Planning For Spring With HeartLands Conservancy By Landon Brooks, HeartLands Conservancy
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outhern Illinois’ largest conservation nonprofit invites residents to prepare for spring by engaging with nature in a variety of ways this season. From volunteer work days to educational opportunities, and a Home and Garden Spring Sale, HeartLands Conservancy has something to offer every environmental enthusiast in 2021. As a steward of distinctive and dynamic places of ecological, cultural, and community value, HeartLands Conservancy looks forward to another year of positive transformation in the region.
Some of the organization’s 2020 accomplishments include: • • • • • •
152 acres of wetlands, prairies, and cultural sites conserved 508 trees planted throughout the region 4.4 million lbs of pollutants prevented from reaching lakes and streams 1,050 hours of volunteer hours clocked 750 citizen science observations recorded 602 milkweed varieties planted for monarch butterfly habitat expansion
In 2021, HeartLands Conservancy remains focused on advocating and partnering for the protection of important places and the development of solutions that balance conservation strategies with economic sustainability, and human well-being. Below are some of the organization’s ongoing restoration efforts for which the public is invited to get involved.
Arlington Wetlands in Pontoon Beach
HeartLands Conservancy held its annual MLK Day of Service at Arlington Wetlands on January 18, 2021. Volunteers collected litter at the site in preparation for a prescribed burn that will happen later in the season. This event was the kick-off for the organization’s Community Challenge Grant, awarded from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, which will offer $4,000 for site improvements once 400 volunteer hours are achieved. Monthly volunteer days are scheduled for the first Friday of every month from 9 to 11 a.m.
Poag Sand Prairie in Edwardsville
Over the past few years, Poag Sand Prairie has undergone a major transformation. Many invasive Siberian elm trees have been removed, and native plants are beginning to return to the site. On March 11, 2021, there was a volunteer day, followed by a “Frog Walk” with Dr. Richard Essner of SIUE. Monthly volunteer days are scheduled for the first Friday of every month from 9 to 11 a.m.
Signal Hill Outdoor Classroom in Belleville
The Signal Hill Outdoor Classroom will receive a 20 foot x 20 foot pavilion this spring thanks to the REALTOR® Association of Southwestern Illinois (RASI) and Phillips 66. In addition, the boardwalk across the old Peterson’s Pond will be complete for public use. Monthly volunteer days are scheduled for the first Friday of every month from 9 to 11 a.m.
Exploration Garden at Clinton Hills Conservation Park in Swansea
Last fall, four acres of grass at the Swansea Clinton Hills Conservation Park were removed to be converted into native wildflower habitat as part of the Swansea Exploration Garden, funded by the Illinois Clean Energy Community foundation. This year, the public will start noticing new growth on the site, although flowers will still be limited. In addition, the installation of a rain garden is being planned for later this spring - a project that is funded by Illinois American Water. Monthly volunteer days are scheduled for the first Friday of every month from 9 to 11 a.m. Now through Earth Day - Shop to Support Conservation in our Region! HeartLands Conservancy’s Home and Garden Spring Sale is going on now - online - through Earth Day (April 22)! This sale includes a large variety of native plants, grasses, shrubs and trees, and offers three Mother’s Day Mother Earth Gift Packages, rain barrels and composters. All proceeds from the sale help the organization maintain and restore more than 3,000 acres of natural areas and farms in southwestern Illinois. Plus, the plants in this sale support wildlife in your own backyard! Scan the QR code here to be directed right to the sale. Please visit heartlandsconservancy.org for more information about these events. For sponsorship and membership opportunities, please contact Kim at kim.obryan@heartlandsconservancy.org.
Marketplace Magazine | Early Spring Issue 2021 | marketplacemagazineonline.com | 15
