Funks Grove Nature Spaces
(formerly called Sugar Grove Nature Center)
(including Funk's Grove & Thaddeus Stubblefield Grove Nature Preserves)
McLean County, Illinois
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Latitude/Longitude
40.348169278, -89.13339312 |
4532 N 725 East Rd
McLean, IL 61754 309-874-2174 |
Official Websites
https://dnr.illinois.gov/inpc/area.area5mcleanfunksgrove.html
https://dnr.illinois.gov/inpc/area.area5mcleanthaddeusstubblefieldgrove.html
https://dnr.illinois.gov/inpc/area.area5mcleanfunksgrove.html
https://dnr.illinois.gov/inpc/area.area5mcleanthaddeusstubblefieldgrove.html
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Activities:
Trails (hiking) Programs (educational, volunteer) Winter (cross-country ski) Other (view wildlife, picnic, observatories) Season/Hours: Open Seasonally & by Appointment (check Facebook page) Feb – Mar: Wed - Sun, 8 AM – 5 PM April – Oct: Wed – Sun, 8 AM – 7 PM Nov: Wed - Sun, 8 AM – 5 PM Dec – Jan: Closed Office Hours: Wed – Sat 9, AM – 5 PM Gate closes automatically and promptly at posted time. Vehicles are prohibited from being in parking lot past closure or overnight. Opening and closing times change with the seasons. Gate is closed year round on Mondays and Tuesdays. Dog Friendly: Leashed pets allowed only in areas that are not dedicated Illinois Nature Preserve areas. Map(s) On Site and/or Online: Online: no On Site: unknown Parking: parking lots Amenities: benches, shelter, picnic tables Restrooms: primitive (seasonal); modern restrooms if building is open Trail Info Websites/Apps: All Trails Trip Advisor Cost: free (donations appreciated) Historical and/or Scientific Significance: historical; birding hotspot Terrain/Views/Access: forest, hills, prairie, open grass space General Description: 1100-acre natural area that includes Funks Grove Nature Preserve (portions dedicated as National Natural Landmark), Thaddeus Stubblefield Grove Nature Preserve, 6 miles of trails, nature center, blacksmith forge (Illinois Valley Blacksmith Association), astronomical observatory (Twin City Amateur Astronomers) and various gardens. It is the largest remaining intact prairie grove in Illinois and in 1974 was designated a National Natural Landmark. OPAL’s Observations & Opinions: |
Access (via trail) to Funk's Grove Nature Preserve is through Sugar Grove Nature Center.
More Information:
https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2023-02-08/reorganization-at-sugar-grove-nature-center-raises-outcry-and-concerns-over-transparency https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nnlandmarks/site.htm?Site=FUGR-IL https://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/photos-explore-sugar-grove-nature-center/collection_e9d9bbbf-6f47-50dd-a3e9-a5dbd55a69b4.html#10 https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1056903 https://sugargrovenaturecenter.org/nl/SGNC%20AprMayJun%202018.pdf https://herald-review.com/news/local/syrup-and-honey-a-sweet-deal-at-sugar-grove-nature-center/article_70f21090-5fc6-11e3-9ce0-001a4bcf887a.html https://outdoor.wildlifeillinois.org/articles/illinois-grand-prairie-protecting-and-re-creating-the-tallgrass-ecosystem https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funks_Grove,_Illinois https://www.jwpaudubon.com/explore https://www.visitbn.org/visit/2213/sugar-grove-nature-center/ https://www.enjoyillinois.com/explore/listing/funks-grove-nature-spaces/ https://www.chambanamoms.com/2021/05/04/visiting-imagination-grove-near-bloomington-normal/ Managed by:
Funks Grove Nature Spaces 4532 N 725 East Rd McLean, IL 61754 309-874-2174 |