04/24/2026
Wildlife students visited Heron Pond Preserve and Little Black Slough, as well as Mermet Lake ponds within the Cache River drainage basin. The areas visited consisted of swamps dominated by water tupelo (rare in Illinois) and bald cypress. We assessed critical habitat for Illinois threatened and endangered species and federally endangered species. This preserve contains a heron rookery and the presence of many species hard to spot elsewhere. This preserve is a good place to see red-shouldered hawk, barred owl, Acadian flycatcher, parula warbler, yellow-throated warbler, Kentucky warbler, and swamp rabbit. Cottonmouth, amongst other water snakes, and softshell turtles are common here, as well.
If a student is interested in a hands-on wildlife education; well rounded with curriculum on ecology, outfitting, habitat improvement, forestry, conservation or conservation law, biodiversity, and fisheries: this might be the program for you. Email [email protected] to set up a visit about enrollment.
