Grand Prairie Friends acquires 200+ Acres of high conservation sandstone cliffs and towering oaks in the Wabash River Valley

Nonprofit conservation land trust, Grand Prairie Friends, has accepted perpetual ownership of two nature preserves in the (IL) Wabash Valley region from The Nature Conservancy.  The transfer of Rocky Branch Nature Preserve (Marshall, IL) and Baber Woods Nature Preserve (Clarksville, IL) to Grand Prairie Friends reflects a shared commitment to keeping high-quality habitats in dedicated conservation ownership, with a focus on strong local management and community connection.

Both preserves have been designated as Nature Preserves by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources/ Illinois Nature Preserves Commission; this is the highest conservation recognition assigned in the state. “Grand Prairie Friends’ decision to assume ownership reaffirms our commitment to preserve, restore and promote thriving natural communities,” said Sarah Livesay, Executive Director for Grand Prairie Friends.

Located in Clark County, Rocky Branch Nature Preserve displays high elevation sandstone cliff communities, forests and Big Creek, a tributary of the Wabash River. With views resembling Tennessee more than Illinois, this unusual landscape is home to plants and animals notably outside of their normal range including cliff swallows, long-tailed salamanders and more than 10 threatened and endangered species.

Ten miles to the north, Baber Woods Nature Preserve near Kansas (IL) stands as one of the highest-quality remnant forests in the Wabash River Valley. The ecosystem remains virtually untouched by logging or grazing since the Baber family obtained the land in 1894.  Each spring, the forest floor is filled with spring wildflower species while migrating thrushes, vireos and tanagers fill the towering trees. 

“The transition of the Baber Woods and Rocky Branch Nature Preserves to Grand Prairie Friends ensures these areas remain in capable, conservation-focused care with an organization that is deeply rooted in the community and dedicated to preserving natural places in East Central Illinois,” said Jason Beverlin, Illinois Director of Land and Water Conservation for The Nature Conservancy. “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to the long-term stewardship of Illinois’ natural heritage.”

The Nationally Accredited Grand Prairie Friends land trust provides public access throughout their 1,500 acres of conservation land across nine counties in East-Central Illinois. Fundraising efforts are in process as the nonprofit prepares for natural areas restoration and community public access updates throughout both preserves.

Livesay notes, “Land ownership requires a “forever” plan of continued care and stewardship- we invite the communities we serve to join our efforts in protecting these ecological gems as a GPF donor, member or volunteer.”