Spitler Woods State Natural Area, Natural preserve near Mount Zion, Illinois, US
Spitler Woods State Natural Area is a protected forest preserve in Macon County containing over 200 acres of white oak, hickory, and maple woodland surrounding Squirrel Creek. The forest occupies a creek valley and maintains the shade and moisture typical of this wooded landscape.
In 1937, Ida B. Spitler donated this forest to the state of Illinois, creating a permanent protected natural area in Macon County. Her gift established one of the region's early conservation efforts for forest preservation.
The nature preserve functions as an educational center where students and organizations study native plant species and local wildlife through guided programs.
Visitors can hike several miles of trails throughout the property and access seasonal restroom facilities available until the first hard freeze. Picnic areas with shelter structures are open during the warmer months for group gatherings.
The eastern section contains one of central Illinois's largest remaining old-growth forest groves with trees over several centuries old. These ancient oaks and hickories are survivors from a woodland landscape that once covered much of the region.
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