A Prairie Rendezvous SPRING/SUMMER VOL. 14, NO. 2, 2012 GPF WELCOMES 2012 INTERNS by Jamie Ellis, Summer Internship Coordinator The Grand Prairie Friends summer internship program has been providing hands-on natural areas stewardship opportunities for young people in eastcentral Illinois since 1994. Support to pay for the internship comes from the Annual Native Plant Sale proceeds, grant money from the IDNR’s Illinois Wildlife Preservation Fund, and a generous anonymous donor. Summer 2012 is nearly over, but rest assured that the 2012 summer interns have braved the heat and are working hard. We’re excited that Sarah Menning and Jenna Annis accepted the challenge to help pull weeds, cut brush, and learn what it takes to help manage woodland and prairie natural areas. Sarah Menning Hi! My name is Sarah Menning, and I’m excited to be one of this year’s interns with Grand Prairie Friends! Being a recent graduate from the University of Illinois with a degree in natural resources and environmental sciences, I know this internship is a great opportunity for me to learn more about natural area stewardship and east-central Illinois flora. I grew up in Crystal Lake, Illinois: an ordinary suburb of Chicago. Living in a suburb meant I wasn’t exactly surrounded by prairies and big forests, and my appreciation for the natural world didn’t take off until I got to college. As I was about to apply to college, I can remember reading through a book of college majors and thinking that almost all of them sounded terribly boring and how they would simply trap me at a desk—all except environmental science. I loved the idea of working outdoors all the time, and I also loved the meaningful aspect of natural resources work. Ever since I began learning more about nature at the University of Illinois, my interest in it has grown. I got my first taste of real ecological restoration experience when I became an intern at the McHenry County Conservation District in 2011. The other summer interns and I learned a lot about native and invasive plants, and I practiced restoration techniques (mostly brush cutting and herbicide spraying) everyday. I can honestly say that summer was one of the best times of my life and has led to my desire to protect natural lands for a living. Following that summer, I became president of an ecological restoration club on campus called Red Bison. Red Bison helps steward and manage a few small natural areas near campus. I also con- (Continued on page 6)
How can you help Grand Prairie Friends grow and prosper as an organization? What skills do you have that might contribute to conservation of natural areas in east-central Illinois? Call Jamie (217-244-5695, [email protected]) to discuss your future role with GPF. GPF Board A nine member Board of Directors governs Grand Prairie Friends, and GPF is looking for members who are interested and willing to step-up and lead this organization. The Board of Directors is responsible for raising and spending money in support of the organization’s mission. GPF has working Board--since GPF has no staff, the Board not only makes policy, but members also carry out policy. The Board carries out this work at ten meetings each year, over email, and other times as needed. Each year the GPF membership elects or re-elects three Board members at the Fall Membership meeting in September who serve three year terms. Newsletter Editor Grand Prairie Friends seeks an organized and motivated person to compile and edit articles for our quarterly newsletter, A Prairie Rendezvous. This newsletter serves as one source of information to keep members and friends up to date on stewardship events and important news of the organization. Duties include developing deadlines for submission of articles and information; sending out reminders for (Continued on page 3) 2 A Prairie Rendezvous A Prairie Rendezvous P.O. Box 36 • Urbana, IL 61803-0036 Editor: Brenda Molano-Flores Assistant Editors: Jamie Ellis Production Designer: Ray Meredith A Prairie Rendezvous is a publication of Grand Prairie Friends for the restoration community of East Central Illinois. In February 2004, the membership of GPF voted to broaden the group’s Constitution and By-laws, bringing the missions of GPF and Prairie Grove Volunteers together through a merger of two groups. A Prairie Rendezvous is published quarterly. Article submissions should be sent electronically to the editor at [email protected] or by mail to the GPF P.O. Box (above). Member submissions are gladly welcomed. Grand Prairie Friends is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to natural community preservation, restoration, and education in East Central Illinois. Our stewards help coordinate volunteer workdays at native prairie, savanna, wetland, and woodland remnants. Inquiries and tax-deductible donations should be sent to the GPF P.O. Box (above). www.grandprairiefriends.org GPF Board of Directors (term ends) Jamie Ellis, President (2012) Fred Delcomyn, Treasurer (2012) Ansel Anderson (2014) Terry Rathgeber (2014) Jim Payne (2012) Derek Liebert (2012) VACANT (2013) Gail Snowdon (2013) VACANT (2014) Board meetings are regularly scheduled for the fourth Monday of each month (except August and December) at 5:30 PM in the I-Building (1816 S. Oak St., Champaign) GPF Committees For information on volunteering and getting involved with any committees, please contact the following: Membership & Volunteerism: Brenda Molano-Flores Stewardship: VACANT Education: VACANT Finance: Fred Delcomyn Publicity: Derek Liebert Land Acquisition: Dan Olson and Jim Payne Fund Raising: Derek Liebert, Terry Rathgeber, and Jamie Ellis Submission Deadlines Summer Issue (June, July, Aug.): May 1 Fall Issue (Sept., Oct. , Nov.): Aug. 1 Winter Issue (Dec., Jan. 2013 , Feb. 2013): Nov. 1 Printed on Recycled Paper Volunteer Opportunity by Jamie Ellis, President, GPF
