“Investing In The Nature Of Southwestern Illinois”
Commonfields www.HeartLandsConservancy.org
A Quarterly Publication of HeartLands Conservancy
Summer 2014
TICKETS: HeartLandsConservancy.org/field-to-fork
What’s Inside Mill Creek Restoration Project..2-3 People and Places......................4-5 Honoring Bill Freeman.................. 6 The Mounds Initiative.................... 6 Membership & Planned Giving..... 6 Upcoming events.......................... 7 Field to Fork................................... 7
Have you ever wondered how your food got from the farm to your plate?
Flat Creek Easement..................BC Farm Preservation Program......BC
You will get a chance to learn on July 26 when HeartLands Conservancy hosts the 5th Annual Field to Fork, a six-course dinner event in Belleville created by six area chefs using ingredients sourced in Southwestern Illinois.
Directors Robert J. Hilgenbrink, Chair IL Green Economy Network Frank O. Miles, Vice Chair Madison County Community Development Lester Harnetiaux, Secretary Bond County Realtors Ronda Latina, Treasurer Environmental Operations, Inc. William Boardman Firehouse Contracting, LLC Ronald J. Foster, Jr. Schoen, Walton, Telken & Foster Dennis (Denny) Kirkham (Land Owner) Charles Meier IL State Representative Robert Nelson Nelson & Nelson Ron O’Connor O’Connor & Partners Cliff Schuette Schuette Seed Company Justin Siegel Deli Star Corporation
“Field to Fork has proven to be a fun and educational event as attendees have the opportunity to meet growers and farmers and to learn about the economic, health, and environmental benefits of supporting local agriculture,” said David C. Eustis, President and CEO of HeartLands Conservancy. “It promises to be a great evening that will help bring awareness to our work conserving land, building greener communities and engaging people with nature.”
What: A six-course meal prepared by area chefs serving food raised and grown in Southwestern Illinois.
The chef lineup for 2014 is remarkable and touts six amazing area chefs each preparing one of the courses being served. This year’s chefs include: Meghan Boyer of Element; Jennifer Cleveland of Cleveland-Heath; Tim Faltus of Bellecourt Manor; Josh Galliano of The Libertine; Joseph Hemp V of Robust Wine Bar; Jennifer Kennedy of J. Fires’ Market Bistro.
Tickets: $70 per person/$500 per table (Member Price) $90 per person/$650 per table (Non-Member Price)
When: Saturday, July 26 5:00 p.m. - Cocktails 6:15 p.m. - Dinner Starts Where: Bellecourt Manor 225 East “A” Street Belleville, IL 62220
#FieldtoFork
“My goal in participating in Field to Fork is to bring awareness to what is produced on our lands here in Illinois,” said Jennfier Kennedy of J.Fires’ Market Bistro. “I’ve participated since the first year of this event and every year it gets bigger and better. It is a great opportunity to bring people together for a great cause and to raise awareness of the local production that is so important to our communities.” Additionally, Ryan and Dana Dean of KSDK NewsChannel 5 will serve as emcees for this year’s Field to Fork. To learn more about the event, the chefs and farms providing food, visit www. HeartLandsConservancy.org/field-to-fork or contact Kim O’Bryan at 618-566-4451 Ex. 10 or kim.obryan@heartlandsconservancy.org.
