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Coordinates: 40°44′N 89°44′W / 40.733°N 89.733°W / 40.733; -89.733
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{{Advert|date=March 2021}}
{{short description|Animal and nature park in Illinois, U.S.}}
{{short description|Animal and nature park in Illinois, U.S.}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2022}}
{{Infobox protected area
{{Infobox protected area
| name = Wildlife Prairie Park
| name = Wildlife Prairie Park
| alt_name =
| alt_name =
| iucn_category = <!-- not in http://www.protectedplanet.net/search/map?q=Wildlife -->
| iucn_category = <!-- not in http://www.protectedplanet.net/search/map?q=Wildlife -->
| photo = Wildlife Prairie Park 2007-05-27 Bison 5.jpg
| photo = Wildlife Prairie Park 2007-05-27 Bison 5.jpg
| photo_alt = a herd of bison on a rolling prairie, with water
| photo_alt = a herd of bison on a rolling prairie, with water
| photo_caption = Bison and rolling prairie near observation deck
| photo_caption = Bison and rolling prairie near observation deck
| photo_width =
| photo_width =
| map = USA Illinois#USA Illinois Peoria County#USA
| map = USA Illinois#USA Illinois Peoria County#USA
| map_alt = Illinois, with marker in the middle of Peoria County
| map_alt = Illinois, with marker in the middle of Peoria County
| map_caption = Location in [[Illinois]]##Location in United States
| map_caption = Location in [[Illinois]]##Location in United States
| map_width =
| map_width =
| relief = 1
| relief = 1
| label =
| label_position =
| mark =
| marker_size =
| location = [[Peoria County, Illinois]]
| location = [[Peoria County, Illinois]]
| nearest_city = [[Norwood, Illinois]]<!-- about 2.5-3.0 miles -->
| nearest_city = [[Norwood, Illinois]]<!-- about 2.5-3.0 miles -->
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| area_acre = 1700
| area_acre = 1700
| area_ref = {{citation needed|date=October 2015}}
| area_ref = {{citation needed|date=October 2015}}
| designation =
| authorized =
| authorized =
| created =
| created =
| established =
| established =
| designated =
| designated =
| visitation_num =
⚫
| visitation_year =
| visitation_num =
⚫
| visitation_ref =
⚫
| visitation_year =
⚫
| visitation_ref =
| owner = Friends of Wildlife Prairie Park
| owner = Friends of Wildlife Prairie Park
| world_heritage_site =
| world_heritage_site =
| website = {{URL|https://wildlifeprairiepark.org}}
| website = {{URL|https://wildlifeprairiepark.org}}
}}
}}
'''Wildlife Prairie Park''', also known as the '''Hazel & Bill Rutherford Wildlife Prairie Park''', is located in [[Peoria County, Illinois]], approximately 10 miles (16 km) west of downtown [[Peoria, Illinois|Peoria]] in central Illinois. Opened in the 1970s, it has most recently been operated as a not-for-profit corporation since 2013. The park has {{convert|1800|acre|sp=us}} of land with over 150 animals of 60 different species that are native, to Illinois.
'''Wildlife Prairie Park''', also known as the '''Hazel & Bill Rutherford Wildlife Prairie Park''', is located in [[Peoria County, Illinois]], approximately 10 miles (16 km) west of downtown [[Peoria, Illinois|Peoria]] in central Illinois. Opened in the 1970s, it has most recently been operated as a not-for-profit corporation since 2013. The park has {{convert|1800|acre|sp=us}} of land with over 150 animals of 60 different species that are native to Illinois.