A Prairie Rendezvous 3 contributors to submit information; and working with the layout and design volunteer, Ray Meredith. Editor will also communicate regularly with the Board of Directors and Dan Olson who sends out an email notice of a new newsletter once it is posted to the GPF website. Person must have own computer and be able to communicate by email. Committees GPF has six committees to help the Board carry out the work of the organization--Membership and Volunteerism, Stewardship, Publicity, Fund Raising, Land Acquisition, Education, and Finance. Right now the Stewardship Committee Chair is vacant. What does this person do? GPF seeks a selfmotivated and organized person to oversee and coordinate stewardship activities first at the seven sites GPF owns and then at other areas GPF volunteers help steward. The Stewardship Chair will assist volunteer site stewards with planning and organizing work days, help draft stewardship plans, help oversee equipment use and maintenance, coordinate and plan prescribed burns, and help organize the annual steward’s luncheon. Another vacancy is on the Finance Committee. This committee is charged with overseeing the finance of Grand Prairie Friends including creation of a budget, verifying income and expenses, and investments. This committee meets three to four times a year. (Continued from page 2) EMBARRAS RIDGES OPENING EVENT by Jamie Ellis With plenty of sunshine, a gentle breeze, and pleasant temperatures, friends gathered to celebrate Grand Prairie Friends’ acquisition of 141 acres of forested land south of Charleston, IL. About 80 people came out on the morning of Saturday June 2 to enjoy the weather and experience the beauty of this property. Jamie Ellis, GPF Board President, gave some brief remarks about the process of raising money to buy this property and to give proper thanks to the many, many people who gave money or time to make this acquisition a reality. GPF sincerely thanks Dan Olson and Terry Rathgeber who along with Jamie Ellis helped plan the event. David Mott and Mary Kay Solecki gave their time to lead a few nature hikes into the forested ridges and ravines. Jenna Annis came early to help set up tables and chairs, and Ansel Anderson directed traffic. The ceremony that morning was brief, but we provide here a transcript of some meaningful and moving words written and deliv- (Continued on page 5) GPF members and friends gather to celebrate the protection of 141 acres of forested land on June 2. photo by Rob Kanter Beverly Foote tells the crowd of GPF supporters that the protection of Embarras Ridges means protection of biodiversity in Coles County. photo by Rob Kanter
4 A Prairie Rendezvous FALL 2012 Volunteer Stewardship Activities 2012 Urbana Park District Workdays Stewardship Saturdays: Volunteering is a great way to learn more about local natural areas while providing some much needed assistance in their care. Remove invasive plants, improve trails, plant native trees and flowers, and assist with general clean-up. Please dress accordingly. Tools, gloves, instruction, and refreshments provided. Let us know you'll be attending by calling 384-4062 in advance. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Groups welcome. workdays For Meadowbrook Park: meet at the parking lot just south of Windsor and Race Streets. For Busey Woods: meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center - 1505 N. Broadway. For Perkins Prairie: meet at the Dog Park on Perkins Road - ½ mile east of Cunningham Ave. For Weaver Park: meet at the intersection of Main Street and Smith Road. UPCOMING EVENTS Seed Collecting September 22, 9 AM, Loda Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve (Continued on page 7) Grand Prairie Friends Activity Calendar APNC (Anita Purves Nature Center) is located at 1505 N. Broadway Ave. in Urbana. N A T U R A L R E S O U R C E S STUDIES ANNEX: 1910 Griffith Drive, Champaign. Griffith Drive runs south from St. Mary's Road just east of the Illinois Central railroad viaduct (next to St. Mary's Cemetery). Workday reminders and updates will be posted on the ecostewards email list. Please leave your pets at home. Pets are not allowed on Nature Preserves. Activities such as prescribed burnings may endanger pets, even if they are on leashes or otherwise supervised. Please wear clean clothes and boots as a general precaution. After a workday wire brush or scrape lug soles clean. Also, do not wear the same clothes that were used to visit a site with mature exotic seed into another site before laundering them. This is to avoid becoming unwitting carriers of the very invasive species that we are trying to control! September 8 9-11:00 a.m. - Busey Woods 1-3:00 p.m. - Weaver Park September 22 9-11:00 a.m. - Meadowbrook Park 1-3:00 p.m. - Perkins Road Wet Prairie October 13 9-11:00 a.m. - Busey Woods 1-3:00 p.m. - Weaver Park October 27 9-11:00 a.m. - Meadowbrook Park 1-3:00 p.m. - Perkins Road Wet Prairie November 10 9-11:00 a.m. - Busey Woods November 24 9-11:00 a.m. - Meadowbrook Park 1-3:00 p.m. - Perkins Road Wet Prairie