Commonfields Summer 2014
www.HeartLandsConservancy.org
Mill Creek Restoration Project
Help us raise $15,000 by October 15th
for the restoration of this unique natural area The sandstone cliffs, ravines, rock outcroppings, and streams at Mill Creek illustrate the diversity and grandeur of natural resources right here in Southwestern Illinois Mill Creek, a high quality natural area, was purchased at auction in 2012 to prevent development or over-harvest of the timber resources associated with the site. The property sits immediately adjacent to Swayne Hollow Nature Preserve and is in close proximity to Piney Creek Ravine Nature Preserve. In addition to hosting a high quality dry-mesic upland forest, the site boasts a Grade A Category 1 sandstone cliff / canyon community which has sheltered plants such as club moss, cinnamon fern, and bishop’s cap for eons. These plants are more typically located in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Over the past two years, staff has worked to develop a restoration plan for the site, focusing on three key components: streambank restoration on 375’ of Mill Creek, forest stand improvement on 100 acres of forested habitat, and restoration of 15 acres that have historically been cropped. THE WORK IS NOT DONE! We are in need of local funds necessary to finish the restoration project so everyone in our region gets the oppportunity to experience the area’s richness. Raising these funds will leverage $34,000 in state and federal habitat restoration funds. Please join us so we can continue to increase awareness about this amazing place of solitude and splendor.
How can I help? Consider a gift to support the Mill Creek Restoration Project today to help us reach our goal of $15,000 by Oct. 15. Every dollar makes a difference. Donate online at www.heartlandsconservancy.org/other-amount/ or mail a donation to : HeartLands Conservancy 406 East Main Street Mascoutah, IL 62258
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Commonfields Summer 2014
www.HeartLandsConservancy.org
Mill Creek Restoration Project
Make a donation
and you will forever be a part of Mill Creek!
Restoration Project Goals: What needs to be done to finish the job? Streambank Restoration Mill Creek, a biologically significant stream, runs through the property and is experiencing streambank degradation near it’s confluence with Piney Creek. · Restoration efforts will stabilize 375’ of streambank, improving water quality within Mill Creek, as well as the greater Mary’s River watershed. Forest Stand Improvement A forest management plan has been developed for Mill Creek Natural Area, indicating needs in the following two areas: · An overabundance of less desirable tree species, including sugar maple, elm and boxelder, exists throughout the site. Efforts will include removal of less desirable species on 100 acres to encourage regeneration of native oaks and hickories. ·
While invasive plant species are not overrunning Mill Creek Natural Area, their presence is certainly well documented. Invasive plant species management will be conducted on 100 acres.
Habitat Restoration Fifteen acres of the site have been cropped for several decades. Much of this acreage is within the floodplain and would benefit by being converted to native habitat. • 15 acres will be enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program and will be planted to native trees.
Everyone has their own definition of what stewardship means to them. Stewardship often evokes a sense of personal responsibility for ensuring that natural resources are managed not only for our own quality of life, but for future generations as well. As a Mill Creek Steward, you join our efforts in investing in the nature of Southwestern Illinois through charitable contributions. Your support matters and your investment stays where you live, work and play. Recognition of Stewards For any donation amount, you will receive: 1) Personal, hand-written thank you letter from the leadership at HeartLands Conservancy. 2) Certificate of recognition from HeartLands Conservancy that celebrates your stewardship. 3) Be recognized on HeartLands Conservancy’s website and newsletters. For donations of $250 or more, we’ll also send you a high-quality, 8x10 photo print of Mill Creek Nature Preserve.
Visit us at HeartLandsConservancy.org to learn more! Every dollar makes a difference. 3
Commonfields Summer 2014
www.HeartLandsConservancy.org
Highlights of Recent Events and Activities HeartLands Conservancy was proud to facilitate the Kaskaskia Regional Port District (KRPD) Strategic Plan over the last 12 months. In May, the KRPD board adopted the strategic plan. Shown left to right: Stephen Ibendahl, Sustainability Planner; Chris Martin, Randolph County Economic Development Coordinator; George Obernagel, KRPD Board Chairman; Ed Weilbacher, KRPD General Manager.
The Mounds Project Team sat down with Illinois Senator Dick Durbin this Spring to discuss elevating Cahokia Mounds and associated Mound Centers to a National Designation within the National Park Service. Join our effort as we urge Congress to designate Cahokia Mounds and the similar sites in the St. Louis area a national historical park or to get the president to designate Cahokia Mounds a national monument! Learn how to support this initiative on pg. 6.
