In October 2022, the Illinois Division took over as the owner and caretaker of the historical Charles Jack Farm outside Atkinson, IL.  Charles Jack was born in 1797 in Aberdeen, Scotland.  He was a captain in the British Army who fought against the French Emperor Napoleon in 1815.  On February 29, 1836 he purchased a large tract of land in Henry County, Cornwell Township, Illinois from the United States.  Over the years he bought and sold tracts around the current farm.  He died in August, 1867.  The 519 acres that the IL Division acquired is what remains of Captain Jack’s original purchase, which for the last 155 years has been passed down to his direct descendants and has recently been referred to as the Montgomery Family Farm.  Farming has taken place on portions of the farm since Captain Jack purchased it 186 years ago.  Approximately 100 acres was strip mined around the 50’s and 60’s by Peabody Coal:  the same company from whom the IL Division leased, then purchased what became the Giant Goose Conservation Education Workshop, currently the leased Goose Workshop.  There are currently 224 acres being farmed and approximately 34 acres of clover/grass that is being cut for hay.  The remaining 250 plus acres contain one large lake, a couple smaller lakes or ponds, timber, wetlands and a few acres that are enrolled in CRP programs.  The land is not flat: it has some areas that are pretty high with commanding views of the surrounding farms. 

After discussions with consultants, other conservation organizations and our IWLA staff, the Executive Committee decided to enter into an agreement with the farm management company that has been handling the farm for the past 40+years. Our intent is to set aside the income from the farm to use to put our vision for the property into action-and to use the time to develop that vision.  We have negotiated an agreement and have signed a lease with the same farmer who has been working the farm for the past ten years. The lease agreement is renewable on a yearly basis.  

In the fall of 2024, we worked with Henry County Soil and Water District to establish a prairie/pollinator strip under the electric right of way.  A walking trail with labeled plants along this area is planned.  We are in the process of having a road installed, which will be followed by the building of an education center that will be used for classes, meetings, and programs.  We anticipate conducting both indoor and outdoor educational and conservation programs along with showcasing renewable farming practices.  Recreational use areas will also be developed.  The Division continues to accept suggestions and ideas on how best to utilize the Preserve to leave a legacy for future generations.