prairie islander - macon county conservation district
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1 www.maconcountyconservation.org
“After 50 years, somepeople still think of theconservation areas as‘hidden gems’ in ourcommunity,” saysMarien, “but we want tomove past thatperception. Everyoneshould feel connectedto these natural areasand to the wild placesin their own backyards.”
As the District looks forward toanother 50 years, it hopes to spark arenewed understanding amongMacon County residents of thevalue of spending time in nature.Here to shed light on the benefits ofnature and how it can transformpeople and communities is best-selling author, Richard Louv.
After coining the term “nature-deficit disorder” in 2005 with hisgroundbreaking book, Last Child inthe Woods, Louv has become anauthority on connecting children,adults, and communities to nature.He is a journalist and author of ninebooks, including The NaturePrinciple and his most recentlypublished book Vitamin N, whichoffers creative ideas for connectingwith the natural world.
Louv is co-founder andChairman Emeritus of the Childrenand Nature Network, anorganization that helps connectcommunities across the world with
In celebration ofserving MaconCounty for 50 yearsand to inspire you totap into the restorativeeffects of nature, theMacon CountyConservation Districtis partnering withMillikin University’sInstitute for ScienceEntrepreneurship topresent author of Last Child in theWoods, Richard Louv. This freespecial event followed by a booksigning will be Thursday, October 6at 7:30 p.m. in Millikin University’sKirkland Fine Arts Center. Louv willspeak on “The Nature-Rich Life.” Allare invited to attend. Noreservations or tickets are required.
Leading up to Louv’s eveningpresentation, Millikin University willhost a panel discussion the sameafternoon from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00p.m. in Kirkland Fine Arts Center.The forum will address how tomake Decatur and Macon County anature-rich community: one thattunes in to the value of nature andutilizes it to strengthen ourcommunity. The panel will includeleaders in the fields of education,health care, agriculture, and naturalresources. Executive Director, PaulMarien and author Richard Louvwill also offer remarks. This forumis free and open to the public.
their environment. He was alsokeynote speaker for the 2010American Academy of PediatricsNational Conference and at thefirst White House Summit onEnvironmental Education in 2012.
“Millikin University’s Institute forScience Entrepreneurship ishonored to help celebrate theMacon County ConservationDistrict’s 50th anniversary and helpsupport Richard Louv’s visit tocentral Illinois” says David Horn,Co-Founder of the Institute. “Theconservation district has and willcontinue to play a critical role ineducating the next generationabout nature, provide strongconnections between visitors andthe natural world, and serve ashome to central Illinois’ uniqueplant and animal life.”
For more information, visitmaconcountyconservation.org.
Author Richard Louv Speaking for 50th Anniversary
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE MACON COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Prairie IslanderFALL 2016
2 Prairie Islander
People like you make things happen at the Macon County
Conservation District. Last year alone, over 500 volunteers donated
12,500 hours of their time. But with 3,300 acres and thousands
of visitors each year, opportunities abound for you to make a
difference too.
“These special ‘introductory level’ fall volunteer days are the
perfect way to try volunteering with us,” says Volunteer Coordinator,
Jenny Garver. Whether you’re an active Conservation District
volunteer who wants to try something new, or you have never
volunteered before, but want to make a difference through a fun
hands-on Saturday activity, consider one of these volunteer days.
No experience is necessary.
“Volunteers help in a wide variety of ways, from costumed
interpretation at Homestead Prairie Farm to trail monitoring” says
Garver, “You can see all the ways volunteers contribute at
www.maconcountyconservation.org/volunteer-opportunities.”
To volunteer on a regular basis and receive benefits such as the
Volunteer Quarterly newsletter and invitations to special volunteer
events: print, fill out, and return the volunteer application found
online. Applications are also available in Rock Springs Nature Center.Staff interview and train each volunteer. As a volunteer, you have
full control over how often and when you want to help. For more
information visit www.maconcountyconservation.org/volunteer-
opportunities or call 217-423-7708.