On Saturday, June 28, dozens of people gathered at Carlyle Lake as HeartLands Conservancy and the Alpine Shop joined together for the annual Carlyle Sailing Association’s Open House. The CSA’s annual event allowed for sailors to be on hand to answer questions and talk about boats while the Alpine Shop donated use of kayaks, paddle boards and more.
Staff spent part of Earth Day getting the native plants in front of the HeartLands’ office cleaned up for Spring. If you want to see natives like Little Bluestem, Prairie Dropseed, and sedge used in a front yard, stop by our office.
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Commonfields Summer 2014
www.HeartLandsConservancy.org
Highlights of Recent Events and Activities HeartLands Conservancy’s board member Denny Kirkham was joined by five members of the Little Blue Stem chapter of Quail Forever for a 200 acre field of CRP that was burned as a management tool to retard the invasion of trees and non-native plants. This year, the group conducted prescribed burns on 690 acres in Bond, Montgomery, Fayette, Marion, and Madison Counties. They do not carry any fuel on their UTV’s while working the fire.
Students from St. John the Baptist School in Smithton received the ‘Sara Stein Award’ for site scale green infrastructure at this year’s Green Infrastructure Breakfast on May 20th. St. John the Baptist School’s project to build planters and plant native plants has shown the school’s commitment to investing in green infrastructure.
More than 95 attendees came to hear keynote speaker Laura Bray of the Menomonee Valley Partners in Milwaukee share their success in creating a win-win situation of green infrastructure and economic development.
Stephen Ibendahl of HeartLands Conservancy gave an update on the ‘Roadmap for Green Infrastructure’ highlighting successes of this past year and previewing the coming year. For more information on the roadmap, visit HeartLandsConservancy.org.
At the breakfast, the ‘Olmsted Award’ for community scale green infrastructure went to the City of Edwardsville.
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Commonfields Summer 2014
www.HeartLandsConservancy.org
The Mounds Initiative Letters of Support
Honoring Bill Freeman It is with heavy hearts that we at HeartLands Conservancy must share the sad news of the passing of William Freeman.
The Mounds Initiative Project Team is looking for individuals to submit letters of support for its efforts to enhance Cahokia Mounds State Histsoric Site, (the premier example of the Mississippian Culture) as well as connecting other mound sites, to a national status.
Bill was a volunteer photojournalist for HeartLands Conservancy for the past seven years, serving the organization with great pride and care. He was always available to help when needed and the majority of the photographs used today by HeartLands Conservancy were shot by him.
Join us in this movement to elevate Cahokia Mounds! Find a letter of support template on our website. Just download, print and return. heartlandsconservancy.org/the-mounds-americas-firstcities/
While Bill is no longer with us, his legacy and dedication will live on in the work and people he put so much care into over the years.
www.facebook.com/TheMounds Contact Project Team Members: Laura Lyon (lyonl1@yahoo.com) or Ed Weilbacher (ed.weilbacher@heartlandsconservancy.org)
Remember HeartLands Conservancy in your will
AUCTION ITEMS
Will your children and grandchildren be able to enjoy Southwestern Illinois as much as you have? One of the most popular and simplest ways is to make a planned gift through your will or trust.
Check our website for live and oral auction items that will be auctioned off at Field to Fork. Get your bids together now and don’t miss out on these great items!
Identify a dollar amount, a percentage, a residual, real estate or other tangible property that would be transferred directly to us.
HeartLandsConservancy.org/field-to-fork
Your gift is free from federal estate tax, and there is no limit you can leave. After your lifetime, your estate is able to take a charitable donation for the full amount of your gift.
Join Today
Together, we can make an impact on the future of our region
and invest in nature with us.
Take these steps today: 1) Discuss your wishes with family and begin to plan. 2) Contact an attorney and evaluate your options. 3) Contact HeartLands Conservancy to plan and direct your gift, or to ask questions.
