Thomson-Fulton Sand Prairie Nature Preserve
Whiteside County
Location and Access:
From the intersection of Highway 84 and Highway 136 in Fulton, take Highway 84 north for 3 miles to a county road (Lock Rd.). Turn west on this road, cross the railroad tracks and turn north again on the sand road that parallels the railroad. Drive north on this sand road 1.25 miles. The preserve is on the west side of the road.
Description:
This site contains 212 acres of sand prairie that is recovering from past grazing. Little bluestem, three-awn grass, plains prickly pear cactus and June grass are some of the common plants in the preserve. The big-flowered penstemon also occurs on this site.
The preserve is also habitat for several unusual reptile species. The western hog-nosed snake, six lined racerunner and bullsnake are known to occur here.
Ownership: Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Dedicated: October 1970
Size: 37 acres
Topo Map: Clinton 7.5
For Further Information Contact: Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Natural Heritage Biologist, Dearborn Hall, 205 E. Seminary St., Mt. Carroll, IL 61053 (815/244-3655); Site Superintendent, Morrison-Rockwood State Park, RR 4, Morrison, IL 62330 (815/772-4708)