Lusk Creek Sanctuary was acquired by Illinois Audubon Society in April 2007. It is located in Pope County in the middle of the Lusk Creek Wilderness Area. At only 56.8 acres, this sanctuary might be small in size, but it is very large in what it has to offer.
The property is near the headwaters of Lusk Creek, and the creek itself runs right through the middle of the property. Lusk Creek is a rocky, spring-fed stream traversing wooded uplands. Springs and caves throughout its course add to the high biological diversity of the system and provide habitats for unique flora and fauna. The stretch of stream that flows through Lusk Creek Sanctuary runs the full range of possibilities–slow broad sections, fast narrow channels, deep pools, and active riffles. The riparian zone ranges from flood plain canebreaks to hardwood forest canopies.
At the other end of the spectrum, sandstone glades give way to sandstone bluffs and an amazing array of wildflowers, included the rare French’s shooting star. Lusk Creek Sanctuary is not open to the public, but arrangements can be made to visit the sanctuary by contacting Shawnee Audubon.
Lusk Creek Sanctuary is not open to the public, but arrangements can be made to visit the sanctuary by contacting Shawnee Audubon.