Beech Grove Trail Improvement Projectin memory of Marilyn F. Campbell

By Nick Jeurissen

Chances are, some of your earliest childhood memories involve discovering the wonders of nature. The want to escape the amenities of modern society, embrace ones instinct for exploration, and witness wildlife in its natural setting, has remained for me, static throughout my life. For some of those in our community struggling with mobility issues due to age, injury, or illness, the longing to hike and experience the beloved backcountry can be just as persistent. It’s access that becomes the struggle. For a little over 40 years, residents have had that accessibility with Forest Glen’s Beech Grove Trail thanks to the foresight and effort by many of the VCCD’s past staff.

Over the course of the last few years, I have had the chance to interact with countless folks who hold Forest Glen dear to their heart. As I listened to stories, examined past articles, pictures, and collections of specimens and artifacts, one name has remained constant, Marilyn F. Campbell.

Marilyn devoted her life to environmental education and the conservation of natural resources. She was instrumental in implementing nature-based programs that continue to serve the good of the community today. Marilyn recognized that developing a paved trail for those unable to hike the steep ravine sides was paramount for the inclusion of all members of our society.

According to current census data, 77,909 people reside in Vermilion County. Of those, 18.7% or 14,569 are over the age of 65. Another 10.9% or 8,492 are under 65 years old and living with a disability. A total of 23,061 citizens could benefit from the convenience of a smooth surfaced trail.

Article continued inside on Page 6

Vermilion ConservationistSummer 2019

Forest Glen Kennekuk Lake Vermilion Heron

American Beech Tree leaves, above. Vermilion County is on the western edge of the Beech tree’s range. It is more common in the eastern United States, however, you can find many Beech trees at Forest Glen,

including the Beech Grove Trail.

Vermilion Conservationist

This newsletter is a publication of the Vermilion County Conservation

District. It covers news, programs, and natural history information of interest to residents of Vermilion County. It is free

upon request from:

Vermilion County Conservation District22296 Henning Road

Danville, IL 61834

EditorLara Darling

Newsletter ContributorsJamie Pasquale

Susan Biggs WarnerAmy SteeplesKimberly FoxLara Darling

Cole CraftNick Jeurissen

Rhonda Orndorff

Executive DirectorJamie Pasquale

Board of TrusteesJonathan A. Myers

Charles B. SchroederDoug Staske

Randy JohnsonShelley McLain

The Vermilion County Conservation District does not discriminate on

the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or handicap in admission

to or treatment or employment in program activities in compliance with

the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Illinois Constitution, Title VI of the

1964 Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended,

and the U.S. Constitution.

Director’s DatelineJamie Pasquale

The amount and frequency of rain we received in April and May has slowed or temporarily stopped several VCCD projects. At Kennekuk, Forest Glen, and Heron County Park, the rain has slowed trail maintenance especially in low lying areas where water has been standing for weeks. Some of the ponds and marshes at Kennekuk have had constant flooding due to the rains and persistence of beavers plugging up overflow tubes and spillways. Unfortunately, the consistent rains have held up construction on the Kickapoo Rail Trail as well, with no working days occurring during the months of April or May.

However, one project finally underway after a one-year delay is the construction of a new concession building at the Lake Vermilion Boat Ramp. Thanks to a donation from The Julius W. Hegeler II Foundation, the new land-based building will replace the 30+ year-old floating dock/building. The old building will be removed and the dock will remain temporarily until the gas pump can be moved to a new dock.

A joint project between the Middlefork Audubon Society and the Vermilion County Conservation Foundation was recently awarded a $20,000 grant from the Wheeler Foundation to resurface the Beech Grove Handicap Trail at Forest Glen Preserve. Additional funds will be raised to make other improvements to the area to honor the memory of Marilyn Campbell. For more details and how you can contribute to this project, please see our cover story in this issue.

Road sealing for Forest Glen and Kennekuk will occur this summer. At Forest Glen, we will seal the main road from Edgewood Center to the Maintenance building; while at Kennekuk the focus will be on the side roads, including Hickory Hollow, Horseshoe Pond, Adrian’s Pond, Canoe Access, and the Dam Overlook.

