Weinberg-King State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Weinberg-King State Fish and Wildlife Area |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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 Weinberg-King State Fish and Wildlife Area
Location in Illinois
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| Location | Schuyler County, Illinois, USA |
| Nearest city | Augusta, Illinois |
| Area | 772 acres (312 ha) |
| Established | May 1968 |
| Governing body | Illinois Department of Natural Resources |
The Weinberg-King State Fish and Wildlife Area is a special state park in Illinois. It covers about 772 acres (312 hectares) of land. You can find it in Schuyler County, near the town of Augusta, Illinois. This area is a great place to explore nature and see different kinds of plants and animals. It's managed to protect wildlife and offer fun outdoor activities.
Contents
How the Land Was Formed and Its History
Ancient Glaciers Shaped the Land
The Weinberg-King State Fish and Wildlife Area sits on the edge of a huge flat area. This area was created by giant sheets of ice called glaciers. These glaciers moved across Illinois a very long time ago. They were here between 300,000 and 125,000 years ago. As the ice melted, it left behind a thick layer of dirt and rocks. This material is called glacial till.
Because the park is at the edge of this till plain, its streams have cut deep into the ground. One stream, Williams Creek, has even dug through the till. It has reached an older layer of rock called sandstone. This sandstone formed during the Pennsylvanian period, millions of years ago.
How the Park Began
The park started with a gift from a family. The Weinberg-King family owned about 500 acres (202 hectares) of this land. In 1968, they generously gave it to the state of Illinois. This donation helped create the beautiful park we know today.
What You Can Do and See Today
Managed by the State
Today, the Weinberg-King State Fish and Wildlife Area is looked after by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This group helps protect the park's natural beauty. They also make sure people can enjoy the park safely. They manage the land and its wildlife.
Fun Activities and Wildlife
The park has many ponds where you can find different types of fish. These include bass, bluegill, and catfish. If you like hiking or exploring, there are nearly 30 miles (48 kilometers) of trails. These trails are perfect for walking and enjoying nature.
The park is also a popular spot for hunting certain animals. People can hunt for squirrels, doves, quail, and rabbits. You might also see woodcock, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey here. Hunting is carefully managed to keep animal populations healthy.
Getting There
Illinois Route 101 is a road that goes right through the park. This makes it easy for visitors to find and access the area.
