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A flock of white migratory birds take off from the bank at Emiquon, with a 25th anniversary logo in the corner.
Taking Flight A flock of migratory birds at the Emiquon preserve. © © Laura Stoecker Photography LTD
Stories in Illinois

Emiquon's 25th Anniversary

Join us in celebrating a quarter century of restoration and innovation at Emiquon!

See the event lineup below.

Viewing

Join the Celebration

The public is invited to join in the celebration of Emiquon's 25th anniversary at the following events. Participants can collect anniversary sticker badges at each event. Collect at least six stickers for a chance to win an exclusive TNC experience at Emiquon. Sign up to attend an event by sending an email to Emiquon@tnc.org.

  • A hand holding binoculars overlooking a body of water with vegetation on the far bank.

    Bird Hike│May 17, 2025

    A guided hike through a variety of habitats, from woodland to the marsh, an area usually closed to the public. Meet at 7 a.m. and spend about 2 hours watching and listening for a variety of spring migrants. Pre-registration preferred. Learn More and Register

  • Two people on a fishing boat on the water.

    Fishing Days│May 23 to 26, 2025

    Fishing from boats, canoes or kayaks is allowed year-round at Emiquon with a lake access waiver. During these days, bank fishing will be allowed in the Public Use Area and the pull-off near the pump ditch. Sunrise to sunset. No registration required. Learn More

  • Two people wearing gloves throwing trash into a plastic bag they are holding.

    Volunteer Days│May 27 to 29, 2025

    Help with a variety of tasks is needed around the preserve, from cleaning up in the Public Use Area to controlling invasive species. Pre-registration required. Not available these dates or times? Email us for other options! Learn More and Register

  • Two people on a fishing boat on the water.

    Fishing Days│June 13 to 16, 2025

    Fishing from boats, canoes or kayaks is allowed year-round at Emiquon with a lake access waiver. During these days, bank fishing will be allowed in the Public Use Area and the pull-off near the pump ditch. Sunrise to sunset. No registration required.

  • A young woman wearing a blue visor looking into a microscope.

    Science Day│June 14, 2025

    Discover how macroinvertebrates help us understand the health of aquatic ecosystems. Hands-on, half-day program for high school students, adults. Provide own transportation between the field station and preserve. Limited spots. Email to register.

  • Two people wearing gloves throwing trash into a plastic bag they are holding.

    Volunteer Days│June 16 to 19, 2025

    Help with a variety of tasks is needed around the preserve, from cleaning up in the Public Use Area to controlling invasive species. Pre-registration required; email Emiquon@tnc.org. Not available these dates or times? Email us for other options!

  • Two green canoes on the shore with paddles propped up against one canoe.

    Paddling│July 12, 2025

    Join this two-hour guided paddling tour. Register for a seat on a TNC canoe or bring your own canoe or kayak. Specify if you prefer TNC’s 10-person Voyageur canoe or a standard two-person canoe. Life jackets and paddles provided. Emiquon@tnc.org

  • A grassy bluff with a lake at Emiquon in the distance.

    Ridge Hike│July 12, 2025

    Hike to the top of the ridge overlooking Emiquon. Learn about the history and restoration of the preserve, cultural history of the area and enjoy exceptional views of this portion of the Illinois River valley. Pre-registrer at Emiquon@tnc.org.

  • Two green canoes on the shore with paddles propped up against one canoe.

    Paddling│August 9, 2025

    Join this two-hour guided paddling tour. Register for a seat on a TNC canoe or bring your own canoe or kayak. Specify if you prefer TNC’s 10-person Voyageur canoe or a standard two-person canoe. Life jackets and paddles provided. Emiquon@tnc.org

  • The water control structure at Emiquon under construction.

    Science Day│August 9, 2025

    Go behind the scenes to learn about TNC’s one-of-a-kind water control structure, the science that guides wetland management, the history of Emiquon and how the project contributes to the health of the Illinois River. Register at Emiquon@tnc.org.

  • Two people on a fishing boat on the water.

    Fishing Days│August 29 to September 1, 2025

    Fishing from boats, canoes or kayaks is allowed year-round at Emiquon with a lake access waiver. During these days, bank fishing will be allowed in the Public Use Area and the pull-off near the pump ditch. Sunrise to sunset. No registration required.