We look forward to seeing you at the parks this summer!

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For up-to-date information on programs, events, nature news, and more; be sure to visit www.vccd.org and like us on our Facebook page under

“Vermilion County Conservation District.”

You can contact us at:

Kennekuk County Park22296 Henning Road, Danville IL, 61834

217-442-1691

Forest Glen Preserve20301 E. 900 North Road, Westville, IL 61883

217-662-2142

Email us at vccd@vccd.org

Event Schedule7 am - 3 pm Kennekuk Road Runners Howl at the Moon 8 hr. Run & WalkNoon - 9:00 p.m. NEW CRUISE-IN All Cars, Trucks & Tractors Welcome Antique, Classic, Custom, Rat Rod, Specialty...Noon - 9 pm Food Vendors openNoon Vermilion Voles Vintage Baseball Jamboree1 - 4 pm Bunker Hill Historic Buildings Open2 pm Joyful Bubbles for the Kids!3 pm VCCF Cheeseburger Cookout - We're grilling them! Cheeseburger, Chips & Soda for $64 - 6 pm Lady Luck7 - 9 pm Captain Rat and the Blind Rivets

THANK YOU TOALL

Our Generous Sponsors& The Vermilion County

Conservation District

No alcohol served at the event, coolers permitted. Bring your lawn chairs and your family! For information: 217.442.1691 or visit www.vccfoundation.info

All proceeds from this year's eventwill support

the Kickapoo Rail Trail

BROUGHT TO YOU BYTHE

"LIKE US" ON FACEBOOK

ALL FREE!

FREE ADMISSION!!DONATIONS WELCOMED

CHEESEBURGERSand FUN

AUGUST 10

CHEESEBURGERSand FUN

AUGUST 10Saturday

Kennekuk County Park

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Summer Programs

and Activities

June 1 Public Hayride at Forest Glen, 7p.m. Meet at L J K Visitor Center parking lot. $1/person

3 VCCD “Showtime in Nature” Traveling Exhibit and Presentations begin for 7 weeks at Vermilion County Libraries. Free! See related article on page 5 for more information. 8 Illini Bass Club & D.A.R.E. Kid’s Fishing Derby, Horseshoe Pond, Kennekuk, 9a.m. Free!

14 VCCF Board Meeting, Kennekuk Environmental Education Center, 9a.m. 19 VCCD Board Meeting at Gannett Education Center, Forest Glen, 4:30p.m. Public Invited 29 “Wander Through The Woods at Forest Glen” Guided Hike with a Naturalist, 10a.m., $5/person See related article on page 10 for more information.

July 6 Public Hayride at Forest Glen, 7p.m. Meet at L J K Visitor Center parking lot. $1/person

13 Spinners & Weavers Day, Gannett Education Center, Forest Glen; 10a.m. - 3p.m. Free!

20, 21 18th Century Living History Event, Pioneer Homestead Cabin area, Forest Glen. Free!

17 VCCD Board Meeting at Kennekuk Environmental Education Center, 4:30p.m. Public Invited

21 Forest Glen Preserve Whitetail Archery Deer Hunt Lottery Draw; Gannett Education Center, Forest Glen. For more information, call Cole Craft, 662-2142.

26 VCCF Board Meeting, Kennekuk Environmental Education Center, 9a.m.

27 “Wander Through The Woods at Forest Glen” Guided Hike with a Naturalist, 10a.m., $5/person See related article on page 10 for more information.

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August 3 Public Hayride at Forest Glen, 7p.m. Meet at L J K Visitor Center parking lot. $1/person

4–9 VCCD Wildlife Display at the Georgetown Fair - Come visit us! 10 VCC Foundation “Cheeseburgers & Fun” at Kennekuk’s Bunker Hill Historic Area. Live bands, antique car show & entertainment. See page 3 for details.

16,17 Hunter Safety Course, Kennekuk Environmental Education Center, Pre-registration Required Register at http://sportsmansed.com/schedule--registration.html

21 VCCD Board Meeting at Kennekuk Environmental Education Center, 4:30p.m. Public Invited 31 “Wander Through The Woods at Forest Glen” Guided Hike with a Naturalist, 10a.m., $5/person, see related article on page 10 for more information.

