Land is the HEART of Community
Commonfields SPRING 2020
When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect. - Aldo Leopold
Board of Directors E. William Reichert Board Chair Mary Vandevord President Ronda Latina Vice Chair William Boardman Second Vice Chair Stephen Parrish Treasurer Robert C. Nelson Secretary Brenda Chandler Janet Haroian Gary Huelsmann Dawnesha Johnson Nancy Larson Charlie Meier Cliff Schuette Anne Werner
Upcoming Events Last Winter Event Hiking Club Stemler Cave Woods Nature Preserve March 14 @ 9 am
Spring arrives March 19th
A Sand County Almanac
As a Commonfields reader and HeartLands Conservancy supporter, you belong to this wonderful conservation community. The community that knows that love and respect of the land means nothing if you don’t take action.
Managing Team Michael Andreas Special Projects
Taking personal action for conservation can happen in many different ways. Here are just a few:
Shelli Bement Director of Finance and Administration
You could help reduce water pollution and provide habitat while simultaneously reducing yard flooding by installing a rain garden. See page 14 on some tips for how to design and what to plant in a rain garden. While you’re in a planting mood, you can certify your yard as wildlife and water friendly with our Conservation@ Home program.
Landon Brooks Communications & Engagement Manager Tyler Burk Project Manager Laura L. Lyon Director of Strategic Initiatives Kim O’Bryan Director of Development & Events
You can become an HLC Steward or Stewardship Leader! HeartLands Conservancy has revamped its volunteer program to make volunteering for the environment easier and better. We are looking for new and returning volunteers to fill various volunteer positions, such as monitors, bloggers, ambassadors, and educators. See page 12 to learn more about our new volunteer program, or contact Landon Brooks, Communications & Engagement Manager at landon. brooks@heartlandsconservancy.org or (618) 566-4451 ext 28.
Mary Vandevord President & CEO Sarah Vogt Conservation Manager Ed Weilbacher Vice President Steve Widowski Wildlife Biologist
HeartLands Conservancy
You can expand your appreciation of the great outdoors with our quarterly hiking club or guided trek series. You can learn
3 N High Street Belleville, IL 62220 (618) 566-4451
about native plants for your landscape at the Grow Native! Native by Design event, or learn about healthy urban forests at our Urban Forestry Luncheon. See page 3 for a calendar of upcoming activities. You can make a huge impact on the climate, water quality, and air quality by participating in the region-wide tree planting week in late April. Let’s see how many trees the Metro East can plant in one week! See page 9 for more information. Your free time might be very limited, though. If you can’t take action by volunteering or attending events, then your donation makes it possible for others to take action for you. You can become a member and receive discounts and special invitations throughout the year. You can donate to help HeartLands Conservancy take action here in our region. Your business can become a sponsor of Field to Fork, our farm-to-table event, or of a number of other special programs. Visit our website at www.HeartLandsConservancy.org/ donateform.php Whatever actions you take, I hope you will feel love and respect for the land and, as a result, know that we at HeartLands Conservancy have love and respect for you.
See you outside!
info@HeartLandsConservancy.org www.HeartlandsConservancy.org HLC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax deductible and are gracisously accepted throughout the year. Cover: Students caring for Signal Hill Outdoor Classroom 2
www.HeartLands Conservancy.org
Highlights! Famed for its longevity and endurance, strength, and steadfastness, the White Oak is regarded spiritually as the Tree of Life. Among the largest and longest-lived oaks of southwestern Illinois, the White Oak provides long-term sustenance and protection to many living things in our region. Because of this, we consider the White Oak something special. The White Oak Society honors the individuals, corporations, and foundations making an annual gift of $500 or more to HeartLands Conservancy. On January 11th, sixty plus members and friends enjoyed an evening of cocktails, appetizers and conversation at Board Member Charlie Meier’s farmhouse in Okawville. Join us for the party next year! In January, HeartLands Conservancy purchased the 33.5-acre Glen Schuetz addition to the Kathleen Scanlan Conservation Area. The total preserve is now 173.5 acres and located along the Kaskaskia River near Okawville. The forest provides habitat for prothonotary warblers, river otters, and bald eagles. The purchase was made possible through a land acquisition grant by the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation.