  • Two people wearing gloves throwing trash into a plastic bag they are holding.

    Volunteer Days│September 2 to 4, 2025

    Help with a variety of tasks is needed around the preserve, from cleaning up in the Public Use Area to controlling invasive species. Pre-registration required; email Emiquon@tnc.org. Not available these dates or times? Email us for other options!

  • The water control structure at Emiquon under construction.

    Science Day│September 13, 2025

    Go behind the scenes to learn about TNC’s one-of-a-kind water control structure, the science that guides wetland management, the history of Emiquon and how the project contributes to the health of the Illinois River. Register at Emiquon@tnc.org.

  • A grassy bluff with a lake at Emiquon in the distance.

    Ridge Hike│September 13, 2025

    This 2-mile out-and-back hike-n-talk program will focus on the archaeological past of the Central Illinois River Valley and provides a stunning view overlooking Emiquon. Pre-registration by emailing Emiquon@tnc.org is preferred but not required.

  • A hand holding binoculars overlooking a body of water with vegetation on the far bank.

    Bird Hike│September 20, 2025

    A guided hike through a variety of habitats, from woodland to the marsh, an area usually closed to the public. Meet at 7 a.m. and spend about 2 hours watching and listening for a variety of spring migrants. Pre-registration preferred: Emiquon@tnc.org

  • A young woman wearing a blue visor looking into a microscope.

    Science Day│September 27, 2025

    Discover how macroinvertebrates help us understand the health of aquatic ecosystems. Hands-on, half-day program for high school students, adults. Provide own transportation between the field station and preserve. Limited spots. Email to register.

  • A male and female mallard duck in flight.

    IL Central Zone Youth Hunt│October 18 to 19, 2025

    Hunting opportunities are allocated by pre-season drawing; registration for the drawing will open in September, stand-by opportunities if those successful in the drawing are no-show day of hunt. For more information email emiquonwaterfowl@tnc.org.

  • A male and female mallard duck in flight.

    IL Central Zone Duck Hunt│Tues, Thurs, Sat; Oct 25 to December 23, 2025

    Also on Disabled Individuals Hunt Days. Opportunities allocated by pre-season drawing; registration for the drawing will open in September with limited stand-by opportunities. For more information email emiquonwaterfowl@tnc.org.

Emiquon Information and Location

 

Emiquon is located about an hour southwest of Peoria and an hour northwest of Springfield. Parking lots are along the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway (IL-78/97). 11304 N Prairie Rd, Lewistown, IL 61542

Come Visit
Yellow aquatic flowers in bloom in a lake at Emiquon.
Emiquon The Nature Conservancy's Emiquon Preserve along the Illinois River southwest of Peoria, Illinois. © Todd Winters

A special place

Twenty-five years ago, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) embarked on a remarkable project to restore a wetland after 80 years of agricultural use. The Illinois River, thanks to the nursery function of its floodplain, was once an important fishery, producing 10% of all freshwater fish harvested in the United States in the early 20th century. TNC was drawn to the potential to restore the function and abundance of its wildlife and plant communities.

An expansive view from the shore at Emiquon with a blue sky with clouds.
Emiquon Wetlands Emiquon is one of the largest floodplain restoration projects in the Midwest at more than 6,000 acres. © Laura Stoecker

A testament to what is possible

Thanks to the dedication and hard work of diverse agencies, organizations, universities and other entities, today TNC's Emiquon preserve is a testament to what is possible in wetland restoration. “Habitats like this don’t exist in many other places in central Illinois, or really in the Midwest,” says Randy Smith, TNC director of the Illinois Rivers Program.

A flock of pelicans taking flight at Emiquon.
Pelicans at Emiquon Pelicans take to the sky at Emiquon in Lewiston, Illinois, USA, on September 10, 2016. © Laura Stoecker Photography LTD

Enjoyed by multitudes

Today, Emiquon's waters teem with 34 species of native fish, like alligator gar and paddlefish, as well as game species. It is an important stopover on the Mississippi Flyway for birds like American coots and snow geese, which flock to the site in the tens of thousands. And people too have returned to this special place, both from the local community and further afield, to recreate and conduct research. Emiquon is one of TNC's most visited sites in the United States.