VCCD Wildlife Literacy Program coming to your local library again this summer!

The educational program “Showtime in Nature” will be coming to your local library from the Vermilion County Conservation District this summer. The presentation is for everyone, but especially school age children. The display will have pictures and true-life facts about unique adaptations that wildlife and plants have to attract attention, or to repel and discourage attention. Discover these fascinating “shows” that our local wildlife and plants demonstrate to survive at your local library this summer at the dates listed below. Librarians will have books and materials available about these “actors” so you can learn even more. Schedules are subject to change, please call the library for exact hours and program times.

June 3-10 Oakwood Public Library, Program on Monday, June 10 at 10:30a.m. June 10-17 Westville Public Library, Program on Monday, June 17 at 10a.m. June 17-24 Danville Public Library, Program on Monday, June 24 at 1p.m. June 24-July 1 Potomac Public Library, Program TBA July 8-15 Catlin Public Library, Program on Tuesday, July 9 at 1p.m. and Wednesday, July 10 at 1p.m. July 16-23 Georgetown Public Library, Program on Friday, July 22 at 3p.m. July 23-29 Vance Township Library, Program on Friday, July 26 at 1p.m.

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Beech Grove Trail Improvement Article Continued

In general, Forest Glen trails are known for their rugged, off-the-grid appeal. Backpackers from across the Midwest travel here throughout the seasons to hike the River Ridge Trail. One can appreciate the sense of peace and solitude a walk through the woods offers in a chaotic world where the sound of urbanization at times, seems unescapable. Nevertheless, we want everyone to be included in that experience.

The Beech Grove Trail’s location, length, and meandering loop design was intended to serve all physical capabilities, allowing for easy access and a smooth path through a healthy forest to the edge of a stunningly scenic ravine overlook. Few places in East Central Illinois offer the rare opportunity to witness how this unique type of late succession, specific to the intersecting of differing climax forest types, affects the species diversity of our flora and fauna. Even fewer places are unobstructed by the influence of invasive species, such as bush honeysuckle and autumn olive, that slowly create a monoculture where very few species prefer to inhabit.

Unfortunately, the 1/3-mile asphalt trail is in dire need of restoration due to the effects of thousands of footsteps, tree roots, and frost heave since its inception in 1976. Our main goal is to repave the trail, allowing year round accessibility for all ages and abilities, just as Marilyn would have wanted.

The Naturalist staff continues to do their best encouraging area youth to be good stewards of their planet through many of our educational programs. While they are young, active, and full of energy, we instill memories of climbing the hillsides, jumping stones across the creek, and helping a friend balance across a log. Improving the Beech Grove Trail will allow them to take a hike with their grandparents and one day with their own grandchildren.

The Wheeler Foundation recently awarded the Middlefork Audubon Society and the Vermilion County Conservation Foundation a $20,000 grant to improve Beech Grove Trail. Additional financial support is needed to improve the parking lot, add picnic areas, and more. With your support we will carry on Marilyn’s legacy for future generations.

If you have any questions about this project or how you can become involved, please call Nick Jeurissen, VCCD or Amy Steeples with the VCCD and VCCF at 217-662-2142, Suzanne Smith with Middlefork Audubon at 217-621-7528, or Mary Ann Hoefffliger at 217-343-6126. Thank you in advance for your support!

Beech Grove Handicap Trail ImprovementIn Honor of Marilyn F. Campbell

Name:

Address:

Amount:

Please make checks payable to VCCF, Forest Glen Preserve, 20301 E 900 North Rd, Westville, IL 61883The VCCF is a 501(c)(3) organization.

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Spring Projects at the VCCDVolunteer Groups Making a Difference!

