SHARING GIFTS OF HOPE
MEANDERINGS
HeartLandsConservancy.org
HeartLandsConservancy.org
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Board of Directors Janet Haroian Board Chair Gary Huelsmann Vice Chair William Boardman Second Vice Chair Amy Kempfer Treasurer Anne Werner Secretary Carol Gentry Field to Fork Committee Chair Dawnesha Johnson Development Committee Chair Nancy Larson Robert C. Nelson Programs & Services Committee Chair Jim Pauley
CONTENT Why Do We Volunteer? Why Does it Matter?
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E. William Reichert, III Cliff Schuette Lisa Tiedemann
Team
A Gift of Hope Knoll Family Wildlife Sanctuary
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Michael Andreas Special Projects Coordinator Jack Aydt Stewardship Technician Scott Dunakey Community Planning & Policy Manager
Remarkable Communities
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Mallory Ketcherside Director of Donor Relations Laura L. Lyon Vice President John O’Donnell Water Program Manager Jesus Sanchez Environmental Programs Technician Mary Vandevord President & CEO Ed Weilbacher Senior Advisor Jamie Wheeler Director of Finance & Administration Steve Widowski Wildlife Biologist Eric Wright Land Conservation Manager
Message: President | CEO
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The Exploration Garden
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Field to Fork Highlights
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Thank You for Your Service 10 Staff & Stories 15 Programs & Volunteering 16 Thank You to Our Sponsors 17
HeartLands Conservancy
29 East Main Street Belleville, IL 62220 (618) 566-4451 info@HeartLandsConservancy.org HeartlandsConservancy.org HLC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax deductible and are graciously accepted throughout the year.
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MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT | CEO As 2023 comes to a close, hope abounds for 2024 Many wonderful things happened in 2023. Thanks to community support and local change-makers, HeartLands Conservancy conserved 300 acres of prairies, woods, and wetlands. Thirty-four passionate people volunteered as tree stewards, facilitating the planting of over 1,000 trees in local communities. More than 550 people are spending the fall and winter jingle hiking and exploring parks and preserves throughout the region. Many advancements were made in improving the quality of water in our region, as well.
Dunlap Lake Property Owner’s Association in Edwardsville, for example, worked with us to create a new basin to keep soil that has worn away from upstream fields and other lands from entering the lake and rest of the Indian Creek watershed. After two and a half years of community outreach and engagement, the Prairie du Pont Watershed Plan for the western part of St. Clair County wrapped up and demonstration projects, such as televising sewer lines to detect breaks, began. These projects were all funded in part by the IEPA through section 319 of the Clean Water Act. And while I could continue on about the many high points of 2023, the end of the year has me thinking about the opportunities to come in 2024. Here are some things I’m excited about: After a few years of designing the habitat, the Brushy Lake restoration project near Collinsville kicked off in November. In 2024, this habitat being
reconstructed for black-crowned night herons and egrets will be in its first year and we’ll start working on public access, such as boardwalks and birding areas. We’ll be continuing work partnering with communities and community members in developing strategies for increasing safe walking and cycling routes throughout the region. For example, work will begin soon on a project with the Downtown Belleville YMCA to strategize how kids can safely walk or bike to school in one part of town. Our newest preserve, Knoll Family Wildlife Sanctuary, which is just down the road from Poag Sand Prairie, will begin rehabilitation of habitat for Illinois Chorus Frogs and bobwhite quails. Stay tuned for ways to get involved in this very special project. We’re also working with people in our region to conserve more lands and there are currently five potential new conservation areas. These areas are crucial spots for migratory birds and monarch butterflies, and home to animals on the brink of extinction. As the work to empower and collaborate with the people of southern Illinois continues this coming year, I remain in awe of this community of passionate and dedicated families and individuals who are making this region beautiful, bountiful, and biodiverse! See you outside,
Mary Vandevord, President & CEO
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Why Do We Volunteer?
