Protecting Illinois’ Turtle Road
A road through Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve is being closed indefinitely to vehicle traffic in an effort to reduce turtle deaths and protect sensitive wildlife habitat.
Division Street, which cuts through the preserve in Lockport, has become a concern for wildlife mortality, especially for turtles moving between wetlands, prairie habitat, nesting areas and higher ground.
“As of now, our plan is to restrict vehicle access on Division Street at Lockport Prairie year-round,” said Julianne Mason, Director of Conservation Programs for the Forest Preserve District of Will County.
Mason said wildlife deaths on Division Street have been “a simmering issue for a while,” and that the Forest Preserve was recently able to move forward after an agreement was approved with Lockport Township.
“Division Street bisects high quality wetland and prairie habitat at Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve that provides habitat for many different turtle species as well as other wildlife,” Mason said.
Lockport Prairie is a rare and highly protected natural area, known for its dolomite prairie, wetlands and other sensitive habitats. Because it is a state-dedicated nature preserve, visitors are expected to follow strict rules: stay on designated trails, do not fish, do not collect plants or wildlife, and do not harass, handle or disturb animals seen on or near the road or anywhere in the preserve.
That message is especially important because wildlife poaching and illegal collection remain serious threats to turtles and other reptiles. Even a well-meaning person picking up, relocating, or disturbing an animal can cause harm.
Will County is home to 11 of Illinois’ 17 turtle species, including common snapping turtles, painted turtles, map turtles, softshell turtles and state-listed species such as Blanding’s turtles. Many turtles are long-lived and slow to reproduce. Some may take around 20 years to reach maturity, meaning the loss of adult turtles, especially nesting females, can affect local populations for decades.
For the Forest Preserve, closing Division Street to vehicles is not just about one species. It is about protecting a movement corridor used by turtles and other wildlife in one of northern Illinois’ most unique natural areas.
“Reducing vehicle traffic through key movement corridors is an important measure to reduce mortality and protect wildlife populations,” Mason said.
After spending time photographing turtles at Lockport Prairie, it is easy to see why this place matters. It is an amazing site, not just because of the species that live there, but because it reminds us how important safe zones have become for animals trying to survive in a modern world of roads, development and shrinking habitat.
Visitors can still appreciate Lockport Prairie, but the responsibility is clear: observe from a distance, stay on trail, leave wildlife alone, and let the turtles cross safely.