The Vermilion County Conservation District would like to recognize several groups that volunteered their time to help prepare the parks for visitors this year. On Saturday, April 6, Forest Glen Preserve was fortunate to have volunteers from the “Chicago Backpackers Meetup Group” to assist Cole Craft and Nick Jeurissen with trail work on the 11-mile River Ridge Backpack Trail. The volunteer team helped with the replacement of new stairs, bridges, cleared back brush and overhanging vegetation, and fallen trees. Crew Leader Doug Cecil from Peoria shared, “Thanks again for allowing the club to come down and help with all the volunteer activities. I know everyone had a great time and really enjoyed giving back to the places we love hiking and backpacking. We hope to do it again in the future. Everyone was very thankful for the great organization, staging of all the equipment and material, not to mention lunch, firewood, water/soda/Gatorade, and camping at group camp. It was very gracious of the VCCD staff to provide those things for the club and make for a very productive and enjoyable weekend.” Nick Jeurissen estimates the 30 volunteers contributed approximately 240 hours of volunteer work for the backpack trail.

Another spring project was conducted by the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners at the Bunker Hill Historic Area Herb Garden at Kennekuk County Park with Susan Biggs Warner. The group realigned the center bed walls, re-glued loose block, and installed two new decorative 12-foot windmills. Dave Warner also assisted with the project.

On Saturday, April 27, Girl Scout Daisy Troop #2932 volunteered their time and energy collecting litter around Horseshoe Pond and Bunker Hill Historic Area at Kennekuk County Park.

The Vermilion County Conservation District would like to extend a hearty Thank You to these hardworking kids and adults for all their work and effort - we welcome the crews back anytime!

Chicago Backpackers working on River Ridge Trail

Master Gardeners at the BHHA Herb Garden

Girl Scout Daisy Troop #2932 cleaning up the BHHA area

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What Really Happened to our Pheasant Population?by Cole Craft

The ring-necked pheasant, shown at right, was once plentiful throughout much of Eastern Illinois 20 to 30 years ago. So much so that my grandpa speaks of times when a flock of pheasant could block out the sun on an early morning hunt. Those times have long since passed, and now we look forward in hopes of what the future may hold for the sport.

The coyote gets too much credit for the decline of a once great sport. Coyotes can do a lot of damage on pen raised and released birds, but a wild adult pheasant can be extremely hard for them to catch. I believe the majority of the blame falls on us as stewards of the land. Maybe we had an unsustainable amount of hunting pressure which lowered the population, but I don’t think that was the problem either. The largest adversary for the pheasant was and is habitat loss. We ripped out countless acres of fence rows that were once used as cover for pheasant and left them vulnerable towards predators. We also feel the need to mow our pastures, prairies, and waterways constantly because we prefer a “manicured and clean” look. Mowing our fields at the wrong time of year could possibly be the largest factor for the decline of their population. If you must mow your field please wait until September and mow slowly in hopes of not running over this year’s hatchlings.

The current federal Pollinator Program might be what brings the sport back to its glory days. Three years ago Illinois had over 80,000 acres enrolled into the pollinator program. This program’s main intention was to plant seeds of multiple flowers and forbs in hopes of bringing honeybee populations back up. However, it also helps many various bird species by producing high quality forage, as well as ground cover. This is the first year that I have started seeing pheasant hens and roosters in these pollinator plots and it fills me with excitement for what the future may hold. As long as we provide these birds with adequate cover and food, I foresee a strong bounce back. Only time will tell.

For any information on how to improve your property for pheasant you can contact your local Pheasants Forever Chapter, https://www.pheasantsforever.org; or the Natural Resource Conservation Service, https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/national/home/; or me at the VCCD, 217-662-2142.

White-tailed Deer Archery HuntLottery Draw - July 21The Forest Glen Preserve Whitetail Archery Deer Hunt Lottery Draw will be held at Forest Glen’s Gannett Education Center on July 21. For full details, including dates and an application form, please visit http://www.vccd.org/forest-glen-preserve/forest-glen-archery-deer-hunt/. If you have any questions or concerns, give Cole Craft a call at 217-662-2142.

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Wander Through The Woodsat Forest Glen

Join a District Naturalist on a guided hike through unique areas of Forest Glen Preserve. Explore a new location each month. Hikes begin at the trail head parking lot at 10a.m. and will last approximately 2 hours. All ages are welcome. Adults must accompany children under the age of 16 years old. There is a fee of $5.00 per person, payable the morning of the hike.