Emiquon Preserve Project Key Moments

2000 to 2005
2005 to 2010
2010 to 2015
2015 to 2020
2020 to 2025

Emiquon Preserve Purchased

The Nature Conservancy purchased around 7,000 acres at what is now known as the Emiquon preserve in 2000.

The sun rising over the marsh at the Emiquon Preserve.
Sunrise at Emiquon Preserve An October sun rises over the marsh at TNC's Emiquon Preserve. © © Randy Smith
An aerial view of the farm that existed at Emiquon before restoration work began.
2000

An intensive planning process for restoring the farm fields they bought back into thriving floodplain would last almost seven years.

A group of people standing on a grassy hill overlooking the farm fields that will be restored at Emiquon.
Making Plans Staff and trustees look over Emiquon in the early years of the project. © Andrew Simpson/TNC
2003

Scientists began monitoring soil, plant life and local wildlife at the site in 2003. They also removed agricultural infrastructure, such as sheds, fuel tanks and irrigation systems, and performed archaeological surveys.

Restoration Starts

A double-crested cormorant flying low over the water at sunrise at Emiquon.
Emiquon Sunset Migratory birds frequent Emiquon Preserve year-round. © Jason Whalen/Big Foot Media
A closeup of a profusion of yellow blooms on tall-stemmed aquatic plants at Emiquon.
Emiquon Wildflowers Emiquon nurtures diverse and abundant communities of native plants and animals in the complex system of backwater wetlands and lakes. © Todd Winters
2007

The pumps that were draining the water from Emiquon were turned off. The team planted native trees and prairies.

A man in a canoe among many American lotuses in bloom.
A Resurgence of Native Blooms The Nature Conservancy in Illinois Chairman of the Board Bill Miller gets a close look at Emiquon’s American lotus. © Randy Smith/TNC
2007 Continued

Heavy summer rainfall brought water back to the floodplain. Native wetland plants sprang back to life from dormant seeds. As the water levels rose, partners began to stock native fish and monitor wildlife return.

Two people in a fishing boat in the background with waterfowl in the foreground.
Fishing at Emiquon Fisherman at Emiquon Preserve in Lewiston, Illinois. © Jason Whalen/Big Foot Media
2009

In 2009, the preserve was ready to welcome visitors. Canoeing, fishing, wildlife viewing and waterfowl hunting were some of the first recreational activities users were able to enjoy at Emiquon.

Coming Into Its Own

A view over the water at Emiquon with yellow aquatic plants in bloom.
Emiquon The Nature Conservancy's Emiquon Preserve along the Illinois River southwest of Peoria, Illinois. © Todd Winters
The public use area structure at Emiquon as seen from the water.
Public Use Area Interpretive signage and a viewing platform allow visitors to engage with the work being done at Emiquon. © Jason Whalen/Big Foot Media
2011

TNC donors funded a public use area that was dedicated in 2011. The area includes two observatories, spotting scopes for bird watching, a boat launch, places to rest and enjoy the view, and interpretive signs.

A view over Emiquon's waters at dusk seen from above treetops in the foreground.
Emiquon A sunrise over the restored floodplain. © T.S. Long
2012

In 2012, Emiquon became the 32nd site in North America to be designated by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.

Reconnected to Illinois River

An aerial view of the water control structure at Emiquon.
Reconnected with the Illinois The managed connection between Emiquon's floodplain and the Illinois River is called Ahsapa, which signifies “web" in the native language of the Myaamia. © TNC
The water control structure at Emiquon during construction with four people standing on it.
Emiquon Water management structure © Renee Mullen
2016

Emiquon's connection between the floodplain and the Illinois River, dedicated in 2016, allows managed, seasonal water exchanges to recreate more natural water levels and fluctuations at the preserve.

A bank of solar panels in front of a tan metal building with a white metal roof.
Illinois Rivers Program Office TNC’s Illinois Rivers Program Office, completed in 2017, received Gold-level LEED certification. The facility features solar panels, geothermal heating, and rain harvesting. © Laura Stoecker Photography LLC
2017

The LEED Gold-certified Illinois Rivers Program Office also includes a dorm room, much needed lab space, and a large heated shop for equipment maintenance and storage.

