What is Willoughby?
Step into Midwestern family farming of the
1930-1950s.
Willoughby Heritage Farm is more than just a piece of property. As part of the Collinsville Area Recreation District (CARD), the land has become a place where the history comes to life through historic structures, original tools, replica gardens and a restored environment. Along with the barns, farm tools and live animals, farm staff and volunteers have created over three miles of hiking trails in the woodland and prairie.
Step into Midwestern family farming of the
1930-1950s.
Willoughby Heritage Farm is more than just a piece of property. As part of the Collinsville Area Recreation District (CARD), the land has become a place where the history comes to life through historic structures, original tools, replica gardens and a restored environment. Along with the barns, farm tools and live animals, farm staff and volunteers have created over three miles of hiking trails in the woodland and prairie.
Goats at Willoughby Each year, the Moody family provides Willoughby Farm with lovely goats. The goats continue to help us naturally restore our conservation reserve by eating invasive exotic (non-native) weeds. Their favorite is bush honeysuckle, which happens to be our biggest threat in restoring a healthy native woodland habitat. It is a win-win for all of us! In November the goats will return to winter home with the Moody Family.
While at Willoughby, the goats live in the farm's original corn bin, which was recycled into a cozy Goat House in 2008. The goats, corn bin modifications, and fence were made possible through the Madison County Planning and Development grant.
While at Willoughby, the goats live in the farm's original corn bin, which was recycled into a cozy Goat House in 2008. The goats, corn bin modifications, and fence were made possible through the Madison County Planning and Development grant.
Bring the Energy Bike to your school! The Illinois Renewable Energy Bike is a human-powered, stationary bike that demonstrates how mechanical energy is transformed into electrical, light, heat and sound energy.
The Energy Bike, granted by IDCEO/Department of Energy, has become very popular for children in grades 4-8 because it teaches the energy and electricity concepts with visual, real-life applications while meeting Illinois academic standards. Call Carol Frerker at 288-3142 for more information.
The Energy Bike, granted by IDCEO/Department of Energy, has become very popular for children in grades 4-8 because it teaches the energy and electricity concepts with visual, real-life applications while meeting Illinois academic standards. Call Carol Frerker at 288-3142 for more information.
Ongoing Projects
THE GARDENS by University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners
The Master Gardeners continue to make improvements, expand educational opportunities, and attract visitors from all over the region with their fun and interpretive information and tours. They also help area educators meet their classroom goals!
How sweet it is: When you come out to enjoy the beautiful colors don’t forget to visit our newest guests - the honeybees! We have two very active, man-made beehives and it is intriguing to watch them work. Don’t be afraid of them; they won’t bother you. The bees are too busy helping nature to reproduce and keep the food chain going! The beehives have become another great educational asset to the garden area.
Recycled Railcar Bridges: Both railcar bridges (Coyote and Horsetail) have been installed crossing Schneider Creek in the conservation reserve. The bridges were recycled from abandoned railcars and purchased through a grant from Madison County Planning and Development. Come out to see our new bridges and the three miles of interpretive trails in the woods. Be sure to visit the old oak grove, tour the hill prairie, and keep a watchful eye on other natural gifts and wildlife in the Mississippi Bluff region.
Rain Garden: A grant from the Office of the Governor of Illinois has allowed us to design and build a wetland rain garden. The garden is located in the children’s exploratory area and will be an ongoing project. The project is led by exceptional U of I Extension Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists. Rain gardens provide a positive ecological impact while mitigating erosive and mosquito problems in wet areas. Come out and watch the progress and learn how to install a rain garden in your yard.
1920’s FARMHOUSE: Through a Park Enhancement Program grant from the state of Illinois, we have installed electricity to and through the farm house. This winter we will begin to renovate the inside of the house to return it to the look and character of the era. The house will become a central focus of the Willoughby farmstead as it will serve as a working, interpretive house of the mid 1900s.
Gindler Barn: Volunteers continue to work on the pre-Civil War Gindler Barn that was reconstructed on site in the summer of 2008. The Gindler Barn will be utilized as our livestock barn someday. The Gindler Barn, named for the Gindler family of Collinsville who owned the barn, was relocated from Longhi Road in Collinsville to Willoughby Farm during the winter of 2007. The Gindler family owned the barn and corresponding property since the mid 1800s. When the property was sold in 2007, the pre-Civil War, hewn oak barn was donated to CARD in lieu of being destroyed. Piece by piece the barn was moved to Willoughby Farm and on July 7-19, 2008 crews from Trillium Dell Timberworks, the Timber Framers Guild and local volunteers (at left) used original and new timbers to re-assemble the 36x85-foot barn. The Gindler Barn is a perfect example of a Midwestern-style barn.