== History ==
⚫
The park offers several recreational activities including fishing, train ride, camping, hiking, biking, kayaking, and more. Some of the wildlife includes [[White buffalo|white bison]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Renken |first=Leslie |date=October 4, 2022 |title=A rare white bison dies unexpectedly at Wildlife Prairie Park |url=https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/2022/10/04/rare-animal-dies-at-wildlife-prairie-park-near-peoria/69539665007/ |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=Peoria Journal Star |language=en-US}}</ref> wolves, waterfowl, black bears, elk, otters, badgers, snakes, bobcats and more. Many of the park's artificial elements were constructed by hand and with recycled materials in an effort to reduce their negative environmental effects years before it was commonplace to safeguard the environment.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hazel & Bill Rutherford Wildlife Prairie State Park {{!}} Oh, Ranger! |url=https://www.ohranger.com/il/hazel-bill-rutherford-wildlife-prairie |access-date=2022-08-01 |website=www.ohranger.com}}</ref> {{cns|date=January 2023|The bricks on the visitor center patio and train depot, the repurposed whiskey barrels as trash cans, the resawn wood used in the buildings, and the numerous telephone poles used in the gates and bridges around the park are all made of recycled materials. The habitats and bridges are largely hand-built. This practice has extended to on-site lodging, where guests can stay overnight in converted Santa Fe Train Cabooses and former grain bins. On-site accommodation includes contemporary cabins with porches facing the bison and elk pastures, one-room log cottages, and patios facing Caboose Lake.}}
Local philanthropist and attorney<ref>{{cite web |title=Conservation |url=https://wildlifeprairiepark.org/conservation/ |website=Wildlife Prairie Park |date=April 5, 2020 |access-date=8 March 2023}}</ref> Bill Rutherford Sr. and his wife Hazel founded Wildlife Prairie Park.<ref>{{cite web |title=WILLIAM RUTHERFORD OBITUARY |url=https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/pjstar/name/william-rutherford-obituary?id=20053996 |website=Legacy.com |publisher=Peoria Journal Star |date=22 Nov 2006}}</ref> The Forest Park Foundation first acquired the area in the late 1960s. The foundation had originally intended to use the land as a breeding farm for endangered species in partnership with the [[Brookfield Zoo]] and the [[Chicago Zoological Society]]. However, the zoo's plans changed. The Forest Park Foundation pivoted to create a zoological park that would preserve the native plants and animals of Illinois.<ref>{{cite web |title=JEWEL ON THE PRAIRIE |url=https://www.peoriamagazine.com/archive/ibi_article/2010/jewel-prairie/ |website=Peoria Magazine |date=November 30, 2010 |publisher=WTVP - Illinois Valley Public Telecommunications Corporation |access-date=8 March 2023}}</ref>


Wildlife Prairie Park initially welcomed visitors in September 1977 for six weeks in honor of Hazel Rutherford's birthday. The park officially opened to the public on August 4, 1978.<ref>{{cite web |title=Our Story |url=https://wildlifeprairiepark.org/our-story/ |access-date=7 March 2023 |website=Wildlife Prairie Park |date=April 5, 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Croton |first1=Harry |title=Wildlife Prairie Park celebrates 44 years |url=https://www.25newsnow.com/2022/08/04/wildlife-prairie-park-celebrates-44-years/ |access-date=8 March 2023 |work=WEEK |publisher=WEEK |date=4 August 2022}}</ref>
The Forest Park Foundation first acquired the area in the late 1960's. Wildlife Prairie Park initially welcomed visitors in September 1977 before becoming open to the public on a more permanent basis in 1978.<ref>{{cite web | title = The History | url = http://wildlifeprairiepark.org/history/ | publisher = Wildlife Prairie Park | location = Hanna City, Illinois | access-date = 2015-10-23 }}</ref> In 2001, it was transferred from private foundation ownership to the [[Illinois Department of Natural Resources]] and renamed '''Wildlife Prairie State Park'''. The Park was officially returned to private hands in May 2013 when it was given to a group of community members known as Friends of Wildlife Prairie Park.<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/wildlifeprairiepark/posts/10151491703454215:0 Wildlife Prairie Park Facebook post], May 11, 2013. Retrieved October 23, 2015.</ref><ref>[http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=098-0013 "An Act concerning property." (P.A. 98-0013)], approved May 13, 2013. Retrieved October 24, 2015.</ref> {{cns|date=October 2015|The land was officially reclaimed in 2014.}}