A woman in a ballcap and lifejacket holding a paddlefish on a boat in the water.
Paddlefish at Emiquon The second paddlefish collected at Emiquon, held by Ollie Mendenhall, a scientist with the Illinois River Biological Station of the Illinois Natural History Survey. © Illinois Natural History Survey
2018

In 2018, researchers found the first paddlefish in the preserve since the restoration began. Once commonly found in the Illinois River, their numbers plummeted due to overfishing and habitat loss.

A bald eagle with wings and talons outstretched coming in for a landing on ice.
Bald Eagle: In winter, bald eagles are best seen near dams and power plants where open water abounds. © Nathan Lovas/TNC
2019

A record number of eagles were recorded in 2019: 332. In addition, the first osprey fledged at Emiquon that year.

Ongoing Management

A closeup of creeping water-primrose.
Wildflowers Creeping water-primrose (Ludwigia peploides) grows in abundance at the Emiquon wetlands. © Laura Stoecker
A group of people in a ten-person canoe on the water as seen from the bank at Emiquon.
On the Water at Emiquon A group canoeing in Emiquon. © TNC staff
2022

An evaluation by TNC in 2022 found it was in the fourth most visited TNC preserve in the United States.

A woman in a blue jacket carefully crouching down to pick something up from the shallows at Emiquon.
Maria Lemke at Emiquon Maria Lemke, Director of Science for the Illinois chapter, looks for mussels at Emiquon. © Laura Stoecker
2024

TNC convened a group of experts at Emiquon on submersed aquatic vegetation, wetland habitat management and carp to observe and deeply discuss and guide management options.

Habitats like this don’t exist in many other places in central Illinois, or really in the Midwest.

Randy Smith

TNC director of the Illinois Rivers Program
A view of Emiquon from a grassy bank looking out over the water with a sunny blue sky with clouds overhead.
Emiquon Wetlands Emiquon is one of the largest floodplain restoration projects in the Midwest at more than 6,000 acres. © Laura Stoecker

Learn More About Emiquon

Closeup of a flock of snow geese in flight.

Things to Do at Emiquon Preserve

The Nature Conservancy’s Emiquon Preserve offers a variety of recreational activities, including limited waterfowl hunting opportunities, fishing, boating and more.

A man in a canoe among American lotus in bloom.

Restoring Emiquon's "Wetland of Dreams"

Restoring a large cornfield to a wetland isn’t a glimpse at the past, but a look to conservation’s future.

By Cool Green Science

A white bass held by a hand.

The Bass of Emiquon

A quest to catch a fish in each of the 50 U.S. states lands in Emiquon, exploring conservation and the latest fisheries research.

By Cool Green Science

Emiquon in Context: TNC's Freshwater and Floodplain Work

A sunny cloudy sky with a rainbow above brush.
Spunky Bottoms A rainbow over TNC's Spunky Bottoms preserve. © Tharran Hobson/The Nature Conservancy
Aerial view of the Mississippi River and green islands.
Mississippi River Forested islands create a maze in the Mississippi River. © Robert J. Hurt
A sunny cloudy sky with a rainbow above brush.
Spunky Bottoms A rainbow over TNC's Spunky Bottoms preserve. © Tharran Hobson/The Nature Conservancy

Places We Protect

Spunky Bottoms

Since The Nature Conservancy began work at Spunky Bottoms, sister site to Emiquon in Illinois, the landscape has been transformed. Once drained and used for farmland, this land is now a thriving wetland landscape that becomes richer in plant and animal life every year.

Aerial view of the Mississippi River and green islands.
Mississippi River Forested islands create a maze in the Mississippi River. © Robert J. Hurt

Priority Landscapes

Mississippi River Basin

The Nature Conservancy has set ambitious goals to transform how we conduct and influence conservation across the whole basin to put the system on a path toward resilience. We aim to restore and protect the Mississippi River Basin’s natural systems so that it can sustain present and future generations.

Spunky The River