Big sky nature reserve
Main Parking Lot/5557 S Massbach Rd, Stockton, IL
Valley of Eden Bird Sanctuary Lot/5559 E Rush Creek Rd, Stockton, IL
The horse trails on the Home Farm Section of Big Sky, accessible from the Main Lot, are now open through Labor Day weekend unless otherwise posted. Some trails are closed due to the excessive rain over the past week. We ask that riders stay on marked trails. No orgarnized rides allowed. If you wouuld like to share a picture of you and your horse at Big Sky we would love to see it! Photos can be emailed to info@jdcf.org.
The almost 900-acre Big Sky Nature Reserve is divided into two sections, the Valley of Eden Bird Sanctuary and the Home Farm Section. There are over 15 miles of trails to explore at Big Sky, which is managed and protected primarily for the many bird species that call it home.
In fact, the habitat here is so critical to many grassland species that the Valley of Eden Section was designated an ‘Important Bird Area” by Birdlife International/The National Audubon Society in 2020. To date, there have been documented sightings of over 120 different bird species at Big Sky with April through August being the prime viewing season. Notable Illinois species of conservation concern include the Henslow’s sparrow, bobolink, red-headed woodpecker, and northern harrier. More common species, such as a variety of other woodpeckers and neo-tropical migrants, can be seen here too, making Big Sky Nature Reserve a birding paradise for people of all ages and abilities. Please, NO dogs from March 1 to September 30th, annually, to avoid bird nesting season.
Henslow’s sparrow at Valley of Eden
Groomed cross-country ski trails are open during the winter season
Red-headed woodpecker