ADOPT A PIECE OF WILLOUGHBY
This program is a great way to become involved on your own time and schedule. This is for any one person or group of people wanting to be a part of Willoughby, make a difference in preserving our natural world, and have fun and learn along the way! No experience needed. We will provide all the information and guidance you need to make it a learning and enjoyable experience. Great for individual or community service projects.
THE GARDENS by University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners
The Master Gardeners continue to make improvements, expand educational opportunities, and attract visitors from all over the region with their fun and interpretive information and tours. They also help area educators meet their classroom goals!
How sweet it is: When you come out to enjoy the beautiful colors don’t forget to visit our newest guests - the honeybees! We have two very active, man-made beehives and it is intriguing to watch them work. Don’t be afraid of them; they won’t bother you. The bees are too busy helping nature to reproduce and keep the food chain going! The beehives have become another great educational asset to the garden area.
Recycled Railcar Bridges: Both railcar bridges (Coyote and Horsetail) have been installed crossing Schneider Creek in the conservation reserve. The bridges were recycled from abandoned railcars and purchased through a grant from Madison County Planning and Development. Come out to see our new bridges and the three miles of interpretive trails in the woods. Be sure to visit the old oak grove, tour the hill prairie, and keep a watchful eye on other natural gifts and wildlife in the Mississippi Bluff region.
Rain Garden: A grant from the Office of the Governor of Illinois has allowed us to design and build a wetland rain garden. The garden is located in the children’s exploratory area and will be an ongoing project. The project is led by exceptional U of I Extension Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists. Rain gardens provide a positive ecological impact while mitigating erosive and mosquito problems in wet areas. Come out and watch the progress and learn how to install a rain garden in your yard.
1920’s FARMHOUSE: Through a Park Enhancement Program grant from the state of Illinois, we have installed electricity to and through the farm house. This winter we will begin to renovate the inside of the house to return it to the look and character of the era. The house will become a central focus of the Willoughby farmstead as it will serve as a working, interpretive house of the mid 1900s.
Gindler Barn: Volunteers continue to work on the pre-Civil War Gindler Barn that was reconstructed on site in the summer of 2008. The Gindler Barn will be utilized as our livestock barn someday. The Gindler Barn, named for the Gindler family of Collinsville who owned the barn, was relocated from Longhi Road in Collinsville to Willoughby Farm during the winter of 2007. The Gindler family owned the barn and corresponding property since the mid 1800s. When the property was sold in 2007, the pre-Civil War, hewn oak barn was donated to CARD in lieu of being destroyed. Piece by piece the barn was moved to Willoughby Farm and on July 7-19, 2008 crews from Trillium Dell Timberworks, the Timber Framers Guild and local volunteers (at left) used original and new timbers to re-assemble the 36x85-foot barn. The Gindler Barn is a perfect example of a Midwestern-style barn.
ADOPT A PIECE OF WILLOUGHBY
This program is a great way to become involved on your own time and schedule. This is for any one person or group of people wanting to be a part of Willoughby, make a difference in preserving our natural world, and have fun and learn along the way! No experience needed. We will provide all the information and guidance you need to make it a learning and enjoyable experience. Great for individual or community service projects.
New Projects
Willoughby Heritage Farm and Conservation Reserve is located at 631 Willoughby Lane, near Summit Elementary School, in the heart of Collinsville. The property is open daily from 9 am to dusk.
Map to Willoughby Farm and other CARD Facilities
Map to Willoughby Farm and other CARD Facilities
© Collinsville Area Recreation District | 10 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL. 62234 | Phone: 618.346.7529 | Fax: 618.346.7530 | E-mail Us
Fall Farm Day at Willoughby Farm
11 am to 2 pm on Saturday, October 6, 2012
Admission is FREE
Bring your family and explore Willoughby Farm through activities for children, scavenger hunts, and hay rides. Enjoy pumpkin decorating, live Bluegrass music, purchase handmade crafts and homemade goodies from our Market Days vendors. Check out the “poultry palace” to see the varieties of hens, see the goats and rabbits.! Be sure to stick around for the pig roast. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
11 am to 2 pm on Saturday, October 6, 2012
Admission is FREE
Bring your family and explore Willoughby Farm through activities for children, scavenger hunts, and hay rides. Enjoy pumpkin decorating, live Bluegrass music, purchase handmade crafts and homemade goodies from our Market Days vendors. Check out the “poultry palace” to see the varieties of hens, see the goats and rabbits.! Be sure to stick around for the pig roast. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
Gardening Classes
Ages 16 +
The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners are offering their extensive skill sets and unmatched passion for gardening to the community through a number of garden-related classes this fall. The classes will generally last between sixty and ninety minutes. All classes are held at Willoughby Farm, 631 Willoughby Lane in Collinsville, IL.
