Located approximately two miles southeast of Amboy, Amboy Marsh Nature Preserve is a Conservation Opportunity Area within the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan’s Green River Lowlands. It is a Category II Illinois Natural Area Inventory site, meaning it has a specific suitable habitat for state-listed species or state-listed species relocations.
Topographically diverse, the site includes sparsely vegetated sand dunes, black oak savannah sand forests, seasonal wetlands, sedge meadows and dry sand prairies. This unique ecosystem provides refuge for state listed plants and animals.
The site was dedicated as an Illinois Nature Preserve in 2015.
As we tour the property, our expert guides will help us observe and identify a diversity of plants and animals that we will find. Some possibilities are Eastern kingbird, solitary sandpiper, American redstart, pearl crescent, ruby meadowhawk, cross leaved milkwort, bottle gentian, nodding ladies tresses and great blue lobelia. We will also learn about successful restoration efforts and future restoration plans.
Our journey will combine vehicle transport, some hiking (mowed paths) and a picnic lunch.
Trip leaders: Jim Hampson, Bill Handel, Isaac Stewart, Bo Dziadyk
Cost of trip includes lunch, snacks and water
Maximum Field Trip Capacity: 12
Cost: $35