SAVE THE DATES!
The Urban Forestry Luncheon will be held on March 30, 2020. Join HeartLands Conservancy for an informative look at Urban Forestry in the region and throughout Illinois. Learn about current resources and programs accessible to your organization or community, including low-cost or free tree opportunities. Network with fellow community leaders and honor HeartLands Conservancy’s Green Leaf Award recipients for their dedication to conservation and lands that sustain us. Registration is only $10 and HeartLands Conservancy Community Members get one registration FREE (includes lunch)! Brought to you by: Illinois Forestry Development Council and a grant from the US Forest Service.
Field to Fork is July 25, 2020
Join us for the 11th Annual Field to Fork—a celebration of conservation and sustainability in southwestern Illinois. Check our website for updates and start gathering friends for a table of eight! Members get discounts. Ticket sales open May 1St. Field to Fork is an exquisite culinary experience featuring a six-course meal prepared by six local chefs. All of the ingredients are sourced from regional farms. The event also features live music, a silent auction, and live auction. All proceeds benefit HeartLands Conservancy’s programs. If you are interested in volunteering to distribute items from the farms to the chefs or being a food runner visit www. heartlandsconservancy.org/volunteer. php to learn more and submit a volunteer application.
Native by Design: Nature at Your Doorstep NO Nelson Campus, Edwardsville March 20 @ 7:30 am • $30 Feeling Froggy Volunteer Day Frog counting with SIUE Professor Dr. Essner to follow Poag Sand Prairie March 21 @ 4 pm Spring into Action Volunteer Day Signal Hill Outdoor Classroom, Belleville March 28 @ 9 am Urban Forestry Luncheon Metro East Parks & Recreation District register on our website by March 23 March 30 @ 11 am • $10 Metro East Tree Week April 19-25 Various Activities • Times Vary • Metro East Tree Challenge Challenge to plant over 300 native trees to communities and residents. • City Nature Challenge • Arbor Day • Earth Day Weed(ing) Day: Invasive Plant Removal Poag Sand Prairie April 20 @ 9 am Hiking Club White Rock Nature Preserve May 9 @ 9 am Stream Monitoring Trek East Fork of Silver Creek May 16 @ 9 am Invasive Species Volunteer Day Signal Hill Outdoor Classroom, Belleville May 21 @ 9 am
Summer arrives June 20th Summer Solstice at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site June 21 @ 5:15 am 11th Annual Field to Fork Bellecourt Manor July 25 @ 5 pm
Events and dates are subject to change, please visit our website and social media for current information. www.HeartlandsConservancy.org Commonfields Spring 2020
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For more information, please contact Laura Lyon Director of Strategic Initiatives laura.lyon@heartlandsconservancy.org
One more bonus Our Community Membership program provides a 5% discount on planning services to our members, in addition to other benefits, such as one free registration to our March 30th Urban Forestry Luncheon.
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Stormwater Metro East communities know too well the problems of standing water, flooded roads and basements, water runoff, sewer infiltration, and erosion. The common solution thas been to spend immense amounts of local, state, and federal dollars to channelize water and attempt to control stormwater with concrete and pipes, or “grey” infrastructure. Despite these expensive efforts, sewers still get inundated, streets still flood, personal property still gets destroyed.
For every dollar that a community partner spends on HeartLands’ Old planning Jamestown services, they bring in an average of $15 in return to communities in theBlack region. Hazelwood Florissant Jack
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Many communities have limited staff or have staff with primary expertise in recreation, sports management, and events. HeartLands can supplement parks and recreation department staff by providing expertise and assistance for conservation elements of the park system, such as vegetation management/ stewardship, native plant and tree selection, trail development, ecosystem restoration, vacant lot treatment, and passive recreation planning.
