a)
Registered
September 2012
Size
144 acres
Access
The site is open to the public. Allowed recreation/education activities include hunting, hiking, nature observation, and scientific research. A maintained trail system and parking lot are available.
Topographic Quad
Charleston South
For Further Information
Visit the Grand Prairie Friends Website or Contact the INPC
Illinois Nature Preserves Commission
One Natural Resources Way
Springfield, IL 62702
217-785-8686
DNR.INPC@illinois.gov