Prairie Islander A Closer Look
By Katherine Unruh
Volunteering101
HONEYSUCKLE HACKING
Saturday, September 17, 9am-NoonRock Springs Conservation Area, Meet at the Information Shelter
Help remove bush honeysuckle, aninvasive shrub that chokes out nativeplants. This involves cutting shrubswhile walking over unevenwoodland terrain. Wear long pants,sturdy shoes like boots, and prepareto get dirty. Tools, work gloves, andlunch will be provided. Due tolimited supplies and supervisory staff,this event is limited to 20 volunteers.Rain date will be September 24. Signup by September 14.
SEED SALVAGE
Saturday, October 15, 9am-NoonRock Springs Conservation Area,Rodney T. Miller Wetland Parking Lot
Harvest native wildflower seeds from
Rock Springs prairies to help plant
other sites. This light intensity work
involves picking seed from stalks andwalking over uneven ground
through tall vegetation. Wear long
pants, long sleeves, and sturdy workshoes. Lunch will be provided. Sign
up by October 13.
To Sign Up: Contact NaturalResource Specialist, Ethan Snively at 217-423-6796 or esnively@maconcountyconservation.org. Both activities are for ages 12 and up. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
www.maconcountyconservation.org 3
A Closer Look Prairie Islander
Briefs DEER ARCHERY HUNTING
The Macon County Conservation District’s 2016archery deer season will run October 21 throughDecember 15. This program limits the growth ofthe deer population on district sites and provides apublic hunting opportunity in Macon County.
Hunting is allowed in Rock Springs, Sand Creek,Friends Creek, and Fort Daniel Conservation Areasby special permit only. Hunting is not allowedNovember 18-20, 24 or December 1-4.
Weekly drawings for hunting opportunities will beheld each Wednesday during the season at 1pm atthe Information Shelter at Rock SpringsConservation Area, beginning October 19. Districthunting permits will be available for purchase atRock Springs Nature Center. Applications toparticipate are due September 2. Download anapplication atmaconcountyconservation.org/habitat-restoration.
WILLOW BRANCH UPDATE
Black-eyed Susans bloomed on a newly plantedprairie this summer at Willow Branch ConservationArea. Volunteers and Macon County ConservationDistrict staff seeded 44 acres of prairie and 8 acresof savanna by hand on the site in December.
This project was made possible thanks to thedonations from people like you during the IllinoisClean Energy Community Foundation’s NaturalArea Challenge issued to the Macon CountyConservation Foundation in 2014.
Willow Branch will provide a valuable oasis forwildlife near Macon, IL, and the wide variety ofvegetation will help improve air and water quality.For more information about the Macon CountyConservation Foundation, visitwww.maconcountyconservationfoundation.org.
Take Your PickBelow you’ll find activities offered at multiple times or
locations. Register online before the last full weekday
prior to the program. Programs held at Rock Springs
Conservation Area unless otherwise noted:
HUNTER SAFETY CLASSES
Rock Springs Nature Center will host two free 10
hour Illinois Department of Natural Resources Hunter
Safety Classes this fall.
These classes cover
wildlife identification,
equipment, and safety
issues. Must attend both
the Friday and Saturday
class and pass a written
test in order to receive your certificate. Register
online during times below. No age restrictions. Free.
Min/Max: 5/50.
Friday-Saturday: September 16, 6:30-9pm andSeptember 17, 8-4:30pm
Online registration open Aug 29 through Sept 15.
Friday-Saturday: October 21, 6:30-9pm and October 22, 8-4:30pm
Online registration open October 3 through October 20.
CAMPGROUND OPEN THROUGH OCTOBER
The campground at Friends Creek Conservation Area isopen through October. In fact, camping in the fallprovides cooler weather and colorful autumn leaves. Thecampground welcomes tent and RV camping.
• Daily fees for electric sites are $17 for Macon Countyresidents, $20 for non-residents.
• Non-electric sites are $10 for Macon County residents,$12 for non-residents.
A large group campsite is also available, accommodatingup to 60 people. While camping, you can hike any ofthree trails, play on the playground, and discover thehistoric one room Bethel School. For more information,visit maconcountyconservation.org. Reserve yourcampsite by calling 217-423-7708.