Let’s Partner! HeartLands plays a pivotal role in bettering quality of life across southwestern Illinois. Our skilled staff isSt.always looking Charles to take on new challenges, so if your neighborhood, community, watershed, or city is looking to plan for the future and implement integral changes today, we would love to help you reach your goals.
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Parks and Open Space Every community wants good parks, but it takes planning to make a great park. For many communities, HeartLands uses expertise in park and recreation trends and best practices, land acquisition and expansion, wildlife habitat and natural resources, and green infrastructure to create long-term plans for park systems and individual park and open space development.
Resilient Growth Even though HeartLands Conservancy focuses primarily on the environment, we are not “anti-growth”. HLC works with communities in southern Illinois to determine the best locations for new community growth, while factoring in conditions that will affect the future prosperity and environment, such as flood-prone areas, need for parks and trails, infrastructure, and neighborhood development. HLC has worked with communities and counties to make recommendations for neighborhood improvements, draft ordinances for stream and flood zone buffers, and communitywide comprehensive land use plans.
Green infrastructure allows water to slow and absorb into the soil. HeartLands has been working with green infrastructure for decades and has an excellent track record of pulling in various funding sources to plan, design, and install these solutions.
Elsahbonus for our An extra Godfrey community partners The revenue HeartLands earns for our services on these projects goes directly back into programs that serve communities, such as our upcoming Tree Stewards program, land acquisition assistance, stormwater projects, and other conservation programs.
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From Godfrey’s Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan; Edwardsville’s Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan; Shiloh’s Comprehensive Plan; and the Kaskaskia Port District Strategic Plan, HeartLands has played a key role in creating better communities across the Metro East. Our capacity as professional planners comes from our 30-year history of serving southwestern Illinois. Likewise, our credentials, experience, and education as planners, designers, engineers, and scientists; as well as our unmatched local knowledge has led us to become a trusted partner for many communities.
Community Engagement Our staff are trained as professional facilitators and prioritize community goals and needs in all conservation and planning projects. We pride ourselves on listening to desires of the community. This method of community empowerment has led to successful project implementation in all areas of the region. Many communities need assistance with public meetings or goal-setting, and HLC brings planning, engagement, and environmental expertise to quickly step in to help.
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Why Communities Are Partnering with HLC
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sa The Illinois Protection The first round of project selections Pia Environmental o Agency (IEPA) recently awarded a will take place in April. An Brighton Bunkeropen Hill house for grant through Section 319 of the informational public Clean Water Act to improve water residents and property owners in the quality, reduce pollution, and reduce watershed will also be held this Spring. erosion in the Canteen-Cahokia Creek For more information visit: R. Watershed. The watershed includes all www.HeartLandsConservacy.org d / o or part of Collinsville, Maryville, Glen Wo watershedplanning/php . Carbon, Edwardsville, Pontoon Beach,E. Fk Contact: and Caseyville. See map below. Tyler Burk This voluntary program assists Project Manager property owners with the installation (618) 566-4451 ext 25 of best management practices tyler.burk@heartlandsconservancy.org (BMP), such as rain gardens, grassedc Ro waterways, stream stabilization, and Holiday urban filter strips. For eligible projects, D Shores OC Alton will pay for design and HeartLands Bethalto K reimburse 50% of the construction Rosewood East Alton Heights costs.
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Commonfields Spring 2020
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Trees…the Ups and the Downs By Sarah Vogt, Conservation Manager I often find myself admiring large, beautiful trees while in the field for work or out with my family. Almost every time I catch myself viewing the tree the same way--standing under it, looking up at the canopy in awe. You may have found yourself in a similar position, thinking to yourself “what a magnificent creation.” But, what we often forget to consider is the part of the tree that lies beneath our feet. It is equally amazing and far more mysterious than the branches overhead.
