Western Illinois Nature Group was created to find and purchase a forested property in west central Illinois to accomplish our goals. We seek the financial support and encouragement of area communities and organizations, as well as the dedication of our membership, to preserve a beautifully wooded area for enjoyment well beyond this century. The generosity of corporate and private foundations and local businesses is essential. 

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Watch our website and Facebook Page (not the Facebook Group) for information on upcoming events.

Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP)

During parts of April and May, all of October and the first half of December annually, all trails may be closed for IRAP's Spring Turkey and Fall Deer Archery Seasons.  

The Spring Turkey season is from dawn to 1pm during these dates. The Fall Deer Season is dawn to dusk.  The gate will be closed on those days.

If someone is parked in the IRAP parking space in the parking lot, an archery deer hunter is on the property hunting.  This pays our bills.  Please be safe and respectful.   Only IRAP authorized hunters are allowed to hunt on this property and only according to IRAP rules and regulations.  Violators will be turned in to the authorities. 

WING's partnership with IRAP pays our bills while maintaining the health of our deer and turkey populations.  We have entered into this agreement for good stewardship of the land.  Planting diversity in our woods and prairie also helps to feed these and other wildlife.

Click on IRAP on the left menu  here, or check out their website to learn more.

www.dnr.illinois.gov/conservation/irap 

Our Membership year is April 1-March 30

Renewing your membership to WING's Blackthorn Hill has never been easier and your donation can go further!  Membership is a minimum of $30 per family.  Use the Donate button above to become a member or renew membership. You can also renew by mailing a check to WING, c/o L Wright, 1678 Oriole Drive, Galesburg, IL  61401.  Pay your renewal or new membership, before June 27, 2025, through Birdies for Charity and WING gets a 5% bonus!  Go to Home - Birdies for Charity  and click on the Donate Now button. Choose charity 751-Western Illinois Nature Group-Blackthorn Hill Nature Preserve. Donations of $20 or more are accepted online.  Your donations will go further with bonus dollars from JDC.  Thank you in advance! 

Birdies for Charity-Pledge now to support Western Illinois Nature Group-Blackthorn Hill Nature Preserve.  Use Bird# 751. Donate - Birdies for Charity  

“As a disabled veteran it can at times be difficult finding time to access hunting opportunities on privately controlled lands. Thanks to the IRAP, I was able to harvest a whitetail doe while spending some much needed time outdoors.” ~2023 Archery Deer Hunter

Legacy information

Consider leaving a bequest to Western Illinois Nature Group (WING) which owns and operates Blackthorn Hill Nature Preserve to keep this local jewel thriving for future generations.  Find out more here: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10KUGYngBquWKJV-H75EnpJxf2Q-xW1iA/view?usp=sharing

and here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10KUGYngBquWKJV-H75EnpJxf2Q-xW1iA/view?usp=sharing

 Email us at blackthornhill@gmail.com .

Water: We bleach and test the water in our well monthly, but it is sulpherous and it is best to bring your own water.