Partnerships key to protecting Hanover Woods

Thirty-five acres of wooded bluffs near Hanover were permanently protected by the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation, the Illinois chapter of The Nature Conservancy, and the Natural Land Institute.   The conservation groups purchased the land from three individual landowners.

The 35 acres are adjacent to parcels totaling approximately 964 acres of land already protected either through conservation easements on privately owned land or ownership by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  

Part of that complex is the 451-acre Hanover Bluffs Nature Preserve, located on a high dolomite ridge that forms a valley wall of the Mississippi River.  It is the first dedicated nature preserve located in the Wisconsin Driftless Natural Division and home to endangered wildlife species such as the bald eagle, scarlet tanager, wood thrush, timber rattlesnake, prairie ringneck snake, and several species of frogs and toads.

The 35-acre addition acts as a buffer to the nature preserve and helps preserve the natural character of the blufflands. “These areas are important to protect so that forest fragmentation is prevented and wildlife habitat is preserved,” he said. 

Julie Bruser, former executive director of the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation said, “Northwest Illinois is unique with its scenic Mississippi bluffs.  We must have the foresight to act now to preserve their beauty for future generations to enjoy.”

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