History
The Watershed Nature Center was founded in 1991 when local community members John and Kay Kendall proposed turning an abandoned sewage lagoon into a nature center. The City of Edwardsville endorsed the plan to transform the lagoon into a city park, and the Nature Preserve Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, was formed to manage the land. From the beginning, the community as a whole was instrumental in the creation of the Watershed Nature Center. The Operating Engineers Local 520 agreed to use the site as their training ground, and excavated the two lakes and wetland areas for no cost. Area families, local businesses, and community groups like the Kiwanis, Rotary Club, and Junior Service League supported the transformation with donations of their time, tools, and monetary contributions. A grant from the Illinois Department of Conservation was obtained for restoration of the wetland habitats and construction of the Welcome Center (completed 1995).
Specialties
Watershed Nature Center is a 46-acre nature preserve in Edwardsville, Illinois. We provide opportunities for environmental education, passive recreation, and enjoyment of native habitats.