BEFORE
AFTER
4 Prairie Islander
Events located at Rock Springs Conservation Area and open to all ages unless otherwise indicated. Register online at www.maconcountyconservation.org by noon, unless otherwise noted.
Happenings
HoursOFFICES OPEN
Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
NATURE CENTER OPEN
Monday-Wednesday, Friday, 8am-5pmThursday, 8am-8pmSaturday, 9am-5pmSunday, 1-5pm
TRAILS OPEN
Daily, 7am to sunset
Holidays & ClosingsOFFICES & NATURE CENTER CLOSED
Thursday, November 24, Thanksgiving Day
NATURE CENTER OPEN, OFFICES CLOSED
Monday, September 5, Labor DayFriday, November 11, Veterans DayFriday, November 25, Thanksgiving
Open HousesBETHEL SCHOOL
Saturdays, September 3 & October 1, 1-4pm
See what going to school was like in the early 20th
century at this historic one-room schoolhouselocated at Friends Creek Conservation Area.
HOMESTEAD PRAIRIE FARM
Saturdays & Sundays, June-October, 1-4pm
Discover this 1860s farmhouse and the lives of thepeople who lived there, located at Rock SpringsConservation Area.
OGLESBY MANSION
September 25, October 30, November 27, 2-4pm
Tour the restored home of Illinois Governor Richard J. Oglesby to encounter the lives of its family members and explore their late 1800s lifestyle.Fee $2. Members are free. 421 W. William Street,Decatur, IL.
Ground Squirrels Vintage Base Ball Games
No gloves, no fear. Join us for the nationalpastime: base ball! Cheer for your home team,the Rock Springs Ground Squirrels, competingin a game of vintage base ball using authentic1858 rules.
Saturday, September 17, 10am
Decatur, IL – Douglas Cup Tournament at
BeautifulTrobaughField at Rock Springs
Conservation Area: Rock Springs Ground
Squirrels vs. Deep River Grinders, Lafayette
Square Cyclones, and Vermilion Voles
Follow the team on Facebook for additional games and more information or visit
maconcountyconservation.org.
Darrel Parish, PresidentLucy Murphy, Vice PresidentNorman Jensen, SecretaryAnne Elliott, TreasurerDoug Johnson, Second Vice-PresidentPaul Marien, Executive DirectorShane Ravellette, Operations ManagerRichie Wolf, Nature Center ManagerJeff Tish, Program Services ManagerPam Smith, Finance & H.R. Manager
MACON COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES & STAFF
Contact Us
Macon County Conservation District • 217-423-7708mccd@maconcountyconservation.orgwww.maconcountyconservation.org
Anniversary 50th Anniversary 50th
Macon County Conservation District
3939 Nearing Lane l Decatur, IL 62521 l 217-423-7708
www.maconcountyconservation.org
PRAIRIE CELEBRATIONSaturday, September 10, 11am-5pmSunday, September 11, 12-4pm
Rock Springs Conservation Area
Tour an encampment of trappers and traders
as they demonstrate the skills, crafts, and
techniques for creating goods and services
during the 1700 and 1800s. There will be
items for sale, wagon rides, and games for
children. Free. Food is available for a fee.
PRAIRIE PEDALSunday, September 25, 7am-2pmRock Springs Conservation Area
Ride your bicycle for habitat restoration! Thisbicycling fundraiser for the Macon CountyConservation Foundation protects localwildlife and natural areas. Choose from a 20,40, or 62 mile route along quiet country roads.Includes a free t-shirt, delicious chili lunch,and raffle prizes after the ride. Registration is$25/rider before September 8 and $30/riderafter. For information on rider registration or to sponsor the event, visitmaconcountyconservationfountation.org.
Special Events
Discover how to tap into the restorative effects of nature and
build a nature-rich community with author of Last Child in
the Woods, Richard Louv. Mr. Louv will also share insights
from his newest book, Vitamin N, which serves as a creative
guide on how to connect with nature. This special 50th
anniversary program is made possible in partnership with
Millikin University’s Science Entrepreneurship Speaker Series.
Free. No reservations required.