Programs & Services - 91%
HeartLands Conservancy 406 East Main Street Mascoutah, IL 62258 618-566-4451 David C. Eustis, President & CEO info@heartlandsconservancy.org www.HeartLandsConservancy.org
General & Management - 8%
Fundraising - 1%
Memberships Available At: www.HeartLandsConservancy.org kim.obryan@heartlandsconservancy.org
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GET INVOLVED Volunteer Donate Learn More Email info@ heartlandsconservancy.org or call 618-566-4451 ext. 10
Commonfields Summer 2014
www.HeartLandsConservancy.org
Upcoming 2014 Events
Did you know that HeartLands Conservancy welcomes
Saturday, July 26 • Field to Fork 5 p.m. • Bellecourt Manor in Belleville
gifts of real estate?
Join HeartLands Conservancy for a night of farm to plate dining as six area chefs serve six courses, all made fresh and from local ingredients. Tickets are available and pre-paid reservations are required. Don’t miss out on our signature event! HeartLandsConservancy.org/field-to-fork
Saturday, October 11 • Stewardship Day 9 a.m. - Noon • Centennial Park in Swansea, Ill.
Join HeartLands Conservancy, Village of Swansea, and other partners to help clean-up and remove invasive species at Centennial Park in Swansea. Volunteers needed for a wide range of clean-up activities and skill levels. 9am - Noon. Look for more details early this fall.
Receiving gifts of land and real estate from generous supporters just like you ensures our vision of communities with healthy and sustainable air, land and water resources for generations to come.
Be sure to check our website this fall for more upcoming events and treks! HeartLandsConservancy.org
#FieldtoFork Saturday, July
Join us as we invest in the nature of Southwestern Illinois: For more information, contact David C. Eustis, President and CEO of HeartLands Conservancy. 618-5664451 ex. 26 or info@heartlandsconservancy.org.
26, 2014
PLEASE JOIN US 6 Amazing Chefs 6 Delicious Courses July 26 at Bellecourt Manor . Belleville, IL
Live Music by Ragged Edge Member Tickets $70 per person $500 per table
Non Member Tickets $90 per person $650 per table
5:00 PM Cocktail Reception 6:15 PM Dinner Reservations Required - Get Your Tickets NOW!
“An Exquisite Culinary Experience In Local Cuisine”
Check our website for silent and live auction items
On-air personalities and real-life husband and wife team Ryan and Dana Dean of KSDK NewsChannel 5 will serve as this year’s emcees!
www.HeartLandsConservancy.org/Field-to-Fork 7
Flat Creek Conservation Easement HeartLands Conservancy is pleased to announce the signing of our latest conservation easement, which is located along Flat Creek, a tributary of the Kaskaskia River, north and east of Carlyle Lake. The thirty acres included within the conservation easement is being developed as a wetland mitigation site. Wetland loss and degradation within the Kaskaskia River has been significant since Euro-American settlement, with only 700 acres of wetlands currently being listed as being high quality. This is just .1% of the total wetland acreage. This project directly supports one of the goals of the Kaskaskia Watershed Association; to double the number of acres within the Kaskaskia River, from 4.5% to 9% of the total land cover. Benefits of developing wetlands above Carlyle Lake include reducing sediment and nutrient flow in this important reservoir. In addition to providing flood storage benefits, Carlyle Lake provides habitat for fish & wildlife, as well as supplying water for residential and commercial use, and power generation. Clean water is also critical for the recreational use of Carlyle Lake, which draws over 3,000,000 visitors annually.
WANTED Agricultural Easements
Have you ever considered protecting your farm with an agricultural easement? Contact HeartLands Conservancy to learn the benefits associated with taking action now. Contact David Eustis, 618-566-4451 ext. 28, dave.eustis@ heartlandsconservancy.org.
HeartLandsConservancy.org /field-to-fork
Get Tickets Today
July 26 www.HeartLandsConservancy.org 406 East Main Street Mascoutah, IL 62258 (618) 566-4451
Address service requested:
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