What do those roots look like?
It is a common misconception that a tree’s root system mirrors what you can see above earth, growing as deep and as wide as the tree. Most tree roots actually grow quite shallow but extend far out from the trunk beyond the length of the limbs above. You might be surprised that 90% of tree roots grow within the top two feet of soil and the main structural roots are in the top foot. The roots grow out from the tree reaching well beyond the drip line (end of the branches above), extending at least as wide as the tree is high, usually 1.5 times wider. It is beyond the drip line, out from under the tree, where the 60% of the absorbing root system is at work taking up water and nutrients. (See the illustration above.) We know roots supply water and nutrients to the tree, but roots have some other tricks up their sleeves. For example, fine roots die and new ones grow on a weekly and even daily basis. When roots die, they contribute organic matter to the soil. As roots push their way through the soil, they create tunnels, which helps improve drainage by allowing water to move through the soil below 6
ground. Tree roots can also play a role in cleaning contaminated soils, stormwater filtration, carbon sequestration, and other ecosystem services. This is impressive when you think that we are not even considering the benefits we gain from the canopies supported by all of these roots!
Fascinating, but what can you do with this information?
Consider this as if you are planning a new construction project. Take a look at the trees around your building area and determine if the roots will be drastically affected. Soil grading, trenching, compaction, or the deposit of hazardous materials in the root zone could cause sections of the crown to die. The closer to the trunk damage occurs, the greater the potential for severe damage and chance of affecting tree stability. You may also consider this information when choosing a place to plant new trees. Luckily, growing trees are opportunistic and will grow under and around existing pavement and infrastructure. The tree will find a way to grow if it is possible, but it might crack some concrete and take advantage of broken pipe if given the chance. If you are concerned about potential damage, plant the trees farther away. For more information on tree selection and planting visit www.heartlandsconservancy.org/ additionalresources.php
Other things to consider when planting new trees: • Plant at the proper time of year. The best time is in the spring or fall while trees are dormant. • Identify the trunk flare. The trunk flare is where the trunk expands at the base of the tree. This point should be partially visible after the tree has been planted. • Dig a shallow, broad planting hole, 2 to 3 times wider than the root ball, but only as deep as the root ball. • Make sure the tree roots are not circling the root ball. Cut them if necessary. • Place the tree at the proper depth ensuring the trunk flare will be partially above the dirt level. Make sure the trunk is straight. A leaning trunk can not straighten itself out. • Mix the removed soil with compost and fill around the tree. • Turf grass can act as a tarp keeping water from reaching the tree’s roots. Mulch around the tree to keep soil cool and moist, but do not cover the bark around the base of the tree. Piling mulch against the bark of the tree can lead to rot and insect damage. It also creates a space for rodents to feast on the tender bark. • Water regularly until the tree is two years old. Provide 1.5 - 3 gallons of water each week. Unless it’s really hot and dry, then increase the watering interval to 3-5 days. If the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry it is time to water again.
www.HeartLands Conservancy.org
Metro East Tree Challenge during Metro East Tree Week
April 19 - 25th HeartLands Conservancy will be working with local communities to plant over 300 native trees, which are important to support wildlife, clean air, and to reduce stormwater flooding.
During Metro East Tree Week, residents in
the region are encouraged to plant their own trees on their property as well. Property owners are encouraged to report back to us with the type of native tree planted and a photo so we can add you to our total count! Post on Facebook or email to pictures to photo@heartlandsconservancy.org.