Why Does It Matter? Giving back to HeartLands Conservancy, in turn, gives back to our communities in southern Illinois. HeartLands Conservancy has many ways to get involved. Whether you'd like to get your hands dirty by volunteering outside, in the office to assist with administrative tasks, or at our special events - we would love for you to join us.
You can scan the below QR code with your phone's camera or visit our volunteer page: https:// heartlandsconservancy.org/volunteer/ to help protect and restore lands in southern Illinois. If you have any questions about volunteering with HeartLands Conservancy, contact our Stewardship Technician, Jack Aydt at jack.aydt@ heartlandsconservancy.org
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Carol & David Gentry
People have many different reasons why they volunteer - for some, it offers an opportunity to give back to the community by supporting a cause they feel most passionate about and the idea that however big or small the act is - you are making a difference to the people around you. Others volunteer because they are looking to develop new skills or build experience and knowledge. And yes, some are even “voluntold”. For Board Member Carol Gentry, helping an organization like HeartLands Conservancy by giving her time is just as important as any financial contribution because volunteers are the lifeblood of any non-profit organization. Carol recently received an award for her exceptional volunteer service this past year. Carol and her husband David have been a mainstay at HeartLands Conservancy's events, volunteering to help with our Spring Plant Sale, assisting with Martinis in the Meadow, and even chairing the Field to Fork Planning Committee - leading to our most successful
signature fundraiser to date. Carol found working with Board Members and volunteers with varied skills educational and fun. Carol found it extremely rewarding to know our combined hard work helped fund HeartLands Conservancy to do more good work in our communities. Carol finds working on small projects that interest her, oftentimes centered around being out in nature to be calming, it makes her happy to see a public garden shift through the seasons, and enjoys taking the time to notice the birds and butterflies. Helping support HeartLands Conservancy's efforts to protect special places makes her feel engaged and enriches her life. Through volunteering, Carol has met and shared experiences with many interesting and wonderful people. It has also allowed her to learn about trees and ecosystems and community involvement--which she wouldn't have been able to do while sitting at home.
Programs & Volunteering
2024 COULD BE AMAZING! HERE ARE SOME OF WHAT’S TO COME. 2024 Field to Fork Photo Credit: Molly Kelly
Programs
We are planning a fantastic line up of community events and programs. Please visit the events calendar on our website for more information. Upcoming programs in 2024 include: • A History Walk at Engelmann Farm, Shiloh • Spring Native Plant Sale • Full Moon Hike
• Guided Walks at Arlington Wetlands • Meadow Walks at the Exploration Garden
Volunteer
Volunteer dates will return in Spring 2024. Join our volunteer mailing list and let us know how you’d like to volunteer by going to www. heartlandsconservancy.org and clicking on volunteer under the Get Involved tab at the top of the HLC home page.
Tree Stewards
Become a volunteer tree steward and help communities and people throughout the region care for trees. We need to increase our region’s tree canopy across the board. Tree stewards are trained HeartLands Conservancy volunteers that help plant, monitor, and care for trees within communities throughout southern Illinois. To prepare and learn more this winter, you can rewatch and subscribe to all of our videos on our YouTube channel. Stay tuned for dates and sign-up info.
• Estate Planning 101
• And more to be announced!
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Remarkable
Communities! Sponsor Highlight
As an architectural & town planning firm, Studio Archaeos values conservation’s role in communities. By Tim Busse, AIA, Co-Founding Principal of Studio Archaeos Heartlands Conservancy is unique among organizations in our region by adopting a holistic approach to the related fields of farming, planning, and conservation of natural resources. Heartlands works with individuals and communities to improve the natural bonds between municipalities and their shared landscape resources that are often forgotten in the race for a quick profit. A large part of our work at Studio Archaeos is creating unique places that are designed to enhance many people’s lives and communities while working with the existing immediate and regional environment. HeartLands Conservancy looks Our work fosters and reinforces forward to continuing toplace work by the distinct spirit of the alongside thethe city of Collinsville highlighting intrinsic qualitiesasof they pursue healthier watershed the surrounding natural landscapes. initiatives. To paraphrase and expand a quote from Winston Churchill, we shape our communities, and afterward, our communities shape us. We recognize Heartlands Conservancy shares similar values.