The cost is $5 per class. Please call 618-346-7529 at least one week before the session to register.
Name Session Day Time Date
Pruning of Woody Plants 12W260B Saturday 10 am 02/11
presented by William Klopfenstein
Getting Started with Your 12W260C Saturday 10 am 02/25
Spring Vegetable Garden
presented by Carolyn Wanagat and Duwayne Nickle
Ages 16 +
The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners are offering their extensive skill sets and unmatched passion for gardening to the community through a number of garden-related classes this fall. The classes will generally last between sixty and ninety minutes. All classes are held at Willoughby Farm, 631 Willoughby Lane in Collinsville, IL.
The cost is $5 per class. Please call 618-346-7529 at least one week before the session to register.
Name Session Day Time Date
Pruning of Woody Plants 12W260B Saturday 10 am 02/11
presented by William Klopfenstein
Getting Started with Your 12W260C Saturday 10 am 02/25
Spring Vegetable Garden
presented by Carolyn Wanagat and Duwayne Nickle
Old-Fashioned Hoedown
7-10:30 pm, first Saturday of May
An evening of traditional country music featuring square dancing (lessons and demonstrations will be given). Adult refreshments are available. Free hot dogs and s'mores for the kids. $5 per person (3 years and under are free), $20 maximum per family.
7-10:30 pm, first Saturday of May
An evening of traditional country music featuring square dancing (lessons and demonstrations will be given). Adult refreshments are available. Free hot dogs and s'mores for the kids. $5 per person (3 years and under are free), $20 maximum per family.
Rock the Barn at Willoughby Farm
7-11 pm on Saturday, October 6, 2012
Admission fee is $5 per person (3 and under free); $20 maximum per family
Yee-haw! Mark your calendar, tell your friends, shine up your boots and get ready to rock the barn with some rockin’ country music! This isn’t your grandparents’ barn dance -we’ll be two-steppin’ to modern country hits performed live by Boulderdash, a four-piece rock country group that has opened for Alabama, Kenny Chesney, Brooks and Dunn, Janey Fricke, Gene Watson, and Marty Haggard. Come for the music, stay for refreshments, and free hot dogs and s’mores over a roaring bonfire.
7-11 pm on Saturday, October 6, 2012
Admission fee is $5 per person (3 and under free); $20 maximum per family
Yee-haw! Mark your calendar, tell your friends, shine up your boots and get ready to rock the barn with some rockin’ country music! This isn’t your grandparents’ barn dance -we’ll be two-steppin’ to modern country hits performed live by Boulderdash, a four-piece rock country group that has opened for Alabama, Kenny Chesney, Brooks and Dunn, Janey Fricke, Gene Watson, and Marty Haggard. Come for the music, stay for refreshments, and free hot dogs and s’mores over a roaring bonfire.
Camp Out at Willoughby
All ages welcome. Those under 18 yrs old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Bring your tent and sleeping bags to the farm for this family camping experience. After setting up, enjoy a guided night hike along the trails. Bring hot dogs and 'mallows, and we'll get the bonfire started for roasting.
Session Day(s) Time Date(s)
11F830A Dates and time to be determined
Fee: Cost per site: $15 for the first tent, $7 for an additional tent. Two-tent maximum per site.
Registration is required. Call 346-7529 to register.
All ages welcome. Those under 18 yrs old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Bring your tent and sleeping bags to the farm for this family camping experience. After setting up, enjoy a guided night hike along the trails. Bring hot dogs and 'mallows, and we'll get the bonfire started for roasting.
Session Day(s) Time Date(s)
11F830A Dates and time to be determined
Fee: Cost per site: $15 for the first tent, $7 for an additional tent. Two-tent maximum per site.
Registration is required. Call 346-7529 to register.
Junior Gardener Training
Ages 8-12
University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners will be offering a program of classes for Junior Gardeners during June at Willoughby Farm. The classes will include activities both in the classroom and in the garden. A certificate will be awarded upon completion of the program.
Date: TBD
Fee: $
Register by:
Ages 8-12
University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners will be offering a program of classes for Junior Gardeners during June at Willoughby Farm. The classes will include activities both in the classroom and in the garden. A certificate will be awarded upon completion of the program.