For more information, please visit heartlandsconservancy.org/treeplanting.php Original Photo Credit Jack Rainey
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As we work to heal the earth, the earth heals us. Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer Braiding Sweetgrass
^ Chorus Frog < Eastern Prickly Pear
Purple-headed Sneezeweed
A Sand Prairie Almanac In 2018, HeartLands Conservancy became the steward of Poag Sand Prairie after the property was purchased by The Nature Conservancy. The 10-acre site, and its adjacent properties, are part of a geologic gem right here in southwestern Illinois - although many do not realize the significance. Sand prairies are among the most unique landscapes in Illinois. They are distinct remnants of glacial times, having been formed thousands of years ago when the glaciers melted and deposited the sand, silt, rock, and soil they carried with them. These prairies are home to many rare plants and animals that thrive in the sandy loam, which provides quick drainage and easy burrowing/rooting. In Illinois, sand prairies are rare ecosystems present only along the Mississippi, Illinois, Green, and Kankakee Rivers and in a few spots along Lake Michigan. The state only recognizes 2,360 total acres of sand prairies in Illinois, and a small percentage are actually protected by HLC. In addition to Poag Sand Prairie, HeartLands Conservancy preserved and restored Arlington Wetlands in Pontoon Beach nearly 10 years ago. Restoration recently began at Poag Sand Prairie, located in Edwardsville, thanks to a gracious gift from an anonymous donor who realized the area’s importance. The site was once an agricultural field and then sat stagnant for years. Plants and trees that are detrimental to the prairie ecosystem (i.e., invasive species) covered the sandy soils, and neighbors feared it would eventually become just another warehouse. After two years, Poag Sand Prairie is going through a transformation. A grant 8
from Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation made it possible to hire contractors to remove thick stands of invasive trees and undesirable woody plants. Trees that were removed for the benefit of the prairie included: Siberian Elm (ulmus pumila), Bradford Pear (pyrus calleryana), and Bush honeysuckle (lonicera maackii), among others. During several work days, volunteers helped clean up debris, plant seeds, install signs, and build a trail. The short loop trail allows visitors to explore the site and is named in honor of the Tosovsky family of Edwardsville, at the request of the anonymous donor. For three generations, the Tosovsky family has been dedicated to producing favorite plants from brands like Proven Winners, First Edition, and Star Roses. Their business, Home Nursery, is a family-owned and operated, innovative leader in producing and distributing field and container grown nursery stock to garden centers, distribution centers, and landscaping companies throughout the Midwest. Their company has been working diligently over the last several years to reduce their carbon footprint. They have completed a three million dollar solar powered system that runs all of their equipment and have even begun recycling all of their water. “We are trying to be more mindful of how we use our resources,” said Ann Tosovsky, President of Home Nursery. “It is important to do what we can when we can to help the environment, as well as future generations,” she said. The Tosovsky family lives in the area and owns property near Poag Sand Prairie. Ann has many memories of being in the area
working for the family business. “We appreciate HeartLands Conservancy’s efforts to protect and preserve Poag Sand Prairie and support their work fully. It is neat to be affiliated with a property that is so special,” said Tosovsky. She is looking forward to taking her grandchildren out to Poag Sand Prairie to teach them about native plants and animals. She also hopes to see one of her favorite native plants, butterfly weed (asclepias tuberosa), on the property, along with monarch butterflies and other pollinators. As Home Nursery approaches its 100th anniversary next year, the family prepares to welcome another generation to their business. Nick Tosovsky has been studying business at St. Louis University with the goal of one day taking over for his mother. “It’s nice to think one day I’ll eventually be able to retire and our family’s legacy will continue,” she said. Restoration work continues at Poag Sand Prairie. This year, a priority for HLC is the removal of more highly invasive and undesirable plants, such as common reed (phragmites australis) and Chinese bushclover (sericea lespedeza), as well as a complete species inventory for the entire site. Sand prairie animals need certain plants to survive, and these invasive plants crowd out the naturally occurring plants that support a healthy habitat. Some of the unique species that have already been found on or nearby the property include tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum), Bobwhite Quail (Colinus virginianus), purple-headed sneezeweed (helenium flexuosum), eastern prickly pear (optotia cespitosa) Ohio spiderwort (tradescantia ohiensis),
www.HeartLands Conservancy.org
The Tosovsky Family of Edwardsville at Poag Sand Prairie
and ornate box turtles (Terrapene ornata ornata). The sand prairie is also habitat for chorus frogs, which SIUE Biology professor, Dr. Richard Essner, has been studying on the site for years. Hear more on March 21 at Poag! Sarah Vogt, Conservation Manager, said, “This property is a geological wonder. It is one of the most significant properties in the HLC Portfolio, and I am proud to be part of the team entrusted with returning it to its natural state.”
