Introduction

The Committee on Natural Areas is responsible for maintaining and managing University of Illinois owned properties which have been acquired to enhance environmental/ecological research and education.

The role of the CNA is to provide and facilitate long-term research and teaching opportunities on University-owned properties. Sites are managed to protect both the integrity of the ecological systems and the biological research that takes place on them. Ten University areas are currently under the direct supervision of the Committee on Natural Areas: Brownfield Woods, CCDC Collins Woods, Funk Forest, Nanney Research Area, Nettie Hart Woods, Phillips Tract, Edgar and Sophia Richter Research Area, Rutan Research Area, Trelease Woods and Trelease Prairie. Together they compromise about 490 acres. They are composed of eight woodlands, a restructured prairie and a multi-use former farm. The sites also provide direct access to stretches of the Embarras River, Timber Creek, the Sangamon River, the Saline Ditch and the Salt Fork River. In addition, the CNA supervises biological research on the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department's Vermilion River Observatory site, 474 acres which are mostly wooded.

All of the CNA areas are restricted access, closed to the public and to recreational activities. Only authorized research and class field trips are permitted on the sites. Permits may be issued to U of I faculty, staff, students, Illinois Department of Natural Resources personnel, or qualified researchers from other colleges/universities. For further site-specific information, tours of sites or permits, please contact:

Steve Buck
116 Vivarium (MC-444)
606 E. Healey
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 333-6458