June 29: Tall Tree TrailJuly 27: Old Barn Trail

August 31: Big Woods Trail

For full details, please call Nick Jeurissen at Forest Glen, 217-662-2142.

Construction progresses on the new Lake Vermilion Concession Building at the boat ramp. Thank you to The Julius W. Hegeler II Foundation for the donation making this new building possible.

“Friends of the District”Thank you!

In Memory of Carly Payne Aquiar –The Smith Family: N. Kent & Dolores, Randy & Debbie, Gary & Dianna, and RaeAnn & Matt Klaus

In Memory of Bob Revello – Daf Spezia and Maria Pearman

Beech Grove Trail & Site Improvement - Lee & Roseann Sherman

Doris L. Westfall Prairie – Robert M. Westfall

Historical Program Donation from Second Church of Christ “Young at Heart Club”, Danville - $100

River Ridge Backpack Trail from Chicago Backpackers - $750; plus approximately 240 volunteer service hours

Donation of twenty Fishing Poles for summer fishing programs - The Dietzen Family

Preserved insect collection for education programs - Mrs. Norma Anderson

Twelve seedling trees – Susan Larrance

Monetary donation to the Kickapoo Rail Trail - Kenneth Kuhn

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Education Updateby Lara Darling

The education staff was very busy this spring with school groups visiting VCCD parks for one-day field excursions or Outdoor School, as well as the education staff giving programs to students at their schools. This spring, we had 639 students attend Outdoor School from Prairieview Ogden 5th grade, Potomac 4th grade, 1st Baptist 5th and 6th grade, Judith Giacoma 5th grade, John Greer 5th grade, Pine Crest 5th grade, Rossville-Alvin 4th grade, Southwest 4th grade, Schlarman 4th and 5th grade, Danville Lutheran 3rd and 4th grade, Salt Fork South 4th grade, St. Joseph 4th grade, Salt Fork North 5th grade, and Edison 4th grade. The four-day Outdoor School program is instructed by Nick Jeurissen and Lisa Witsman at Forest Glen, with Lara Darling and Mollie Pletch at Kennekuk.

We also had school groups that attend field excursions for one day, with a majority of these led by Susan Biggs Warner, at both Kennekuk

and Forest Glen. We had one-day field excursions for 667 students this spring from St. Joseph 1st grade, Rossville 3rd grade, Salt Fork North 1st grade, Judith Giacoma 3rd Grade, Bismarck 2nd grade, Pinecrest CARE Preschool, Liberty Kindergarten, as well as the entire student body from Edison Elementary K-4th grade.

Susan also gave a presentation at Kenneth Bailey about insects to 40 high school students, as well as Pioneer Day Program at Salt Fork North. When you include the 360 students that attended Conservation Olympics, as well as the Outdoor School program, we were able to educate 1,950 students on the amazing history and diversity of flora and fauna in Vermilion County this spring alone.

We are proud to have so many students participate in our environmental education and historical programs. Thank you to all the school administrators and teachers for bringing students to the VCCD parks as well as inviting us to your schools! Now for a brief break until summer camps begin later in June…

Outdoor School for Adults! Register today!The Education Staff is proud to announce a new program, “Outdoor School for Adults,” that will be held September 9-12, 2019. This four-day program will follow our popular Outdoor School program offered to 4th and 5th grade students. Join our experienced naturalist staff as we hike, learn, and explore the forests, prairies, and wetlands of the Vermilion County Conservation District! Program highlights will include tours of several Illinois Nature Preserves, forest habitat exploration including our popular “critter crawl,” wetland habitats with a tour of Heron County Park and pond dipping at the Kennekuk Marshes, Middle Fork River hike, and prairie plant identification and exploration at Doris Westfall Nature Preserve. The week will conclude with a provided dinner, fancy s’mores over a campfire, and a nocturnal nature hike.

The program will run from 9a.m. - 3p.m. each day, except for Thursday, September 12 which will be from 3p.m. - 9p.m., and has a fee of $100 for the week. All participants will receive a copy of the Outdoor School workbook and need to bring a sack lunch as well as provide transportation to site locations. Hiking and explorations may be up to 5 miles each day, split between the morning and afternoon. For more information or to register, please contact Lara Darling at 217-442-1691.