Ohio Spiderwort
If you want to experience the sand prairie and the Tosovsky Family Trail for yourself, it is open to the public and located at 4850 Street Car Road, Edwardsville. You can also join us at one (or all!) of the many volunteer days that will be held at Poag Sand Prairie throughout this year.
Feeling Froggy Volunteer Day: followed by Frog counting with SIUE Professor Dr. Essner at Poag Sand Prairie March 21 @ 4 pm
For more information on more events and volunteer opportunities, visit www.HeartLandsConservancy.org/ events/php
Volunteers at Poag Sand Prairie Commonfields Spring 2020
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Honorable Mention >
Bill Rathman
Bill Rathmann
Honorable Mention > Debra Havel
Debra Havel
What does southern Illinois look like through YOUR lense? NEXT PHOTO CHALLENGE THEME: Passion for Pollinators Share your passion for pollinators by capturing images of them in action! Pollinators include: bees, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, bugs, bats, birds - and any other creatures that help flowers get fertilized. The winner of this photo contest will be chosen by our Facebook followers during the week of May 11th-15th. Participants should email their photos to photo@heartlandsconservancy.org with the subject Passion for Pollinators. Photos must be from southern Illinois. Please include your name, title of photograph, company name (if applicable), address, and phone number. If your photography business is on Facebook, please include the link so we can tag your page.* Send up to 10 images per theme, per person. Watermarks (along the bottom edge) are allowed and photo credit will be given. Please send digital images at 150dpi. *By entering you allow HeartLands Conservancy to use your images in presentations, exhibits, and in digital and print media. 10
www.HeartLands Conservancy.org
Winner > Mike Matney Reflections
Mike Matney Commonfields Spring 2020
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Volunteering is the HEARTof HeartLands Conservancy You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Volunteering is good for you! Studies show that volunteering counteracts stress, anxiety, anger, and depression. It increases self-confidence, makes you happier, and helps you be physically active. Volunteering can be fun and rewarding. We’ve even hired people to our staff who were once volunteers! HLC’s talented team of 12 staff accomplishes quite a bit, but we do so much more with the help of volunteers and southwestern Illinois needs your help! This year, we revamped our volunteer program, and now there are many different ways to volunteer your time, passion, and expertise. From individual, self-paced commitments to attending large group stewardship days, HLC has ways for everyone to get involved and be a part of the conservation community.
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HLC Stewardship Days The most common way to volunteer is by participating in a Stewardship Volunteer Day. These events are held monthly throughout the entire region on public lands and HeartLands Conservancy properties. Volunteers receive on-site instructions, help remove undesirable plant species, remove trash, install signs, or any variety of needed tasks that make the ecosystem healthier. Anyone can attend these events. They are published on our website’s events calendar, in our email newsletters, and sent to our volunteers email list. Corporate Volunteering HeartLands Conservancy also works with several businesses to host volunteer days for employees. Let us know if your business is looking for volunteer opportunities and we can tailor an experience for you. Stewardship Leaders Stewardship Leaders are responsible for leading volunteer events at designated natural areas. They must be good with people and excel at leading groups. They should posess the appropriate high level skills necessary, be trained in basic first aid and have a Pesticide Applicators
License. Chainsaw certification a plus, but not required. (HLC will help interested individuals acquire these.) HLC Ambassadors HeartLands’ Ambassadors are voices for the environment in their communities. They are engaged community leaders who promote HLC events, programs, and conservation efforts. We are looking for 2 Ambassadors from each of the following counties in southwestern Illinois: Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, Randolph, St. Clair, and Washington. For more information on how to become an Ambassador, please contact Landon Brooks.
