Ben Cash Memorial Conservation Area
Rate this placeNearby: Williamson Park Rector Memorial Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Ben Cash Memorial Conservation Area is a popular destination in Illinois for nature enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
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Summary
Located in the southern part of the state, the conservation area offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages.
One of the primary reasons to visit the Ben Cash Memorial Conservation Area is its beautiful natural scenery. The area is home to a diverse range of plant and animal life, and visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Some of the most popular points of interest include the area's many lakes and ponds, as well as its extensive network of hiking trails.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Ben Cash Memorial Conservation Area also offers a number of interesting historical and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the area's rich Native American history, as well as its many historic landmarks and buildings.
Some interesting facts about the Ben Cash Memorial Conservation Area include its status as one of the largest conservation areas in Illinois, as well as its role in preserving the state's natural resources and promoting sustainable living practices. The area is also home to a number of rare and endangered species, including the eastern massasauga rattlesnake and the Henslow's sparrow.
The best time of year to visit the Ben Cash Memorial Conservation Area depends largely on the activities and attractions that visitors are interested in. Spring and summer are popular times for hiking and wildlife viewing, while fall and winter are ideal for hunting and fishing. Visitors are encouraged to check the park's website for current information on seasonal events and activities.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Williamson Park
Rector Memorial Park
R H Jones Memorial Park