Information
Visiting Watershed
Hours
The Watershed Nature Center trails are open daily from dawn until dusk. For availability of the Welcome Center, contact us by email or by telephone at (618) 692-7578.
Trail Regulations
The Watershed Nature Center is a passive park dedicated to the restoration and preservation of native plant and animal species. To maintain its peaceful beauty and to protect wildlife, we ask that you observe the following guidelines:
- Keep dogs on leashes at all times
- No bikes or rollerblades
- Stay on the trails
- Leave plants, wildflowers, mushrooms, animals, and insects undisturbed
- No fishing or swimming
- Place all trash in proper containers
Maps
The Watershed Nature Center is located at 1591 Tower Road in Edwardsville, Illinois.
History
What was once the site of Edwardsville's sewage lagoon now serves as one of the City's finest examples of community spirit and dedication. The Watershed Nature Center was founded in 1991, when local community activists John and Kay Kendall proposed to turn the abandoned lagoon into a nature preserve. The City endorsed the plan and the Nature Preserve Foundation, a nonprofit organization, was formed to oversee the project.
Many members of the community were instrumental in the creation of the Watershed Nature Center. The site became a training ground for Operating Engineers Local 520, who evacuated the two lakes and wetland areas. Area families, as well as local businesses and community groups such as Kiwanis, Rotary, and Junior Services League, supported the efforts through monetary contribution and labor. A grant from the Illinois Department of Conservation supported the restoration efforts and the construction of the Welcome Center.
By 1995, the Watershed Nature Center was ready to welcome its first visitors and to carry out its mission to restore and maintain habitats typical of Southwestern Illinois and to provide the public with opportunities for environmental education and outdoor recreation.
Site Features
The Center is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of wetland, tallgrass prairie, and upland forest habitat indigenous to Madison County. The site features two large lakes and adjacent wetland areas, two tallgrass prairies, and an upland forest. Visitors may walk on the 3,000 foot wheelchair-accessible pathway at lake level or hike wood-chipped trails through the wetland areas. Two observation towers, a wildlife viewing blind, an outdoor amphitheatre, and outdoor classroom also make visiting the Center more enjoyable.
The Welcome Center, a 2000 square foot building, is used as the base for environmental educational classes. The Center is heated and air-conditioned, and has a deck overlooking the lakes.
The Center is home to many types of plants, birds, animals, and insects. Volunteers monitor local populations. Site restoration continues through the removal of exotic species and the planting of native species.
Educational Programs
Through a cooperative agreement with the City of Edwardsville and the Nature Preserve Foundation, an educational program was initiated. Thousands of children of all backgrounds and abilities have had the opportunity to take part in "hands-on" learning activities in an outdoor setting.
Summer day camps provide the opportunity for area students to explore wetlands and related topics in depth. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to accompany visiting classes. Retired teachers are also valuable volunteers assisting with classroom visits.
Programs and Events
Scouting programs offer Girl and Boy Scouts the opportunity to fulfill badge requirements, complete Eagle and Gold Award projects, and carry out community service activities. Adults and children are brought together on Community Work Days when people of all ages and backgrounds join forces to clear trails, mulch pathways, and plant trees. Each Spring, the center holds its annual Earth Day event, inviting community members to celebrate the beauty of the Earth and to learn new ways to care for it.
Our Future
The Nature Preserve Foundation continues to maintain the vision that inspired the Watershed Nature Center's founding. To that end, the Board of Directors actively pursues funding that will enhance the Center's programs and grounds.