50th Anniversary Guest Speaker:Author Richard LouvThursday, October 6, 7:30pmMillikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center,1184 W. Main St., Decatur
Special Events
He Said Beer, SHe Said WineFriday, October 14, 6pmDecatur Club, 158 W. Prairie Ave., Decatur
Taste delicious food and support the Governor Oglesby
Mansion during this annual dinner fundraiser. You’ll
enjoy a five-course dinner with both a beer and wine
accompaniment for each course. The theme for this
year’s event will be “An Octoberfest Celebration.” Charlie
McGorray and Kevin Graham will be returning as the
beer and wine experts, and J. C. Fultz will serve as Master
of Ceremonies. Tickets are $75/person. For more
information or to purchase tickets, contact Ron Evans at
217-864-2505. The final RSVP date is October 5.
Fall Harvest Festival
Sunday, October 30, 1-4pmRock Springs Conservation Area
There will be FREE crafts, temporary tattoos, pumpkin
rolls, and a child-sized straw maze. For a fee of $3participants can learn basic archery techniques and
take aim at lifelike 3D targets. No registration required.
CANDLELIGHT TOURSaturday, November 12, 6:30-8:30pmRock Springs Conservation Area
Experience Homestead
Prairie Farm and 1860s
life by candlelight and
lamplight, led by tour
guides dressed in period
clothing. Refreshments
will be served. Free. No
registration required.
Creepers of the Earth Trail Walk
Sunday, October 30, 1-3:30pmRock Springs Conservation Area
Take a guided “Creepers of the Earth” trail walkthrough the pine forest to see costumedinterpreters and hear legends about some of thecreatures of the forest, ponds, and prairies. Touroffered every half hour. All ages. $2/person forages 6+, 5 and under free. Register online byOctober 28.
Macon County Conservation District
3939 Nearing Lane l Decatur, IL 62521 l 217-423-7708
www.maconcountyconservation.org
www.maconcountyconservation.org 5
Events located at Rock Springs Conservation Area and open to all ages unless otherwise indicated. Register online at www.maconcountyconservation.org by noon, unless otherwise noted.
Happenings
MeetingsMACON COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS
Third Wednesday of each month, 5:30pmSeptember 21, October 19, & November 16
DECATUR AUDUBON SOCIETY MEETINGS
Sundays, 2pmSeptember 18, October 16, & November 20At Rock Springs Nature Center
Mini CampsChildren ages 1-5 will explore nature with an adult buddythrough crafts, activities, songs, and stories. These camps are agreat stepping stone for little ones to spend time with otherchildren with the comfort of a loved one nearby. Fee $10. Onlineregistration required. Min/Max: 4/12.
C FOR CAMPING
Tuesday, Sept 13, 9:30-10:30am, ages 1-5 Wednesday, Sept 14, 9:30-10:30am, ages 3-5
There are many ways to have fun outdoors. We will explore a tent,fish with magnets, and catch butterflies with nets. Register onlineby September 12.
W FOR WORMS
Wednesday, Sept 28, 9:30-10:30am, ages 1-5Thursday, Sept 29, 9:30-10:30am, ages 3-5
Children will get to meet and hold live wiggly worms as we learnabout who lives beneath our feet. Register online by September 27.
S FOR SEEDS
Tuesday, Oct 11, 9:30-10:30am, ages 3-5Wednesday, Oct 12, 9:30-10:30am, ages 1-5
Discover how nature prepares for winter bycreating seeds. Children will find out whatmakes seeds and where we find them.Register online by October 10.
N FOR NIGHT
Wednesday, Oct 26, 9:30-10:30am, ages 3-5Thursday, Oct 27, 9:30-10:30am, ages 1-5
Campers will learn about animals who come out at night. We willsee and feel furs and look for their clues outside. Register online by October 25.
D FOR DINOSAURS
Wednesday, Nov 9, 9:30-10:30am, ages 1-5Thursday, Nov 10, 9:30-10:30am, ages 3-5
We will have a fantastic time studying about dinosaurs throughexploration of artifacts and creative play. Register online byNovember 8.
