Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary Habitat and Access

Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary in Edwardsville, Illinois, (Madison County) is a conservation area featuring a 40-acre sand prairie and pond restoration. Knoll was established in 2023 and is planned to open to the public once appropriate access can be established. 

The sanctuary is home to vulnerable turtle and frog populations that need sand prairies to survive. Extreme development pressures and habitat loss in the western Edwardsville area have caused these animals to decline significantly. Habitat restoration is critically needed to help the frogs and turtles have a safe haven. Abby the turtle is one of the residents of the property and is being monitored and tracked by researchers at SIUE.

When HeartLands Conservancy acquired the property, the prairie had been nearly overtaken by invasive plants, like bradford pear trees, that are crowding out the native flowers and grasses that wildlife need. Habitat stewardship is critical, such as continual removal of invasive plants and care and establishment of native prairie plants. The property has extensive prickly pear cactus, which is a main food source for the turtles. 

The pond on the property also needs clean up and restoration of the pond edges to support wildlife.

We are working to make the preserve publicly accessible. The plan is to include mowed, marked paths and marking and enhancing the existing parking area. 

Funds will support these improvements and implementation costs.