Date: TBD
Fee: $
Register by:
Basic Outdoor Skills
4-8 p.m. on Sunday, TBD
This fun and educational class will introduce basic outdoor skills to individuals and families of all ages. Participants will be instructed on the basics of building a fire, first aid and outdoor wilderness skills. The evening will conclude with a meal crafted by the participants and cooked over the campfire.
For ages 5 and up; adults and families are welcome! The fee for this fun class is just $7 per person; $25 maximum per family. Click here to learn about the program instructors.
4-8 p.m. on Sunday, TBD
This fun and educational class will introduce basic outdoor skills to individuals and families of all ages. Participants will be instructed on the basics of building a fire, first aid and outdoor wilderness skills. The evening will conclude with a meal crafted by the participants and cooked over the campfire.
For ages 5 and up; adults and families are welcome! The fee for this fun class is just $7 per person; $25 maximum per family. Click here to learn about the program instructors.
Geocaching at Willoughby Farm - it’s very ‘caching!
What is Geocaching? It is part of a worldwide treasure hunt by way of GPS (Global Positioning System). If you have a GPS you can play anytime, anywhere. The game essentially begins by going to www.geocaching.com and entering your location. You will be given a list of caches (treasures) to find within a certain radius of your location. Each location is given by its coordinates, which is how your GPS works.
What is Geocaching? It is part of a worldwide treasure hunt by way of GPS (Global Positioning System). If you have a GPS you can play anytime, anywhere. The game essentially begins by going to www.geocaching.com and entering your location. You will be given a list of caches (treasures) to find within a certain radius of your location. Each location is given by its coordinates, which is how your GPS works.
Have your celebration down at the farm!
The Carl Schultze Pavilion and the Bank Barn are both available to rent for private functions. Rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Rental time slots are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., daily. The charge for the pavilion is $50 for four hours. The barn is available for $100 for four hours. Willoughby Farm is also available for weddings and other after-hours events. Contact Shelly at 618-346-7529 ext. 128 for additional information and to schedule your Willoughby Farm rental.
The Carl Schultze Pavilion and the Bank Barn are both available to rent for private functions. Rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Rental time slots are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., daily. The charge for the pavilion is $50 for four hours. The barn is available for $100 for four hours. Willoughby Farm is also available for weddings and other after-hours events. Contact Shelly at 618-346-7529 ext. 128 for additional information and to schedule your Willoughby Farm rental.
Poultry Palace Residents Willoughby Farm neighbor, Jacob Durham, has been working very hard to keep our chickens happy and healthy. Now that cooler weather is coming the birds won't stay at the farm much longer. Be sure to visit them before they leave the Farm for the winter.
Wednesday Workday
Every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon
Bring your work gloves and positive attitude to the Farm and help Carol and the U of I Extension Master Gardeners. Complimentary lunch for those who volunteer on Wednesday mornings.
Every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon
Bring your work gloves and positive attitude to the Farm and help Carol and the U of I Extension Master Gardeners. Complimentary lunch for those who volunteer on Wednesday mornings.
Special Events and Programs at Willoughby
Willoughby Conservation Stewards
9 am to noon, Saturdays, February 25, March 24 and April 28.
Help us convert our exotic invasive jungle into a native prairie and woodland area. We will identify and remove unwanted invasive species and plant native seeds. No experience required and children are welcome. Bring gloves and a water bottle, and dress for work on the trails and in the prairie. Attend three sessions and receive a Willoughby t-shirt! Call Carol at (618) 660-8668 for information.
9 am to noon, Saturdays, February 25, March 24 and April 28.
Help us convert our exotic invasive jungle into a native prairie and woodland area. We will identify and remove unwanted invasive species and plant native seeds. No experience required and children are welcome. Bring gloves and a water bottle, and dress for work on the trails and in the prairie. Attend three sessions and receive a Willoughby t-shirt! Call Carol at (618) 660-8668 for information.
John Nicol Memorial: A dedication ceremony for John Nicol was held at Willoughby Heritage Farm and Conservation Reserve on October 5. Nicol, who died in September 2010, was one of the Farm's first volunteers seven years ago. He led efforts to remove many of the dilapidated buildings that littered the property and, in recent years, helped care for the farmyard and reconstruct historic buildings at the Farm.
"John always had a gentle smile and a positive attitude," said Farm Coordinator Carol Frerker during the dedication. "He would tell me 'Relax, do what is right, and things will work out as they should.' I still try to live by that and even pass it on to my kids. He was an amazing volunteer, and even more so, a friend."
Nicol's memorial, located in front of the 1880's bank barn, consists of a bench that his family donated to the Farm. The area around the bench was specially landscaped by the Farm volunteers.
"This memorial symbolizes his heart and dedication to Willoughby," Frerker said. "The memorial is beautiful, peaceful, fun and comfortable, just like John. Most importantly, it overlooks the farmyard and I know that is what John is still doing today."