HLC Volunteers HeartLands is always seeking people with unique skills, interests, and expertise to help with a variety of conservation efforts. Some specific volunteer areas that HLC is seeking include: Chainsaw Operators • Photographers • Licensed Pesticide Applicators • Arborists • Prescribed Fire Experience • Birders • Wildlife Biologists • Entomologists • Conservationists • Horticulturists • Botanists • Bilingualists • Carpenters • Permaculturalists • Events Coordinators • Master Gardeners • Master Naturalists
www.HeartLands Conservancy.org
Our Goal, Together The goal of HeartLands Conservancy’s Volunteer Program is to engage people with nature while restoring our region’s natural areas to a healthy, resilient state. In 2020, the goal of the program is to complete 1,500 volunteer hours in southwestern Illinois. If you would like to do something nice for nature and yourself, please consider volunteering with HLC! Visit www.heartlandsconservancy.org/ volunteer.php to learn more and submit a volunteer application. For specific questions or general inquiries, contact: Landon Brooks, Communications & Engagement Manager (618) 566-4451 ext. 28 or email landon.brooks@heartlandsconservancy.org.
Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don’t have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Plant this, not that: Rain Gardens! Nature’s Sponge Spring showers bring...May flooding! That seems to be the trend in recent years. But what can individual property owners do to reduce the amount of water flowing to our streams? Installing a rain garden could be the answer. A rain garden is a shallow depression planted with native plants, located near a runoff source such as a gutter downspout, sump pump, or driveway. The benefits of a rain garden are wide ranging. A typical rain garden can filter 30,000 gallons of rainwater and melted snow which helps prevent overloaded storm sewers and neighborhood flooding. Native, moisture loving plants absorb some of the water that flows into the rain garden. Although the design allows the rainwater to slowly infiltrate the soil, the water is only held for a short time. Water typically drains within 24 hours, preventing mosquito breeding, a common concern for homeowners. An added bonus is that the captured rainwater eliminates the need to water the garden with tap water, conserving a precious resource and lowering your water bill.
As the rain garden absorbs the water, the plants and soil help filter out sediment and pollutants. This makes water flowing from your yard cleaner, and helps reduce the costs of water treatment in your town. The correct selection of native plants can also provide habitat and food sources for bees, butterflies and other wildlife throughout the year. They are also aesthetically pleasing and easy to maintain. For more information on building a rain garden at your home, see the Conservation@Home Rain Garden Guide on our website or contact: Sarah Vogt Conservation Manager (618) 566-4451 ext. 23 sarah.vogt@heartlandsconservancy.org You can also find further information on our website in this pdf, page 10: www.heartlandsconservancy.org/cmsb/ uploads/thinking-outside-the-pipe_2016_ small.pdf
Our favorite rain garden plants for Plants for Rain Gardens For around the slope:
• Cardinal flower Lobelia cardinalis • Prairie dropseed Sporobolus heterolepis • Foxglove beardtongue Penstemon digitalis • Virginia wild rye Elymus virginicus • Coneflower Echinacea purpurea • Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia fulgida • Bee balm Monarda fistulosa • Zigzag goldenrod Solidago flexicaulis • Blazing star Liatris Pycnostachya • Whorled milkweed Asclepias verticullata
For the basin: • • • • • • • • •
White turtlehead Chelone glabra Palm sedge Carex muskingumensis Blue Flag Iris Iris virginica shrevei Swamp milkweed Asclepias incarnata Marsh Blazing star Liatris Spicata Culver’s root Veronicastrum virginicum Great blue lobelia Lobelia siphilitica Golden Alexanders Zizea aurea Meadow phlox Phlox maculata
For shady areas: • • • • • • • • • •
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Great blue lobelia Lobelia siphilitica Wild Columbine Aquilegia canadensis Woodland phlox Phlox diaricata Wild ginger Asaru canadense Shooting star Dodecatheon Meadia Jack-in-the-pulpit Arisaema triphyllum Wild geranium Geranium maculatum Penn sedge Carex pensylvanica Palm sedge Carex muskingumensis Plantain-Leaved sedge Carex plantaginea
Growing the Team Janet Haroian
Gary Huelsmann, MSW
Landon Brooks
Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Janet has been a Madison County resident since 1978. Janet joined Heartland’s board in 2020. She is the Director of Budgeting and Planning in the Office of Vice Chancellor for Administration at SIUE after her initial 15 years as the Operations Manager for University Park, the Business and Technology Park. She served as alderman in the City of Edwardsville for 18 years and continues to serve on several citizen volunteer boards. She is a member of Edwardsville Rotary Club (24 years) and recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow award. She is an avid user of MCT regional trails.