On September 5, 2000, Bill Rutherford Sr. presented the deed to the park to [[George Ryan|Governor George Ryan]] and the park was transferred from private foundation ownership to the [[Illinois Department of Natural Resources]] and renamed '''Hazel & Bill Rutherford''' '''Wildlife Prairie State Park'''. Although owned by the state, the Forest Park Foundation continued to manage the park operations under a contract with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Wildlife Prairie Park struggled to receive funding from the state. The Forest Park Foundation agreed to turn over operational responsibility to a new governing board, a group of locals known as Friends of Wildlife Prairie Park.<ref>{{cite web |title=JEWEL ON THE PRAIRIE |url=https://www.peoriamagazine.com/archive/ibi_article/2010/jewel-prairie/ |website=Peoria Magazine |date=November 30, 2010 |publisher=WTVP - Illinois Valley Public Telecommunications Corporation |access-date=8 March 2023}}</ref>

In May 2013, the park was officially transferred back into private ownership when it was given to the Friends of Wildlife Prairie Park.<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/wildlifeprairiepark/posts/10151491703454215:0 Wildlife Prairie Park Facebook post], May 11, 2013. Retrieved October 23, 2015.</ref><ref>[http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=098-0013 "An Act concerning property." (P.A. 98-0013)], approved May 13, 2013. Retrieved October 24, 2015.</ref> {{cns|date=October 2015|The land was officially reclaimed in 2014.}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=Koonce |first1=Tanya |title=Wildlife Prairie Park is again locally owned |url=https://www.wcbu.org/peoria-public-radio-news/2013-05-12/wildlife-prairie-park-is-again-locally-owned |access-date=7 March 2023 |website=WCBU |date=May 12, 2013 }}</ref>

== Flora and fauna ==
Some of the wildlife includes [[White buffalo|white bison]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Renken |first=Leslie |date=October 4, 2022 |title=A rare white bison dies unexpectedly at Wildlife Prairie Park |url=https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/2022/10/04/rare-animal-dies-at-wildlife-prairie-park-near-peoria/69539665007/ |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=Peoria Journal Star |language=en-US}}</ref> wolves,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Holtz |first1=Jody |title=Wildlife Prairie Park celebrates 45th birthday and emergence as a multi-day destination |url=https://www.wcbu.org/local-news/2023-01-18/wildlife-prairie-park-celebrates-45th-birthday-and-emergence-as |website=WCBU |date=January 18, 2023 |access-date=7 March 2023}}</ref> waterfowl, black bears, elk, otters, badgers, snakes, bobcats, butterflies, and other native animals.

== Recreation ==
Fishing, riding the train, camping, hiking, biking, kayaking, and other activities are available in the park.

The Prairie Zephyr Train is a one-third scale train with over a mile of track. There are two locomotives, a "steam" locomotive powered by a Caterpillar Diesel engine, and a "diesel" locomotive powered by a Chevy Cobalt gasoline engine. The train has two freight cars and nine passenger cars. Five of these passenger cars were built by Chance Rides out of Wichita, Kansas and were previously used at the [[Saint Louis Zoo|St. Louis Zoo]]. Four passenger cars were built by Sandley Light Railway Equipment Works of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, and were acquired from the [[Milwaukee County Zoo]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Volunteer Areas Available |url=https://wildlifeprairiepark.org/volunteer-areas/ |website=Wildlife Prairie Park |access-date=8 March 2023}}</ref> The train offers rides to guests during fair weather.<ref>{{cite web |title=Plan Your Adventure! |url=https://wildlifeprairiepark.org/plan-your-adventure/ |website=Wildlife Prairie Park |date=March 19, 2020 |access-date=8 March 2023}}</ref>

