Save Bohm Woods
Donation protected
'Bohm Woods State Nature Preserve is a special place. This spectacular forest has somehow remained undisturbed, despite the massive disturbance that has forever altered the Illinois landscape since European arrival. Old growth forest is exceedingly rare, and to have one of such quality in an urbanized area like Edwardsville, is unheard of. In fact, Bohm Woods represents one of only three old growth forests remaining in the entire Metro East (and the only in Madison County), which is why the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has worked for decades to protect it. They were finally successful in 2006 when the land was purchased and designated as an Illinois State Nature Preserve for the benefit of all.
Bohm Woods offers visitors a glimpse into Illinois’ past. There is simply nowhere else in the region where one can see a forest of giant hardwoods—massive trees that are hundreds of years old, over 100 ft tall, and several feet in diameter. These trees form an extensive canopy that captures most of the sunlight, producing an open understory that supports unique communities of plants and animals, including rare spring wildflowers and neotropical migrant songbirds. As these enormous trees die, they may remain standing for decades, providing food and shelter for countless species. When they topple, they uproot the soil, creating a unique pit-and-mount topography that provides ephemeral pools for wildlife.
Bohm Woods is a vital resource for the entire region. Its importance has long been recognized by adjacent landowners, including John and Kay Kendall, founders of the Watershed Nature Center, who dedicated their adjoining land, “Toadwood Scrubs” as a buffer for Bohm Woods. The university community is equally invested in Bohm Woods and recognizes its value in providing high quality educational and research experiences for students. In 2010, SIUE faculty worked collaboratively to establish the ~380-acre SIUE Nature Preserve with the purpose of connecting our largest remaining forest patch with Bohm Woods, via a habitat corridor. ' - Dr. Richard Essner, SIUE
HeartLands Conservancy is raising funds to protect the remaining buffer of Bohm Woods - 77 acres of agriculutral land and woods that will protect the ecosystem of Bohm Woods.
Money raised through this effort is directly deposited to HeartLands Conservancy and will a) be used as matching funds for a grant for HeartLands Conservancy (or a public entity) to buy the property, and b) will be used for restoration and stewardship of the property once acquired. The protection of Bohm Woods and restoration efforts will consist of partners from the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, SIUE Biology, City of Edwardsville, and others.
HeartLands Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization with a mission to sustain and enrich the diverse environmental resources of southwestern Illinois. We work in partnership with communities, land owners, and organizations to permanently protect open spaces and natural resources. Your donations are tax deductible.
Checks can also be sent to:
HeartLands Conservancy
attn: Bohm Woods
406 E Main Street
Mascoutah, IL 62258
Photo Credit: Bryan Werner, Metro East Park and Recreation District
Bohm Woods offers visitors a glimpse into Illinois’ past. There is simply nowhere else in the region where one can see a forest of giant hardwoods—massive trees that are hundreds of years old, over 100 ft tall, and several feet in diameter. These trees form an extensive canopy that captures most of the sunlight, producing an open understory that supports unique communities of plants and animals, including rare spring wildflowers and neotropical migrant songbirds. As these enormous trees die, they may remain standing for decades, providing food and shelter for countless species. When they topple, they uproot the soil, creating a unique pit-and-mount topography that provides ephemeral pools for wildlife.
Bohm Woods is a vital resource for the entire region. Its importance has long been recognized by adjacent landowners, including John and Kay Kendall, founders of the Watershed Nature Center, who dedicated their adjoining land, “Toadwood Scrubs” as a buffer for Bohm Woods. The university community is equally invested in Bohm Woods and recognizes its value in providing high quality educational and research experiences for students. In 2010, SIUE faculty worked collaboratively to establish the ~380-acre SIUE Nature Preserve with the purpose of connecting our largest remaining forest patch with Bohm Woods, via a habitat corridor. ' - Dr. Richard Essner, SIUE
HeartLands Conservancy is raising funds to protect the remaining buffer of Bohm Woods - 77 acres of agriculutral land and woods that will protect the ecosystem of Bohm Woods.
Money raised through this effort is directly deposited to HeartLands Conservancy and will a) be used as matching funds for a grant for HeartLands Conservancy (or a public entity) to buy the property, and b) will be used for restoration and stewardship of the property once acquired. The protection of Bohm Woods and restoration efforts will consist of partners from the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, SIUE Biology, City of Edwardsville, and others.
HeartLands Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization with a mission to sustain and enrich the diverse environmental resources of southwestern Illinois. We work in partnership with communities, land owners, and organizations to permanently protect open spaces and natural resources. Your donations are tax deductible.
Checks can also be sent to:
HeartLands Conservancy
attn: Bohm Woods
406 E Main Street
Mascoutah, IL 62258
Photo Credit: Bryan Werner, Metro East Park and Recreation District
Organizer
HeartLands Conservancy
Organizer
Edwardsville, IL
