Blackthorn Hill Nature Preserve: Conservation and Outdoor Adventure
By: Forgottonia Times™ Report
Blackthorn Hill Nature Preserve is a place of natural beauty, wildlife conservation, and outdoor education. Managed by the Western Illinois Nature Group (WING), the 110-acre property combines ecological stewardship with public access and recreational opportunities. A major part of this effort is the partnership between WING and the Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP), which brings youth, adults, families, and veterans together through its seasonal bow-hunting programs.
The goal, as Ron Hunt, Chair of WING, explained, is to preserve and enhance Blackthorn Hill while creating space for public enjoyment. "We purchased Blackthorn Hill in 2005 when the former Boy and Girl Scout camp, Piper Hills, was sold. It left a gap for Scouts, so we decided to create a space where nature could be preserved while Scouts and the public could use it for camping, hiking, and education." One of the standout features of Blackthorn Hill is its oak-hickory forest, home to a wide variety of wildlife, from deer to songbirds and wildflowers that bloom each spring.
This blend of recreation and preservation has been elevated since WING's partnership with IRAP began in 2018. IRAP, a program run by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, leases private land for public hunting while helping to fund habitat restoration efforts. According to Tony Kloppenborg, IRAP Coordinator and WING board member, this partnership has significantly contributed to managing Blackthorn Hill's ecosystem. "IRAP staff and WING volunteers have partnered on multiple projects throughout the years. Several prescribed burns have been conducted across the property to help manage the prairie and woodland habitat. WING volunteers collect seed yearly and distribute it into the prairie to increase species diversity, and several hundred trees and shrubs have been planted around the property," Kloppenborg shared.
The hunting programs offered each October and December are an essential part of this conservation effort. By allowing youth and families to hunt deer and turkey, these programs help control the deer population, help prevent overgrazing and disease, and promote a balanced ecosystem. Kloppenborg, who began hunting in his 30s, emphasizes that "While hunting may not be everyone's cup of tea, for some it's an important part of their heritage which connects them to the outdoors," In reference to several of the turkey hunts he has been a part of, he shares too that, "Just being out in the woods as they 'wake up' for the day is an experience in itself."
The IRAP youth bow hunting program also provides much-needed financial support for WING. The hunters, who pay a fee to participate, help fund the ongoing preservation efforts at Blackthorn Hill. This income complements donations, member dues, and fundraisers, keeping the property open and accessible to the public.
Beyond hunting, WING offers numerous educational opportunities for the community. Bird-watching programs, nature hikes, and environmental education activities take place throughout the year, providing something for everyone who wants to experience nature up close. Cabins are also available for rent, with reservations made in advance.
As Hunt shared WING's mission, he emphasized that the conservation efforts at Blackthorn Hill are focused on more than just the present. Part of WING's vision states, "We seek the financial support and encouragement of area communities and organizations, as well as the dedication of our membership, to preserve a beautifully wooded area for enjoyment well beyond this century." While the protection and care for the land is important for tomorrow, it is also imperative that the land is cared for now, so that in a century and even two centuries, that land is still alive and prospering for those future generations.
In a region where much of the land is privately owned, Blackthorn Hill stands as a rare public resource. Thanks to the ongoing work of WING and their collaboration with IRAP, it continues to offer a space for both wildlife and people to thrive.
