Thanks to a $200,000 grant awarded to us by the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation and donations from many of our members (originally given for the Galena Gateway Park project several years ago and set aside for land acquisition), we are the proud owners of 79 acres in Hanover now called Wapello Land & Water Reserve.  “Wapello” is what Hanover was originally called, named for the American Indian chief who lived there at the time of white settlement. 

Many know this land as the “John Chapman Archaeological Site,” where the University of Illinois in 2003 excavated significant artifacts from two different American Indian cultures dating back to 1050 A.D.  What many may not know is that the land also contains important natural communities, including one-half mile of the lower Apple River, and provides habitat for a variety of plants, birds, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and mussels. 

By purchasing this land and working with a number of partners, including the Hanover Township Park District, Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, and The Archaeological Conservancy, we will be able to enhance significant land, water, and wildlife resources for several threatened and endangered animals, preserve an extensive archaeological site, and also provide public education and recreation opportunities. 

Protection Plans

The property is now permanently protected by the state through the Illinois Nature Preserve Commission’s Land & Water Reserve program.  The reserve was established in order to:

• Preserve, protect, and perpetuate natural communities;
• Provide habitat for endangered and threatened species which are found within or utilize this reserve; and
• Provide permanent protection for the archaeological resources.

Plans for the land includes prairie restoration, tree planting, control of exotic and invasive plant species, and establishment of foot trails with interpretive signage.  We will be working on this with the Hanover Township Park District, The Prairie Enthusiasts, and all interested volunteers. 

We are now pursuing grants to help buy prairie seed and trees and we will need lots of help to plant them!  Join us in learning and planning how to best take advantage of and show off the natural and historical elements of this land!  We encourage all our members to become involved in this very exciting project! 

The University of Illinois found significant American Indian artifacts during a 2003 excavation of this property.