F FOR FROGS
Tuesday, Nov 22, 9:30-10:30am, ages 1-5WEDNESDAY, NOV 23, 9:30-10:30AM, AGES 3-5
Children will encounter several live amphibians and learn aboutthe lives of frogs through observation and hands-on-activities.Register online by November 21.
MusicThe following programs are free and open tothe public at Rock Springs Nature Center.
DULCIMER CLUB
Saturdays, 10am-12pmSeptember 10 & 24October 8 & 22November 5 & 19
BLUEGRASS MUSIC JAM
Sundays, 1-4pmSeptember 11, October 9, & November 13
SHAPE NOTE SINGING
Sunday, 2-4pm, November 27
ArtNORTH GALLERY ARTISTS
Curt Knapp – September & October
Photographer Curt Knapp presents incredibleimages nature, including eagles, wolves, andsunsets.
Barn Colony Artists – November & December
Discover works in watercolor, pastels, oil, and inkfrom talented artists in our community.
SOUTH GALLERY ARTISTS
Jerry Sievers – September & October
Photographer Jerry Sievers will display imagesof wildlife, plants, and Midwestern scenery.
David Castor – November & December
Explore white tailed deer, great blue herons,and various plants through the lens of localphotographer David Castor.
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BEES AND BEEKEEPING, THEN AND NOW
Sunday, September 4, 2pm Homestead Prairie Farm Stage
Beekeeping began before ancient Egypt and still remainsan important segment of agriculture. This presentationwill cover basic bee biology, a brief history of beekeeping,and some of the issues facing modern beekeepers. Free.No registration required.
MONARCH MADNESS
Sunday, September 18, 2-4pm
Learn about Monarch butterfliesfrom educated naturalists.Capture and tag live animals totrack migration patterns. Co-sponsored by the University ofIllinois Extension Office. Free. Noregistration required.
NATIVE AMERICAN STORIES AND GAMES
Saturday, September 24, 10am
Listen to Native American stories before participating intraditional hunting preparation games. Ages 6+. Free.Register online by September 23. Min/Max: 5/25.
PIONEERS, PATRIOTS AND INVENTORS: A BRIEF HISTORY OF DECATUR
Sunday, October 2, 2pm
Explore Decatur’s history with Dr. Dan Guillory, ProfessorEmeritus at Millikin University. We’ll encounter leadinglocal citizens in military service, public service,agriculture, and technology, including General Pugh andJane Johns. Free. No registration required.
HEIRLOOM GARDEN OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, October 8, 2-4pm
Drop by for a garden “open house” to discover the circa1860 heirloom vegetable and herb gardens at HomesteadPrairie Farm. See what you can grow in the fall and howto prepare a garden for winter and spring. Learn abouteducational and volunteer opportunities availablethrough Master Gardeners. Free. No registration required.
TRIP TO WILDLIFE REFUGE AND DICKSON MOUNDS
Sunday, October 9, 9am-4pm
Explore the wildlife and culture of central Illinois.We’ll tour the Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge,which protects 2,600 acres of river and wetlandhabitat. Then visit Dickson Mounds State Museum,an archaeological museum where you’ll encounter12,000 years of human activity in the Illinois RiverValley. A fee of $20/person covers transportation. Siteadmission is free. Bring your own lunch. Registeronline by October 7. Min/Max: 4/12.
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Saturday, October 15, 10am-12pm
Learn to capture memoriesand artistic shots from theDecatur Camera Club. You’llalso explore different types ofcameras. Co-sponsored by theDecatur Camera Club. Ages14+. Free. Register by October14. Min/Max: 5/50.
SWEETHEARTS AND STARS
Saturday, October 15, 7pm, Griswold Conservation Area
Celebrate Sweetest Day by bringing your date togaze up at the stars. Learn about our solar systemand enjoy refreshments. Free. Register online byOctober 14. Min/Max: 6/50.
HANDBASKETS OF THE HOME: COMPARING MID-1800S BASKETS
Sunday, October 16, 2-4pm, Homestead Prairie Farm
Women used different types of baskets in the 19thcentury, depending on the errand. We will compareand contrast examples, such as sewing baskets andbaskets for going to town or visiting a neighbor. Free.No registration required.