With 35+ years in the social service and behavioral health fields, Gary joined HeartLands’ board in late 2019. Since 2005, Gary has served as CEO at Caritas Family Solutions, the not-for-profit social service agency serving the southernmost 52 counties in Illinois. Their services range from adoption, foster care, residential therapy, independent living for developmentally disabled adults, assisted living and training for low-income seniors, and many other programs. He also serves on boards and committees at the local, state, and national level and is currently the chairperson for Illinois Collaboration on Youth. Originally from Clinton County, Gary resides in Alton with his wife.
Landon is HeartLands Conservancy’s Communications and Engagement Manager. He has helped the organization manage its website, social media, marketing, and digital communications since June 2019. Landon’s role has been expanded! He will now be part of an extended effort to engage the public and communities through volunteerism. He, in conjunction with our Conservation Manager, Sarah Vogt, redesigned HeartLands’ Volunteer Program. It now provides a wide range of excellent opportunities for people of all skill levels to participate in the caring of our land and communities.
I have been familiar with the work of HeartLands Conservancy for many years. Conservation of our natural resources has always been an interest of mine, from simple backyard gardening, to seeing what can be done with community support for wooded areas in Edwardsville and near the SIUE campus where I work. I look forward to working with the board members and staff and it is my intent to work hard on behalf of the organization and the communities we serve in Southwestern Illinois. - Janet
I joined Heartlands Conservancy because of their programs and mission to protect the natural environment in southwestern Illinois. As a boy growing up in Clinton County I would help my aunts and uncles farm. As a family we would go camping and fishing. I played outdoors and enjoyed it all. As an adult I helped start a community supported garden in Godfrey, which was great. We all need nature to live a better life. I see Heartlands Conservancy helping all our communities, human and other natural communities live better and more healthy lives. I want to help that effort. - Gary
Landon is also enrolled in the Illinois Master Gardener program. In addition to gardening, he enjoys nature photography/ videography. He is eagerly awaiting spring’s arival so he can continue to work on both of these hobbies! I look forward to helping advance HeartLands’ mission through volunteerism and community engagement. It is so important for people to interact with nature so they can form a better understanding of how it works - and feel more responsible for taking care of our natural resources. - Landon
Thank you to our Sponsors
Construction
www.HeartLands Conservancy.org
Commonfields Spring 2020
15
March 30, 2020
Join the discussion of Urban Forestry in our region and throughout Illinois.
www.HeartLandsConservancy.org
Brought to you by: HeartLands Conservancy Illinois Forestry Development Council U.S. Forest Service More inside on page 3 and at www.HeartLandsConservancy.org
3 N. High Street Belleville,IL 62220 (618) 566-4451
Tickets go on sale May 1st
Registration is only $10 and includes lunch!
www.HeartLandsConservancy.org
SAVE THE DATE 11 Annual Field to Fork Saturday, July 25, 2020 th
Network with fellow community leaders and honor HeartLands Conservancyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Green Leaf Award recipients for their dedication to conservation and lands that sustain us.
