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Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve

Update:  PPSOC recently sold it's share of Elkhorn Creek to the Northwest Audubon Society in order to help finance the recent Sand Ridge Prairie purchase.  The Audubon Society will continue to preserve this wonderful property.

The Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve, a 43 acre mix of prairie remnants, woodlands, fields and sedge meadows.  It was purchased jointly in May, 1999, by the Northwest Audubon Society and the Prairie Preservation Society of Ogle County. Perched over a small series of geological faults, it features outcroppings of both St. Peter Sandstone and Ordovician-age dolomite.  Several small springs feed into sedge meadows, then slowly drain into a small brook, which empties into Elkhorn Creek.  Thus far, over 235 species of plants and animals have been catalogued on the prairie remnants, floodplain forest, and wetlands of the Preserve, presenting many opportunities for environmental education, management and restoration.

Directions

From Freeport, head south on IL Rt. 26 for 9 miles, until you reach Freeport Road.  Head south on Freeport Road, for 3 miles, until you reach West Grove Road.  Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity Preserve is located at the southeast corner of Freeport Road and West Grove Road.

 

Please check back for updates.

When you visit please take only pictures, leave only footprints...

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