The fascinating story of Root Cemetery is written on 2.5 acres just northwest of Chillicothe, where the natural landscape of pre-settlement Illinois shares the soil with 200 years of human history. The unique geology, biology, and human narrative of this place combine in a complex ecosystem, reflecting in microcosm what it means to exist within the intricate web of life on our planet. Explore the resources on this page for a deeper dive into the many stories Root Cemetery has to tell.
Where is Root Cemetery? About a mile northwest of Chillicothe on Ratcliffe Rd. Click to view map.
Root Cemetery Prairie website – Developed as part of a Girl Scout Gold Award project by Wren Davis, this site aims to gather information about the flora and fauna of Root Cemetery, with a particular focus on insects, and to make information about the preserve more readily available.
Friends of Root Cemetery Savanna Nature Preserve Area Facebook page – Up-to-date happenings at Root Cemetery.
See species of flora and fauna identified at Root Cemetery Savanna and Nature Preserve on iNaturalist.
Volunteer Work Days – Third Wednesdays from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Help restore historic Root Cemetery and Nature Preserve! Every hour of volunteer effort will make a difference. Dress for the weather and wear long pants and sturdy shoes. Water, tools, work gloves, and good conversation provided. Meet at Root Cemetery, a mile northwest of Chillicothe on Ratcliffe Rd. For information, contact Dave Pittman at 309-573-2354 or dvdgpittman@gmail.com.
Public Programs – Check out the library’s calendar for presentations exploring topics such as conservation, history, and ecology as it relates to Root Cemetery.