Bois du Sangamon Nature Preserve

Macon County

Location and Access:

From Decatur, take Hwy. 105 east across Lake Decatur, continue east on Hwy. 105 1 mile to Sangamon Road, then turn and go north 1.1 miles to an abandoned railroad line. Access is via the abandoned railroad right-of-way. The nature preserve is 0.8 mile to the west.

Description:

Bois du Sangamon once belonged to a pioneer family from the Decatur area. The wooded tract was in the family for more than 50 years, and it was never grazed or logged during that time. This preserved remnant contains upland forest representative of the Grand Prairie Natural Division. The woods are dominated by white oak and black oak on drier locations, while sugar maple and red oak prevail on the slopes and in the ravines. A rich herbaceous understory is also present. The proximity of this preserve to a large population makes it an important area for education.

Ownership: Macon County Conservation District

Dedicated: September 1980

Size: 30 acres with an additional 10 acres of buffer

Topo Map: Long Creek and Decatur 7.5

For Further Information Contact: Macon County Conservation District, 1495 Brozio Lane, Decatur, IL 62521 (217/423-7708)

1/09 - R. Heidorn