Trenton Bluff Prairie State Natural Area

This 110-acre site consists of two units of dry prairie situated on steep 300-foot Mississippi River sandstone bluffs capped by massive limestone cliffs. These are some of the best prairies remaining in the region. The western unit has two prairie openings with a wooded draw running between them. The eastern unit is steeper with an open cliff and oak woods. Bobolinks, Grasshopper and Clay-colored Sparrows are found here along with hognose snakes, olive hairstreak and Reakert-Æs blue butterflies. Bald Eagles and Turkey Vultures glide by on early morning and late afternoon thermal winds and give one a great opportunity to see these birds at bluff-top levels and admire their aerial skills.