South Fork Nature Reserve

This 3.8-acre hardwood floodplain forest is located along Bakutis Road near Rochester, IL. This property flooded frequently and included several homes/shacks on private lots. The Federal Emergency Management Agency purchased the property for Sangamon County to use as open space. The park was named South Fork Nature Reserve through a contest held among area schoolchildren. 

Sangamon County owns the property and in 2006 entered into a memorandum of agreement with the Friends of the Sangamon Valley including management of a conservation easement. Notable species cataloged on site include the State endangered Kirtland’s water snake and pileated woodpeckers. Demolition of riverfront structures left a considerable amount of debris in the soil. Due to large amounts of trash in the South Fork River FOSV conducted river clean-ups at this site in 2005 & 2006. 

What’s an Easement? A conservation easement is granted by the property owner to another party for purposes of preserving the land for conservation. The property owner retains ownership, but gives up most development rights. The party that holds the easement is responsible for annual inspections and reporting.

What are the owner’s responsibilities? The county is responsible for property maintenance and management that is not conservation related. For instance, maintenance of the parking area, lights, signs and security are the responsibility of the county and is conducted by the Sangamon County Highway Department.

This property is open to the public, excluding a marked inholding. Take Route 29 east toward Rochester, IL. Turn left on Tuxhorn Road, then left on Wright Road and continue to Gaule Road. Turn right on Gaule and follow to Bakutis Road. Turn right on Bakutis Road and proceed to the small parking area. Please do not trespass onto private property.