Prairie Islander - Macon County Conservation District

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 [email protected]. 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



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.

6 Prairie Islander

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


Happenings

November



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


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


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.



Documents

Prairie Islander - Macon County Conservation District