Jasmine Hollow
County: Piatt
Ownership: Private
Dedication: 2006
Size: 143 Acres
Steward: Jim Payne
Jasmine Hollow is a 143 acre natural area along the Sangamon River in Piatt County. It is located 3 miles southwest of Allerton Park. The site includes a large, functional floodplain and its associated forest, as well as upland and slope forest communities. The site is bisected by the river. Floods inundate the floodplain completely at least once per year, with several smaller events dependent on precipitation. An old oxbow channel, as well as a couple of other flood channels, serve to retain water in ponds free from predation by fish, providing good habitat for amphibians. Beavers pass through the area; though not seen, evidence of their passing is left in gnawed tree trunks.
In 1944, the site was purchased by William Bodman, an attorney and former circuit judge, as a retreat. It was sold to the present owners in 1993, and enrolled in the state Natural Heritage Landmark program, which marked the beginning of concerted efforts to restore the site to pre-settlement conditions. In recognition of the need to assure its protection as a natural area into the future, it was dedicated as a Land and Water Reserve in 2006.
How to get there: Travel to Monticello via your favorite method (I-72 is probably best). The first exit from I-72 at Monticello is Market St, also SR105. Take SR105 all the way through town (it winds around a bit but then heads straight south). Continuing out of town, in 4 miles or so you'll see a grove of pine trees on your left. That's the Bement township cemetery. At the south edge of the cemetery, turn right (west) onto CR1100 N. Travel west for 7 miles until you come to a tee intersection, which is CR200 E. Turn right (north) and travel a mile or so to the end of the road. Jasmine Hollow is on the left side at 1172 N. 200 East.
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