Mitchell's Grove Nature Preserve, Nature preserve in North Utica, Illinois, US
Mitchell's Grove Nature Preserve is a 184-acre woodland with different habitats including oak savanna, prairie, and forest. The area is crossed by Tomahawk Creek and the Little Vermillion River, creating varied natural environments to explore.
The Mitchell family began protecting this area in 1879. In 1998, William and Irene Mitchell donated the land to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
The preserve supports over 300 native plant species, with some varieties rarely found this far south and normally seen in northern regions. Visitors walking through the different areas discover plants that create a living record of the local natural heritage.
The trails are free to use and require no admission fees. Before visiting, check current conditions and any guidelines that might affect your walk.
The north-facing cliffs support plants from the post-glacial period. Glacial rocks and debris visible on the hillsides tell the story of ancient ice sheets that once shaped this landscape.
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