A few years later, the Grabers purchased the first of two parcels of land which now comprise War Bluff Valley Sanctuary. They eventually retired from the INHS in 1983, and moved to their private wildlife area. Here, they continued research on the relationship of birds and insects of the forest canopy until Dick's declining health curtailed their studies.

In 1996, an opportunity to purchase a neighboring farm enlarged the sanctuary to nearly 500 acres.

During their years of studying bird life from Kansas and Michigan to Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala, and finally to Illinois, they gradually became concerned about the loss of habitat and its profound effect on birds and other wildlife. Because of this growing concern they became actively involved in efforts to change management practices on the Shawnee National Forest, which borders the sanctuary.

Their passion for preservation of habitat resulted in seeking permanent protection for their personal wildlife refuge, and in 1990 they chose the Illinois Audubon Society to maintain the War Bluff Valley Sanctuary. The Grabers endowed the property to help IAS with longgterm maintenance. Donations from visitors and Friends of War Bluff Valley Sanctuary also assist with maintenance and restoration work at this special wildlife haven.

Dick Graber passed away in 1998, but Jean maintains a home in nearby Golconda and still visits and takes part in Sanctuary activities.