Poag Sand Prairie Habitat and Access Improvements

Poag Sand Prairie in Edwardsville, Illinois, (Madison County) is a public conservation area featuring an 18-acre sand prairie restoration. Poag Sand Prairie was established in 2018 and expanded in 2021. It features mowed paths, a small pond and frog ponds, storage barn, and a gravel parking area. The prairie is being restored to support several endangered species that call the prairie home. 

When HeartLands Conservancy acquired the property, the prairie had been nearly overtaken by invasive plants that are crowding out the native flowers and grasses that wildlife need. Habitat stewardship is critical, such as continual removal of invasive plants, care of the mowed paths, and mainteance of the facilities. For visitors and volunteers, it is important to keep the trails and driveway clearly marked. The driveway needs gravel. We also need to contract with a plumber to install access to the water well so water can be accessed by staff and volunteers. 

Funds will support these improvements and implementation costs.