Willoughby Heritage Farm is located at 631 Willoughby Lane in Collinsville. The gate is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Willoughby Farm is owned and operated by the Collinsville Area Recreation District.
"John always had a gentle smile and a positive attitude," said Farm Coordinator Carol Frerker during the dedication. "He would tell me 'Relax, do what is right, and things will work out as they should.' I still try to live by that and even pass it on to my kids. He was an amazing volunteer, and even more so, a friend."
Nicol's memorial, located in front of the 1880's bank barn, consists of a bench that his family donated to the Farm. The area around the bench was specially landscaped by the Farm volunteers.
"This memorial symbolizes his heart and dedication to Willoughby," Frerker said. "The memorial is beautiful, peaceful, fun and comfortable, just like John. Most importantly, it overlooks the farmyard and I know that is what John is still doing today."
Willoughby Heritage Farm is located at 631 Willoughby Lane in Collinsville. The gate is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Willoughby Farm is owned and operated by the Collinsville Area Recreation District.
Carl Schultze Pavilion: The new timber frame pavilion was completed this summer thanks to $25,000 from the Collinsville Sunrise Kiwanis Club. The pavilion was dedicated to Carl Schultze, an active member of the Kiwanis Club and a member of the Willoughby family. Carl was committed to preserving the Willoughby family homestead over urban development and loss of wildlife habitat. He was instrumental in creating a special and unique place in our community that will always be dedicated to the education and preservation of our farm heritage and natural resources. Generations will be allowed the opportunity to learn about and enjoy our Midwest farm heritage. Thank you to the Schultze and Willoughby family for sharing a heritage treasure, and their continued support of the farm’s restoration.
Permanent Restrooms: Say good-bye to porta-potties! Restrooms have been installed at Willoughby Farm. Along with having modern conveniences, the restrooms are environment-friendly with energy-saving utilities and appliances.
Renewable Energy: As we develop a sustainable heritage farm of the past, we strive to become environmentally ‘sustainable’ in building our future. One way is to become energy-independent by harnessing energy through renewable techniques.
We have installed a 3kW Photovoltaic (solar) system to provide all, or most, of our electricity to initially run the farm. The system’s 24-hour energy output and savings is observable via the Internet and will prove to be an educational tool for everyone, especially students learning about the environment and renewable energy. You can track the output of the new system at http://enlighten.enphaseenergy.com/public/systems/L3Ze10044
This fall, we will also install a solar streetlight in the parking lot and solar-powered security cameras.
The solar project was funded through three grants: Illinois Rebate program, Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, and Madison County Planning and Development grant 2010.
Permanent Restrooms: Say good-bye to porta-potties! Restrooms have been installed at Willoughby Farm. Along with having modern conveniences, the restrooms are environment-friendly with energy-saving utilities and appliances.
Renewable Energy: As we develop a sustainable heritage farm of the past, we strive to become environmentally ‘sustainable’ in building our future. One way is to become energy-independent by harnessing energy through renewable techniques.
We have installed a 3kW Photovoltaic (solar) system to provide all, or most, of our electricity to initially run the farm. The system’s 24-hour energy output and savings is observable via the Internet and will prove to be an educational tool for everyone, especially students learning about the environment and renewable energy. You can track the output of the new system at http://enlighten.enphaseenergy.com/public/systems/L3Ze10044
This fall, we will also install a solar streetlight in the parking lot and solar-powered security cameras.
The solar project was funded through three grants: Illinois Rebate program, Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, and Madison County Planning and Development grant 2010.
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Heritage Day
10 am to 3 pm, first Saturday of May
CARD and the Artisan Guild of Southern Illinois bring the early 1900s to life during this FREE event. Participate in hands-on demonstrations of weaving, quilting, yarn dying, woodworking, blacksmithing, pottery, and more. Visitors can also participate in scavenger hunts and garden activities. Enjoy the live bluegrass music and pig roast.
10 am to 3 pm, first Saturday of May
CARD and the Artisan Guild of Southern Illinois bring the early 1900s to life during this FREE event. Participate in hands-on demonstrations of weaving, quilting, yarn dying, woodworking, blacksmithing, pottery, and more. Visitors can also participate in scavenger hunts and garden activities. Enjoy the live bluegrass music and pig roast.
Willoughby Farm has been made possible thanks to grants from the Madison County Parks and Recreation Grants Commission, Madison County Planning and Development, IDCEO/Department of Energy and other organizations, as well as volunteer asisstance from area boy scout troops, the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners and the Timber Framers Guild.