⚫
Many of the park's artificial elements were constructed by hand and with recycled materials in an effort to reduce their negative environmental effects years before it was commonplace to safeguard the environment.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hazel & Bill Rutherford Wildlife Prairie State Park {{!}} Oh, Ranger! |url=https://www.ohranger.com/il/hazel-bill-rutherford-wildlife-prairie |access-date=2022-08-01 |website=www.ohranger.com}}</ref> {{cns|date=January 2023|The bricks on the visitor center patio and train depot, the repurposed whiskey barrels as trash cans, the resawn wood used in the buildings, and the numerous telephone poles used in the gates and bridges around the park are all made of recycled materials. The habitats and bridges are largely hand-built.
This practice has extended to on-site lodging, where guests can stay overnight in converted Santa Fe Train Cabooses and former grain bins. On-site accommodation includes contemporary cabins with porches facing the bison and elk pastures,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Shelley |first1=Tim |title=Wildlife Prairie Park Unveils New Lodgings Overlooking Bison Pasture |url=https://www.wcbu.org/peoria-public-radio-news/2020-07-24/wildlife-prairie-park-unveils-new-lodgings-overlooking-bison-pasture |website=WCBU |date=July 24, 2020 |access-date=7 March 2023}}</ref> one-room log cottages, and patios facing Caboose Lake.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lodging |url=https://wildlifeprairiepark.org/lodging/ |website=Wildlife Prairie Park |date=April 5, 2020 |access-date=7 March 2023}}</ref>}}


==Photo gallery==
==Photo gallery==
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==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category|Wildlife Prairie Park}}
{{commons category|Wildlife Prairie Park}}
*[https://www.wildlifeprairiepark.org/ Wildlife Prairie Park] &mdash; official website
*[https://wildlifeprairiepark.org/ Wildlife Prairie Park] &mdash; official website


{{Protected areas of Illinois}}
{{Protected areas of Illinois}}
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[[Category:State parks of Illinois]]
[[Category:State parks of Illinois]]
[[Category:Wildlife parks]]
[[Category:Wildlife parks]]

{{PeoriaCountyIL-geo-stub}}

Latest revision as of 03:01, 28 April 2024

Wildlife Prairie Park
a herd of bison on a rolling prairie, with water
Bison and rolling prairie near observation deck
Illinois, with marker in the middle of Peoria County
Illinois, with marker in the middle of Peoria County
Location in Illinois
Illinois, with marker in the middle of Peoria County
Illinois, with marker in the middle of Peoria County
Location in United States
Illinois, with marker in the middle of Peoria County
Illinois, with marker in the middle of Peoria County
Wildlife Prairie Park (the United States)
LocationPeoria County, Illinois
Nearest cityNorwood, Illinois
Coordinates40°44′N 89°44′W / 40.733°N 89.733°W / 40.733; -89.733
Area1,700 acres (6.9 km2)[citation needed]
OwnerFriends of Wildlife Prairie Park
Websitewildlifeprairiepark.org

Wildlife Prairie Park, also known as the Hazel & Bill Rutherford Wildlife Prairie Park, is located in Peoria County, Illinois, approximately 10 miles (16 km) west of downtown Peoria in central Illinois. Opened in the 1970s, it has most recently been operated as a not-for-profit corporation since 2013. The park has 1,800 acres (730 ha) of land with over 150 animals of 60 different species that are native to Illinois.

History

[edit]

Local philanthropist and attorney[1] Bill Rutherford Sr. and his wife Hazel founded Wildlife Prairie Park.[2] The Forest Park Foundation first acquired the area in the late 1960s. The foundation had originally intended to use the land as a breeding farm for endangered species in partnership with the Brookfield Zoo and the Chicago Zoological Society. However, the zoo's plans changed. The Forest Park Foundation pivoted to create a zoological park that would preserve the native plants and animals of Illinois.[3]

Wildlife Prairie Park initially welcomed visitors in September 1977 for six weeks in honor of Hazel Rutherford's birthday. The park officially opened to the public on August 4, 1978.[4][5]

On September 5, 2000, Bill Rutherford Sr. presented the deed to the park to Governor George Ryan and the park was transferred from private foundation ownership to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and renamed Hazel & Bill Rutherford Wildlife Prairie State Park. Although owned by the state, the Forest Park Foundation continued to manage the park operations under a contract with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Wildlife Prairie Park struggled to receive funding from the state. The Forest Park Foundation agreed to turn over operational responsibility to a new governing board, a group of locals known as Friends of Wildlife Prairie Park.[6]

In May 2013, the park was officially transferred back into private ownership when it was given to the Friends of Wildlife Prairie Park.[7][8] The land was officially reclaimed in 2014.[citation needed][9]

Flora and fauna

[edit]

Some of the wildlife includes white bison,[10] wolves,[11] waterfowl, black bears, elk, otters, badgers, snakes, bobcats, butterflies, and other native animals.

