Hanley Savanna
Sand prairie at Hanley Savanna. Photo by James Quick.
Hanley Savanna
Sand prairie at Hanley Savanna. Photo by James Quick.
This site is a 160-acre prairie, savanna and woodland restoration in rural Hanover, IL. This site has transformed from row cropland and white pine plantation to several types of prairie ecosystems, including tall grass prairies, oak savannas, fens, sand blowouts and black oak barrens. The property is relatively flat with mowed trails, making it an easy place to hike.
Access & Directions
9417 Whitton Road, Hanover, IL 61041.
Site Steward
Connect with the Chapter to see how you can care for this rare habitat at an upcoming work party.
This site is stewarded by The Prairie Enthusiasts Northwest Illinois Chapter.
How to Enjoy This Site
Allowed:
- Hiking
- Outdoor recreation
How to Enjoy This Site
Allowed:
- Hiking
- Outdoor recreation
Staff and volunteers try to identify bees at Hanley Savanna during a spring field trip. Photo by Cassidy Coulson.
What Makes Hanley Savanna Special
Hanley Savanna connects the Lost Mound Unit of the Upper Mississippi River U.S. Fish & Wildlife Refuge with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Hanover Bluff Nature Preserve. Altogether, these and adjoining protected areas create the largest protected area in northwest Illinois – about 11,200 acres – with a wide diversity of natural areas from bluff tops down through the Mississippi River.
Visitors are welcome at Hanley Savanna. Hiking trails throughout the area allow easy access to observe native prairie and savanna plants as well as a variety of grassland and woodland birds. Interpretive signage at the shelter near the intersection of Whitton and Hanover Hill Roads provides details about the history of Hanley Savanna, information about prairies, and a trail map.
Wood betony at Hanley Savanna. Photo by Sarah Barron.
How was Hanley Savanna Protected
In the early 1970s, Jim Lewis purchased almost 300 acres of land from the top of the bluff to the valley below. His farm, a portion of which would become Hanley Savanna, stretched from the railroad tracks to the bluff top.
In 2003, The Prairie Enthusiasts purchased 110 acres from Lewis, starting Hanley Savanna. The Prairie Enthusiasts purchased an additional 44 acres of land from farmer Gene Roberts and six additional acres from The Nature Conservancy, completing the current 160 acres of Hanley Savanna.
Staff members and Northwest Illinois Chapter volunteers look at a bee up close on a field trip at Hanley Savanna. Photo by Sarah Barron.
How You Can Help Hanley Savanna
The Northwest Illinois Chapter began undertaking the restoration and management of Hanley Savanna’s prairies and savannas in 2003.
Check out our Events Calendar to see upcoming work parties or contact the site steward to get involved.
Following a work party, staff members and volunteers gather at Hanley Savanna’s shelter. Photo by Sarah Barron.