A Prairie Rendezvous 5 ered by Beverly Foote. What Embarras Ridges Means to Me Address delivered by Beverly Foote to crowd gathered at Embarras Ridges on June 2, 2012 My husband, Dan, and I moved to Charleston in 1965 so he could teach chemistry at Eastern Illinois University. Looking for nearby natural places for family outings and picnics, we soon discovered three good places. They were places such as Walnut Point State Park, upstream of Charleston on the Embarras River; Lakeview Park, an impoundment on the Embarras River near Charleston; and Fox Ridge State Park, downstream of Charleston on the Embarras River. Clearly, the public places of natural interest were on the Embarras River. The Embarras River is a welcome contrast in a county (i.e. Coles) that is mostly flat, squared off in milesided parcels, and cultivated with corn and soybeans. Its curvy course cuts a valley through the terminal moraine formed by the last advance of the Wisconsin Glacier. Only in Coles County, where the moraine exists, does the Embarras River valley exist. The valley consists of the river itself, its floodplain, and the adjacent forested ridges and ravines. In the lat 1960’s, the US Army Corps of Engineers thought this would be a good place to build a reservoir. They proposed to dam the Embarras River neara the ColesCumberland line. The river would have become Lincoln Lake—a reservoir extending north to the Coles-Douglas county line. There would be no longer be an Embarras River in Coles County. There would be a body of water with widely fluctuating water levels and steep eroding banks. Think Lake Shelbyville. There are still folks around, myself include, who opposed the Lincoln Lake project. When I gave presentations describing the undesireable outcomes of the project, sometimes someone would ask me what my vision was for the Embarras River. The answer was a naturally free flowing river and its accompanying wooded ridge and ravine valley. The project was deauthorized by Congress in 1971. Since then, Woodyard Conservation Area adjacent to Lakeview Park has been dedicated as a Land and Water Reserve, Warbler Woods, adjacent to Embarras Ridges has been protected as a Nature Preserve, and at least two other properties on the river are being privately protected. (Continued from page 3) (Continued on page 9) There’s joy to be found at Embarras Ridges. This young man found a snake! photo by Rob Kanter Photo by Rob Kanter Smooth Earthsnake - an uncommon and interesting species. photo by Rob Kanter Jamie Ellis along with Beverly Foote, Bruce Kamarzin, and Jana Mason get ready to officially open GPF’s newest preserve. Jana Mason, who a made significant contribution to protect Embarras Ridges, briefly addresses the crowd. photo by Rob Kanter
ducted research in two ecology labs in the environmental science department at U of I. One study investigated a relationship between soil microbes and the shrinking of Illinois hill prairies due to invading shrubs. The other study concerned the effects of fire and grazing management techniques on Grasshopper Sparrows in grasslands. During my senior year of college, I gained experience growing and caring for plants working for the Plant Biology Greenhouses. I’m unsure what my future beyond this summer holds, but I’m open to whatever opportunities come my way! Hopefully involving natural land management, of course. I can’t wait to put all the knowledge and skills I’ve gained over these past four years to good use and do what I love everyday. From my experience here with Grand Prairie Friends, I hope to learn to identify as many plant species as I can, as well as the best techniques for controlling the invasive ones. Prior to starting this internship, everyone who I told about it would say something like, “Sounds like hard work!” but that didn’t scare me. The harder the work, the more satisfaction I get out of it at the end of the day. Besides, everyone knows that women are stronger than men! I’m very glad to be contributing to preserving the precious natural areas Grand Prairie Friends stewards, and can already tell that I will look back on this experience fondly. A big thank you goes out to everyone from GPF that I’ve worked with and will work with for teaching and inspiring me so much! Jenna Annis Hello. My name is Jenna Annis. I started working as an intern for Grand Prairie Friends in June 2012. I am a senior at Eastern Illinois University, majoring in biological sciences with a concentration in botany. I live on a family farm in Mattoon, IL. I have lived in the country all my life, so I spent most of my childhood outdoors on the farm or exploring in the neighboring woods by our house. As a