Sand Prairie-Scrub Oak
Nature Preserve
(formerly Mason County State Wildlife Refuge & Recreation Area)

Mason County, Illinois

Latitude/Longitude
 Nature Preserve:  ​40.171219, -90.079349
Sign/Entrance:  ​ 40.191579, -90.069900

14988-14684 Co Rd 17
Kilbourne, IL  62655

Official Website
https://dnr.illinois.gov/inpc/area.area5masonsandprairiescruboak.html

Activities: 
Other (view wildlife)
No trails but established firebreaks are maintained as needed.
 
Season/Hours:  no established hours
 
Dog Friendly:  no
 
Map(s) On Site and/or Online: 
Online:  no
On Site:  no
 
Parking:  parking lot on west side of Mason County Road 1500E
 
Amenities:  no
 
Restrooms:  no
 
Trail Info Websites/Apps:  no
 
Cost:  free admission
 
Historical and/or Scientific Significance:  birding hotspot
 
Terrain/Views/Access: forest, prairie
 
General Description:  1460-acre state natural area
 
OPAL’s Observations & Opinions:  

Trail/Park Maps & Brochures (downloadable):
​

More Information:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L166963
​​
https://dnr.illinois.gov/education/cdhabitatmain/cdhabitatsandprairie.html#:~:text=WHERE%20IS%20IT%20FOUND%3F,than%20%EF%AC%81ve%20acres%20in%20size.

https://www.audubon.org/important-bird-areas/sand-prairie-scrub-oak-nature-preserve

https://theriverlanding.typepad.com/the_river_landing/2010/02/the-missing-redheaded-woodpeckers-of-sand-prairiescrub-oak-nature-preserve.html
​
https://www.inhs.illinois.edu/research/rra/site16/

Managed by:
Site Superintendent, Sand Ridge State Forest
Forest City, IL  61532
309-597-2260
or
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
District Natural Heritage Biologist
700 S. 10th Street, Havana, IL  62644
309-543-3262