Kindergarten students from Liberty Elementary checking out

a nest of baby spiders during their nature hike at Kennekuk

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2019 Conservation OlympicsVermilion County 6th grade students, with their instructors, mentors, and parent volunteers for this year’s Conservation Olympics, gathered at Forest Glen Preserve on Friday, May 12. This valuable educational program is now in its 36th year. Fifteen teams representing six schools participated in this year’s series of the VCCD’s Olympic events. They were: Oakwood Elementary (4 teams), Salt Fork Junior High (3 teams), Judith Giacoma Elementary (3 teams), Bismarck Henning Junior High (3 teams), Mary Miller Junior High Georgetown (1 team), and Schlarman Academy (1 team). The instructors prepared the students well over the past few months, and it was evident as they competed in nine events. Each event tested the student’s knowledge concerning state and county natural heritage. Individual Gold, Silver and Bronze medals were given to participants competing in the events. Points were given to each team in each event, then totaled for overall winners. Plaques were awarded for first through fifth place; plus a “Gary L. Wilford Sportsmanship Award” voted on by secret ballot cast by teachers, VCCD staff and volunteers. The overall winners were:

1st Place - Oakwood Team Johnson2nd Place - Oakwood Team Wysong

3rd Place - Salt Fork Team Coyote4th Place - Oakwood Team Moore5th Place - Oakwood Team Miller

Gary L. Wilford Sportsmanship Award - Schlarman Academy

Thank you goes out to volunteers Alex Hannan, Ken and Cheryl Hannan, Jennifer Jenkins, Debbie and Willie Howell, Michael and Aiden Bazsis, Mike and Ruthie Hannan, Jonathan Myers, Gary and Judy Wilford, and Betsy Daily and her students from Georgetown-Ridge Farm High School for assisting VCCD Staff with the day’s events. And especially to those wonderful 6th grade Conservation Olympic teachers whose time and efforts are invaluable to the program’s success.

Volunteer Updateby Lara Darling

When you volunteer as a Building Host at Forest Glen or Kennekuk, our park patrol staff will place white signs (top, left) at the park’s main entrance to encourage visitors to come and tour the buildings. New signs announcing the buildings are open (bottom, left) have been printed to help draw in visitors as well.

We still have several trails at Forest Glen Preserve that are in need of a trail steward. This flexible volunteer role askes that you to “adopt” a trail and hike it approximately once a month to collect any litter along the trail, remove small sticks and branches by hand, and report major trees or damage to using a trail checklist form.

If you are interested in volunteering with the Vermilion County Conservation District, give Lara Darling a call at 217-442-1691, or drop her an email at ldarling@vccd.org.

ISSN-1094-9615

Vermilion County Conservation District22296 Henning RoadDanville, IL 61834

Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDDanville, IL

Permit No. 839

Printed on Recycled Paper

www.vccfoundation.info

HAVE YOU RENEWED YOUR MEMBERSHIP FOR 2019VERMILION COUNTY CONSERVATION FOUNDATION?

The Mission of the Vermilion County Conservation Foundation is to support the efforts of the Vermilion County Conservation District through the conservation of our natural resources, improvement of natural and scenic areas, scientific research, and support of conservation education to citizens of Vermilion County, IL, and maintenance and support of capital projects to promote historical and natural preservation.

Join the VCCF in making a difference in your community and commit to all naturaland wildlife resource conservation activities. Currently, the Foundation is working with the VCCD on Beech Grove Trial and Site Improvement at Forest Glen Preserve and the Kickapoo Rail Trail construction.

Your VCCF membership at any level entitles you to a 10% discount on District rentals and user fees, and expires each December 31. Choose a membership today that is right for you!

□ $25 Regular

□ $50 Supporting

□ $100 Patron

□ $1,000 Life – payable in up to four installments, if preferred

Name _________________________________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________________

City_______________________________________ State __________ Zip Code ___________________

Phone___________________________________ E-mail________________________________________

Enclose this form with your tax-deductible check payable to VCCF and mail to: VCCF, c/o Forest Glen Preserve, 20301 E 900 North Road, Westville, IL 61883