result, I grew up with a strong curiosity and appreciation for nature. Everything from animals to plants to weather was interesting to me. I kept that interest going into school, and I knew going into college that I wanted my future career to revolve around studying or preserving some aspect of nature. In my sophomore year of college, I had the opportunity to take a botany course, and it didn’t take long for me to realize that I was especially fascinated with plants. I couldn’t believe how an organism so seemingly immobile could carry out such complex and intricate processes. I wanted to learn more about how plants function and survive in such diverse habitats in which they are found. I am currently involved in seed ecology research at EIU, focusing on seed germination of plants such as Penstemon tubaeflorus (White wand beardtongue) and Pinguicula ionantha (Godfrey’s butterwort). I am very excited that I have the opportunity to show my research this year at the Botanical Society of America Meeting in Columbus, Ohio. I will be graduating from EIU in December 2012, and I plan to pursue a master’s degree in botany. Last summer, I had the opportunity to do an internship for the Partnership for Healthy Forests Program, recently launched by the the Coles County Soil and Water Conservation District. This program was aimed to restore and protect natural woodlands throughout Coles County, by removing invasive plant species that may decrease native plant and wildlife diversity. Living near woodlands myself, I was already familiar with inva- (Continued from page 1) (Continued on page 7) 6 A Prairie Rendezvous
7 A Prairie Rendezvous sive plants and their ability to devastate woodland diversity, so I was very motivated to help with this woodland restoration program. During the internship, I was able to meet with many landowners and help to show them how to identify and properly remove invasive plant species in their woodlands. It was very fulfilling to help people that were so excited and passionate about preserving their woodlands. As a student, I do think it is important to seek out internships, so that one may be more prepared after graduating. Through my internship last summer, I learned the importance of preserving natural areas in Illinois, such as woodlands. This was the type of job that I not only enjoyed, but also found fulfillment in, knowing the difference I was making. When I heard about the Grand Prairie Friends and their internship that was available, I knew this was an organization I could contribute to and learn so much from. I see this internship as an opportunity to expand my knowledge of natural areas in Illinois and to help preserve and protect one of the rarest ecosystems in Illinois. The Importance of Volunteers The summer interns put in many hours pulling weeds, cutting brush, and collecting seeds, but the internship would not be very meaningful without the dedication and time put in by GPF volunteers and natural resource professionals. If you’re someone who has or will spend time teaching the summer interns how to run a brushcutter, spray Canada thistle, or identify rare plant species, then GPF sincerely thanks you. If you’re someone who would like to be involved in this program, then give Jamie Ellis a call (217-244-5695). Teaching a young person about the wonders of the natural world is a reward unto itself. (Continued from page 6) Come join Grand Prairie Friends and Illinois Prairie Wild Ones to collect seeds from prairie plants to help with the expansion of restoration of one of the region’s best prairie preserves. Bring gloves, hand clippers, and drinking water. Contact Beckie Green ([email protected]) for directions. Fall Membership Meeting and Board Election September 28, 7 PM, Anita Purves Nature Center (1505 N. Broadway, Urbana). Our special guest speaker will be Dr. May Berenbaum, professor and head of entomology. Dr. Berenbaum is passionate about the study and conservation of insects. The evening will start with a dessert potluck and a short business meeting immediately followed by our guest speaker. The meeting includes election of new board members. You are invited to bring a dessert to share. Eating utensils and drinks provided. Public welcome. Bringing Nature Home October 15, 7 PM, Heartland Community College's Astroth Community Education Center's Auditorium, Bloomington. Illinois Prairie Wild Ones with help from Grand Prairie Friends and others are excited to announce a special lecture by Dr. Douglas Tallamy. An entomologist by training, Dr. Tallamy makes a strong argument for the need to conserve wildlife (especially insects) by landscaping our homes with native plants. Rattlesnake Master Run for the Prairie November 4, 9 AM, Meadowbrook Park, Urbana Come out and support Grand Prairie Friends by participating in this 5 and 10 K fun run and walk around the restored prairie at Meadowbrook Park. Check the website for details or contact Jesse Kurylo ([email protected]) or Derek Liebert ([email protected]) for more info. Board Meetings are held the fourth Monday of each month (except August and December) at 5:30 P.M. usually in the Forbes Building (1816 S. Oak St., Champaign). Contact Jamie Ellis to confirm.