RAG DOLL WORKSHOP
Saturday, October 22, 10am
Create a toy from the past. Make and personalizeyour own old-fashioned rag doll. All suppliesprovided. All ages. Children 13 and under must beaccompanied by an adult. Free. Register online byOctober 21. Min/Max: 5/25.
September
October
Events located at Rock Springs Conservation Area and open to all ages unless otherwise indicated. Register online at www.maconcountyconservation.org by noon, unless otherwise noted.
Happenings
November
www.maconcountyconservation.org 7
Events located at Rock Springs Conservation Area and open to all ages unless otherwise indicated. Register online at www.maconcountyconservation.org by noon, unless otherwise noted.
Happenings
FALL COLOR HIKE AND CRAFT
Sunday, October 23, 2pm
Explore the fall trails at Rock Springs Conservation Areawith a naturalist. Then make a craft to take home thatmimics the fall colors. Free. Register online by October21. Min/Max: 5/25.
PRESCHOOL PEEPERS: BUG EATING BATS
Saturday, October 29, 10am
Discover what bats eat, how they move, and wherethey live. Interact with others through a bat imitationgame and make a craft to take home. Ages 3-5 with anadult buddy. Free. Register online by October 28.Min/Max: 5/25.
MAGNIFICENT MAMMALS
Saturday, November 5, 10am
Feel the furs of our backyard neighbors: includingraccoons, skunks, opossums, foxes, and coyotes. Findout how these wild animals prepare for winter. Free.Register online by November 4. Min/Max: 5/25.
PRESCHOOL PEEPERS: BOUNCING BUGS
Sunday, November 6, 2pm
We’ll learn about crickets and grasshoppers: what theyeat, where they sleep, and how they move. Then, createa craft to take home. Ages 3-5 with adult buddy. Free.Register online by November 4. Min/Max: 5/25.
PRAIRIE PRIDE
Sunday, November 13, 2pm
Walk the restored prairie at Rock Springs ConservationArea with a naturalist. Discover the importance of thishabitat and the benefits of prescribed burns. Free.Register online by November 10. Min/Max: 5/25.
TREE IDENTIFICATION
Saturday, November 19, 10am
Trees can be difficult to identifyonce their leaves fall. Enjoy aguided hike with a naturalist toexplore other ways of identifyingtrees. Free. Register online byNovember 18. Min/Max: 5/25.
Connect with UsFind out how you can make a difference 217-423-7708www.maconcountyconservation.org
TRIP TO THE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY
Sunday, November 20, 10am-8pm
This Chicago museum brings science andtechnology to life for all ages with award-winningexhibits and immersive experiences. Walk through acaptured World War II German submarine, exploremodes of transportation over the decades, anddiscover the science behind the forces of nature. Afee of $30/person covers transportation and parking.Purchase your own museum entry and lunch. Specialexhibits have additional fees. Register online byNovember 18. Min/Max: 5/12.
TURKEY TROT HIKE
Saturday, November 26, 10am
Trot through the trails at RockSprings to work off some turkey.This naturalist-led hike will lastfor one hour and will be mild indifficulty. Free. Register online byNovember 23. Min/Max: 5/25.
TRIP TO CAHOKIA MOUNDS
Sunday, November 27, 10am-6pm
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site holds the remainsof the most sophisticated prehistoric nativecivilization north of Mexico. On this trip you canexplore the archaeological remnants of that ancientcity, known today as Cahokia. Museum admission isfree but donations are encouraged. Bring your ownlunch or enjoy a local restaurant. A fee of $20/personcovers transportation. Register online by Nov 23.Min/Max: 5/12.
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGEPAID
Decatur, IL 62521
PERMIT NO. 2323939 Nearing LaneDecatur, IL 62521
Return Service Requested
For updated trail conditions, call 217-421-7493.
The Prairie Islander is a free quarterly publication. Call or email for additional copies. "Go Green" by reading it online at www.maconcountyconservation.org.
Anniversary 50th Anniversary 50th
Anniversary 50th Anniversary 50th
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