DEDICATION OF METTLER WOODS: DEWITT COUNTY'S FIRST ILLINOIS NATURE PRESERVE
Hosted by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission

Clinton--A dedication of Mettler Woods Natural Area as an official Illinois Nature Preserve will occur Thursday, February 24, at 7 PM at the Vespasian Warner Public Library, 301 N. Quincy Street, Clinton, Illinois. Mettler Woods is a 70-acre tract of oak-hickory forest in DeWitt County, just west of Clinton. It is currently owned by The Nature Conservancy-Illinois Chapter and will be transferred soon to the Land Conservation Foundation in Champaign.

“Mettler woods is a beautiful spot, a true natural resource of Central Illinois,” said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Joel Brunsvold. “It is one of Mother Nature’s treasures, to be passed on to future generations like a valuable family heirloom.”

This area is the last mature oak-hickory grove in the entire county, and one of the few in Central Illinois. It will be the first official Illinois Nature Preserve in DeWitt County. There are currently 323 Illinois Nature Preserves in 80 counties totaling 43,681 acres.

Speakers at the dedication will include representatives from the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, supporting conservation organizations, and Illinois nature photographer and Clinton native Robert Shaw, who has served as a site steward of the Natural Area.

Mettler Woods is an excellent example of oak-hickory forest is it occurred in the sea of prairie in Central Illinois before European Settlers arrived.. In addition to its significant plant species, it is an important stopover site for migrating songbirds. A slide show presentation will illustrate these natural features.

Interviews are available with Tom Lerczak, Illinois Nature Preserve. Contact: tlerczak@dnrmail.state.il.us; phone: 309-543-2744 or Gayle Simpson 217/558-1543 or 217/725-9083.

###
Directions to Vespasian Warner Public Library: www.warner.lib.il.us/where.htm

Click Here To Return To The Previous Page