8 A Prairie Rendezvous What a grand day Saturday May 12! Hundreds of native prairie plants available for sale, and many, many happy gardeners who went home to restore a bit of nature to their landscape. So far, it looks like the 2012 Native Plant Sale was a success. This annual event raises awareness about the importance of native plants in the home landscape, provides a place for folks in east-central Illinois to buy native plant species, and raises money to help pay for the GPF summer internship program. Over 50 species of plants native to the tallgrass prairie were available along with a few woodland and woodland edge species. Grand Prairie Friends once again shared planning resources and space at Lincoln Square in Urbana with the ChampaignUrbana Business and Professional Women’s Club, CU Herb Society, and a few other individuals and plant focused organizations. Thank You Volunteers An event like this doesn’t happen by itself. Seeds need to collected, cleaned, stratified, and planted. Seedlings need to be transplanted into new pots. Postcards reminders sent and space for sale secured. Jamie Ellis ran the show (or thinks he ran the show). GPF would like to particularly thank Jesse Kurylo who coordinated with the other plant groups to secure space at Lincoln Square. Jesse also helped coordinate setting up plants the evening before the sale. Beth Wolgemuth came through once again to make sure postcard reminders were sent. Ed Wilhite performed masterfully as treasurer for the day. Diane Wilhite and Gary Russell practically didn’t miss a transplanting night, and Gary filled in as leader (Continued on page 9) NATIVE PLANT SALE by Jamie Ellis Jesse Kurylo provide much of the logistical support to make the sale a success. Photo by Jamie Ellis Joan Lane talking about the beauty and benefits of native plants in the home landscape. Photo by Jamie Ellis Photo by Jamie Ellis
It is forty years later and now we have the wonderful prospect of having a naturally free flowing Embarras River and another protected piece of its adjacent wooded ridges and ravines in place thanks to Grand Prairie Friends. We are well on our way to protecting the Embarras River valley for migrating birds, frogs, ferns, sedges, orchids, threatened and endangered species— all the bits and pieces throughout its course through Coles County. I never thought I would live long enough to see all this happen. But here it is. It means a lot to me and, I think to you too. Editor’s note: Beverly Foote made a significant donation to protect Embarras Ridges in loving memory of her sister, Brenda Dreisow. (Continued from page 5) 9 A Prairie Rendezvous Volunteers 2012 Annual Plant Sale Carl Alstetter Karen Andsager Irene Andsager Zoe Andsager Ann Bentley Eileen Borgia Samantha Carpenter Kena Jo Chapman Sam Chavez Connie Cunningham Mike Daab Duane Dassow James Ellis Larry Eyre Jim Fay Meredith Fay Sandy Finnerty Leon Follmer Beverly Foote Jim Hamilton Bill Handel Bruce Hannon Alan Hays Kerry Helms Matt Hohmann Phil Hult Stacy James Stefan Johnsrud Rhonda Jurinak Jesse Kurylo Lex Lane John Lane Linda Lauchner John Marlin Nohra MateusPinilla Sandra McVicker -Rosenfield Bridgette Moen Judy Moller Jim Payne Terry Rathgeber Beverly Rauchfuss Alan Rider Gary Russell Michael Sczerba Suzanne Smith Jake Smith Rob Stanton Bob Vaiden Hilary Valentine Ed Wilhite Diane Wilhite Mary Beth Willems one night when Jamie couldn’t be there. Jim and Meredith Fay provided those wonderful labels. Phil Hult once again brought a truckload of plants to donate, and he knowledgeably answered many questions from inquisitive gardeners. The list goes on. If we forgot someone, we sincerely apologize. Your Opportunity The annual Native Plant Sale is held the Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend each spring, and it’s an important part of the identity of Grand Prairie Friends. The sale is only one day each year, but preparation for the sale goes on almost year round. Do you see your name on the list above? Bravo to you. Do you not see your name? Should it be there? GPF needs people to make the sale a reality. Not just one or two people, but a team of dedicated volunteers. Jamie can’t or won’t be leading this endeavor forever. Give him a call (217-244- 5695) and see how you can help make the 2013 plant sale a success. (Continued from page 8) Photo by Jamie Ellis