Bureau County, Illinois tourism

McCune Sand Prairie

This 200-acre rare prairie type was donated to the Natural ResourcesConservation Service Bureau County District by Mr. and Mrs. J.D.McCune (120-acres) and the University of Illinois (80-acres). Due tothe exceptionallysandy soilcomposition, sand prairies are exceedingly well-drained and are therefore evendrier than typical Midwestern tall-grass prairies. However, the northern portion ofthis site supports tree and shrub growth, and is populated with sparse specimensof green ash, eastern red cedar, Osage orange, Iowa crabapple, prairie rose, redmulberry, and bur oak.

Grasses and forbs common to the site include unusual prairie species such as sand blue-stem and hairy grama grasses, Bicknell's sedge, Scriber's panic grass, hairy lens grass, clustered poppy mallow, Illinois tick trefoil, rough blazing star, marble seed, pale beard tongue, and even prickly pear cactus.

Site Access - Free
GPS - n 41.45456; w 89.82918
Site Contact - 815-875-8732

Directions:
From the intersection of SR (State Route) 26 and I 80, go west on I 80 for 11.9 miles and take Exit 45, turning south on SR 40 for 1.7 miles. Turn west (right) on US 6/US 34 for 8.6 miles into Mineral, IL. Turn north (right) on CR (County Road) 10 briefly, turning east (right) on CR 10/Main St. for 0.2 miles. Turn north (left) to follow CR 10/East St. for 2.1 miles and under I 80 heading north. Turn north (left) on CR 10/CR 150E and go 3.9 miles to the McCune Sand Prairie parking area on the left.