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Leaves in Frozen Pond
PRESERVING NATURAL AREAS
for PEOPLE, for WILDLIFE,
FOREVER

in
EAST CENTRAL

ILLINOIS

LCF is excited to introduce Eric Mollahan as its first full-time executive director. Most recently, Eric was lead ecologist for Integrated Lakes Management in northeastern Illinois, where his tasks ranged from ecological research to hands-on land restoration with chainsaws and skid steers. A UIUC graduate, Eric brings a broad range of experience and expertise with both land and aquatic ecosystems that make him well-suited to lead LCF.

Eric Mollahan
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LCF's newest property is 145 acres of primarily floodplain forest stretching along a mile of the Sangamon River in Piatt County, a generous gift from Mare and Jim Payne of Cerro Gordo. The Paynes say, “We have spent thousands of hours working to eradicate signs of overgrazing and invasives... with the goal to restore it to pre-settlement conditions. By placing this very special site in the capable and dedicated hands of the Land Conservation Foundation, we know our stewardship and our vision will continue. We are thrilled.”

Photo: Jasmine Hollow in early summer by Teresa DeWitt

In both a video and a detailed document, Tetra Tech, Inc, on behalf of Prosperity Wind, relates the history of the levees that give the Bruce Hannon Levee Trail its name. The documentation project resulted from an agreement between the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office and Prosperity Wind, related to its Piatt County wind project.

Closeup of a mudpuppy being held by survey scientist

Learn what's so unusual about the mudpuppy salamander, and watch our video of researchers looking for mudpuppies in the Sangamon River at Allerton Park. Mudpuppies have also been found in LCF's nearby Sangamon River Corridor Reserve. LCF's Mudpuppy Festival celebrates all of the wonderful wildlife and natural lands that LCF is working to protect  — especially the unique and fascinating mudpuppy salamander!

Photo by Alex Lourash.

LCF is delighted to announce that, in memory of devoted LCF volunteer Bob Feller, his wife, Theresa, has donated 20 acres to LCF. Feller Woods sits along the Sangamon River in Piatt County.

Map of Feller Woods to Brady Woods
  • Mammals of Illinois - At Allerton Farms
    Mammals of Illinois - At Allerton Farms
    Nov 22, 2025, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
    Monticello, 515 Old Timber Rd, Monticello, IL 61856, USA
    Learn the difference between a shrew and a mole; a mole from a vole; a rat from a mouse; and a weasel from a mink using a collection of study skins and skulls. LCF Advisor Fran Harty is your instructor. Registration is required.
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  • Winter Botany - At Allerton Farms
    Winter Botany - At Allerton Farms
    Sat, Dec 13
    Dec 13, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    Monticello, 515 Old Timber Rd, Monticello, IL 61856, USA
    Learn how to identify trees and other woody plants at Allerton Park in winter without leaves in a two-part course, from 10 am to noon on two Sundays, Dec. 13 and 20, taught by LCF's Fran Harty. Registration is required.
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Winter hike on LCF Bruce Hannon Levee Trail

Follow a unique raised trail to the Sangamon River and our floodplain forest restoration. Visit the Sangamon River Corridor Reserve near Monticello.

Floodplain at Sangamon River Corridor Reserve

LCF works to ensure a future with abundant clean water by focusing on rivers, wetlands, and groundwater.

Phoebe bird in east central Illinois

All creatures who share our Illinois home benefit from LCF's work to connect and improve natural lands and waters.

LCF freshwater mussel survey in Sangamon River

LCF offers opportunities to encounter nature nearby, inspiring wonder and a future commitment to preservation.

Coyotes, mink, busy beavers, a bobcat, and a bunch of turkeys! They've all been caught on camera at our Sangamon River Corridor Reserve.

Be part of our promise to preserve natural lands forever.

The Land Conservation Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to preserve and restore natural communities in East Central Illinois, to create interconnected corridors, to provide wildlife habitat, and connect people and nature for future generations.

GET EMAIL UPDATES

Fran Harty, Interim Executive Director

508 S Broadway, Urbana IL 61801

309-264-9116

fharty60@gmail.com

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