Recreation

[edit]

Fishing, riding the train, camping, hiking, biking, kayaking, and other activities are available in the park.

The Prairie Zephyr Train is a one-third scale train with over a mile of track. There are two locomotives, a "steam" locomotive powered by a Caterpillar Diesel engine, and a "diesel" locomotive powered by a Chevy Cobalt gasoline engine. The train has two freight cars and nine passenger cars. Five of these passenger cars were built by Chance Rides out of Wichita, Kansas and were previously used at the St. Louis Zoo. Four passenger cars were built by Sandley Light Railway Equipment Works of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, and were acquired from the Milwaukee County Zoo.[12] The train offers rides to guests during fair weather.[13]

Many of the park's artificial elements were constructed by hand and with recycled materials in an effort to reduce their negative environmental effects years before it was commonplace to safeguard the environment.[14] The bricks on the visitor center patio and train depot, the repurposed whiskey barrels as trash cans, the resawn wood used in the buildings, and the numerous telephone poles used in the gates and bridges around the park are all made of recycled materials. The habitats and bridges are largely hand-built. This practice has extended to on-site lodging, where guests can stay overnight in converted Santa Fe Train Cabooses and former grain bins. On-site accommodation includes contemporary cabins with porches facing the bison and elk pastures,[15] one-room log cottages, and patios facing Caboose Lake.[16][citation needed]

[edit]
  • Ernest the Elk
    Ernest the Elk
  • Ernest at the Vista Bricks ceremony site
    Ernest at the Vista Bricks ceremony site
  • Campfire at night
    Campfire at night
  • Eagle
    Eagle
  • Hawk
    Hawk
  • Fishing area on the "west side" section
    Fishing area on the "west side" section

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Conservation". Wildlife Prairie Park. April 5, 2020. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  2. ^ "WILLIAM RUTHERFORD OBITUARY". Legacy.com. Peoria Journal Star. November 22, 2006.
  3. ^ "JEWEL ON THE PRAIRIE". Peoria Magazine. WTVP - Illinois Valley Public Telecommunications Corporation. November 30, 2010. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  4. ^ "Our Story". Wildlife Prairie Park. April 5, 2020. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  5. ^ Croton, Harry (August 4, 2022). "Wildlife Prairie Park celebrates 44 years". WEEK. WEEK. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  6. ^ "JEWEL ON THE PRAIRIE". Peoria Magazine. WTVP - Illinois Valley Public Telecommunications Corporation. November 30, 2010. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  7. ^ Wildlife Prairie Park Facebook post, May 11, 2013. Retrieved October 23, 2015.
  8. ^ "An Act concerning property." (P.A. 98-0013), approved May 13, 2013. Retrieved October 24, 2015.
  9. ^ Koonce, Tanya (May 12, 2013). "Wildlife Prairie Park is again locally owned". WCBU. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  10. ^ Renken, Leslie (October 4, 2022). "A rare white bison dies unexpectedly at Wildlife Prairie Park". Peoria Journal Star. Retrieved October 5, 2022.
  11. ^ Holtz, Jody (January 18, 2023). "Wildlife Prairie Park celebrates 45th birthday and emergence as a multi-day destination". WCBU. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  12. ^ "Volunteer Areas Available". Wildlife Prairie Park. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  13. ^ "Plan Your Adventure!". Wildlife Prairie Park. March 19, 2020. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  14. ^ "Hazel & Bill Rutherford Wildlife Prairie State Park | Oh, Ranger!". www.ohranger.com. Retrieved August 1, 2022.
  15. ^ Shelley, Tim (July 24, 2020). "Wildlife Prairie Park Unveils New Lodgings Overlooking Bison Pasture". WCBU. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  16. ^ "Lodging". Wildlife Prairie Park. April 5, 2020. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Wildlife Prairie Park.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wildlife_Prairie_Park&oldid=1221137063"