Forest Preserve District Adds 12.5 Acres in Hampshire
Cardinal Creek Forest Preserve in Hampshire grew a bit larger, Nov. 15, as the Forest Preserve District of Kane County closed on a 12.25-acre addition to the preserve.
The property is the second investment with funds from the district’s land acquisition and preserve improvement referendum, which was passed in April.
The district invested roughly $176,300 for the property, paid to the Estate of Dwight A. Faber.
This addition to the northeast part of Cardinal Creek Forest Preserve, at Burlington and Ellithorpe Roads, creates a 201-acre preserve. The property will be likely converted to prairie and wetland areas, says Director of Natural Resources Ben Haberthur.
“We’re working to bring the prairies back to The Prairie State,” he said. “Once known for vast acres of grasses, the amount of prairie remaining in Illinois is now only one-tenth of 1 percent. It’s especially important to bring back this habitat for all of the plants and wildlife that need these areas to thrive.”
Adding to existing preserves was one of the promises the district made to residents, when it presented the 2017 referendum. Last month, the district announced additions to Sauer Family Prairie Kame Forest Preserve in Sugar Grove.
For more information on the Forest Preserve District, see www.kaneforest.com or find us on social media by searching @forestpreserve.
SOURCE: Forest Preserve District of Kane County news release
About Cardinal Creek
Cardinal Creek Forest Preserve was named by school children in a contest organized by the Forest Preserve District.
An intermittent tributary of Burlington Creek meanders through the northeastern portion of the preserve. The rich soils once supported an oak savanna in this area. The District plans to restore the area to oak savanna, wetland and prairie.
The original 154 acres for this preserve were purchased in 2006. An additional acquisition of 12 acres was made in 2008.
SOURCE: Forest Preserve District of Kane County website
