Preserving the Dream: Ballard Nature Center Land and Water Reserve

Photos courtesy of the author.

It is a beautiful chain of events when organizations such as the Ballard Nature Center and the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission come together to recognize significant land features.

The Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, formed in 1963, is governed by the Illinois Natural Areas Preservation Act and charged to preserve, protect, and defend natural areas and endangered species habitat for the public benefit. Illinois is a national role model, being the first state to create a land protection program such as the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, with multiple states following in Illinois’ footsteps.

Earnest (Ernie) Ballard had a dream of creating a space where people of all ages could learn about and enjoy the natural resources surrounding them. He is the namesake of the Ballard Nature Center, a 217-acre parcel of land located in rural Effingham County, near the town of Altamont. Since 1999, the non-for-profit Ballard Nature Center has grown into a successful nature education site with a beautiful visitor center, amazing staff, exciting events, education programming and more than 6 miles of trails.

Ballard’s efforts to restore, enhance and protect this land were amplified in September 2020 when the Ballard Nature Center Board of Directors permanently registered with the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission 83.5 acres as an Illinois Land and Water Reserve. This registration permanently protects the natural resources, including the animals and the plants located at the Ballard Nature Center Land and Water Reserve, assuring that Ballard’s legacy will be fulfilled for future generations.

Ballard originally purchased 40 acres of land in 1963 and described the land as a “wilderness.” He immediately began restoring the natural communities, with his work and effort drawing notice and appreciation from adjacent landowners. By 1972 he had purchased the entire 210 acres of land formerly known as the Russel Farm.

Ballard envisioned his property to be environmental, recreational, educational and even experimental. He wanted to share his land with generations to come. In 1997, Ernie Ballard donated the property to the Effingham Soil and Water Conservation District, with the purpose of developing a nature center and a place for people to explore the natural world around them. He did not want the land developed or used for agriculture, but the land kept preserved in a natural state. The Effingham Soil and Water Conservation District realized they did not have the resources for Ballard’s wishes, so a non-for-profit foundation board was created and the land was deeded over to them in 1999. Since then, the board has acquired funds to develop trails, construct pavilions, build displays and conduct habitat restoration throughout the property.

The Ballard Nature Center property has a wide array of habitats, including more than 110 acres of woodlands, 50 acres of prairies, almost 30 acres of savannas, 20 acres of wetlands and a 1.3-acre pond. Six miles of interpretive trails traverse the property. The trails are well maintained, and many are handicap and stroller accessible. Trails are open daily from dawn to dusk and allow visitors to experience different habitat types and a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Along with the amazing infrastructure, there are also wonderful opportunities throughout the year for nature-related activities hosted by staff and volunteers. Any given day, or evening in some instances, there will be a group of children learning about the natural world around them. The activities are not just for children as several programs are made available for families and adults, as well.

Recently, the Ballard Nature Center and the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission hosted the first “Ballard BioBlitz.” Biologists, nature enthusiasts, master naturalists and volunteers gathered to discover how many species could be found in a 24-hour period. The event was open to the public and offered night hikes, night insect trapping, birding hikes, native plant hikes, pond shocking demonstrations, turtle trapping demonstrations and a presentation from the Illinois Raptor Center. Children of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and interests gathered to conduct biological inventories at the Ballard Nature Center. The quote of the day came from a young child who stated “This was the best day ever! I was a scientist today! When I grow up, I want to do this!” Ernie Ballard’s dream was to create a space for natural resources enjoyment, education and protection. His dream has been growing and developing for more than 20 years, and the permanent protection afforded by the Ballard Land and Water Reserve, will remain in perpetuity. Future generations will be able to visit the Ballard Nature Center to enjoy and explore the natural world around them.

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Sami Childerson is a Natural Areas Preservation Specialist with the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. She started volunteering at the Ballard Nature Center in 2001, and 20 years later was humbled and honored to be a part of providing permanent protection for the site where the foundation of her interests in biology and natural resources started. She lives on her family’s farm in rural Effingham County with her husband and three children, where she loves spending time doing anything outside!