Knuppel Wildlife Sanctuary - Friends of the Sangamon Valley

Knuppel Wildlife Sanctuary is named for State Senator John Knuppel who was an advocate for conservation initiatives throughout the 1970s and a close friend of Old Salem Chautauqua. John served faithfully as a Democratic Illinois State Senator from 1970 – 1980 (42nd District 1970-72; 48th District 1973-80). The property was donated to the Friends of the Sangamon Valley by the Knuppel family to commemorate Verdell Knuppel.

This 9-acre preserve is located in Menard County, near Petersburg, IL. Public access is not permitted. It’s natural communities consist of floodplain forest, perennial stream. and restored old field. The site management plan prioritizes invasive species, notably bush honeysuckle. Current threats include trespassers and deer browsing.

The property bears some significance in the history of Chautauquas in central Illinois. The sanctuary was once owned by the Izaak Walton League at Old Salem Chautauqua. The Izaak Walton League formed a partnership with Old Salem Chautauqua and built a pond in 1926, including a fish hatchery along the north end of the property.