Congratulations,
Collinsville!
Heartlands Conservancy works to create value in local communities by collaborating with municipalities and private landholders to bring local & specialized knowledge, development standards and planning 6 MEANDERINGS FALL | WINTER 2023
best practices into balance with the local environment for the good of all residents. Communities benefit through the preservation of unique resources, more pedestrian and cycling connections, and by fostering the creation of thoughtful and beautiful places. Among the greatest benefits are the preservation and restoration of natural landscapes that allow the heart, eye and lungs a chance to decompress, providing an alternative to the world of screens that dominate modern life. As a not-for-profit entity, Heartlands Conservancy advocates for the best interests of the region, but what makes Heartlands Conservancy so valuable to us is that their work goes beyond advocacy into tangibly improving the lives of the people in the communities they work in.
By collaborating with others, Heartlands Conservancy advocates for all people and helps to create consensus. Local businesses thrive when their communities are open and equitable for every inhabitant. Truly the health of our selves our community and our planet are all interrelated. This is the world that Heartlands Conservancy is building. We at Studio Archaeos want to encourage everyone reading this to consider the contributions that Heartlands Conservancy brings to the Southern Illinois region and to get involved by donating their time and money to the certain betterment of our region. We cannot think of a more worthy goal than to assist Heartlands Conservancy in their mission.
HeartLands staff & Tree Stewards planting trees in Arlington Wetlands
Wood River‘s City Manager Steve Palen, PE, Mayor Tom Stalcup, & Chief Brad Wells
Mike Andreas leading a tour of the green infrastructure at Willoughby Farms
Congratulations,
Congratulations,
The City of Wood River recently received HeartLands Conservancy‘s Outstanding Community Partner award for its remarkable efforts and investment in improving infrastructure in their community.
HeartLands Conservancy is proud to recognize the City of Collinsville for its exceptional efforts toward a healthier watershed, integrating green practices, and native habitat restoration into its work.
They recently finished a bicycle and pedestrian master plan with HeartLands Conservancy and are working to update design guidelines for downtown businesses. The City is also undertaking a 15–20-million-dollar project to separate storm sewer from sanitary sewer. The City is also continuing to secure funds to continue their work separating the sewer system.
This past year, the City of Collinsville has diligently worked on improving Willoughby Farm by completing two projects to combat erosion - from redefining the slope of a heavily eroded hillside so that it is better equipped to handle rainfall to adding several riffles to the waterways through the farm to slow the rate of water flow. These progressive measures have been replicated at the City’s Woodland Park as well for the same purpose. The City is also undertaking many storm sewer providing capacity.
Wood River!
The City looks forward to many new downtown businesses in 2024 and hopes to continue reinvesting in resources downtown as they embark on implementing their new comprehensive plan. HeartLands Conservancy is proud to continue to partner with the City of Wood River.
Collinsville!
Along with their care for improving their watershed, the City has many smaller projects in the works, including adding native plants and rain gardens throughout the city and collaborating with HeartLands Conservancy on a citywide tree plan to update its tree ordinances.
HeartLandsConservancy.org
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Knoll Family Wildlife Sanctuary
A Gift of Hope Illinois Chorus Frog
Nestled right in the warehouse district by I-255 is a special place, unique and critical to the survival of a disappearing landscape.
and animals. Its wetlands that fill with water in the spring but then completely dry up mid-summer make it a perfect place for the elusive and Many years ago, Mary Knoll Sullivan‘s threatened Illinois Chorus Frog to thrive. The sandy soils, left behind family found refuge in the old from glacier melt, and the hot sun farmhouse that sat on the land. shining down allow the Prickly The serene property provided an escape from the bustle of the quickly Pear Cactus to flower, surprising to find in the midwest. It is the ideal developing region. As Mary and her family enjoyed spending time together landscape for the Ornate Box Turtle, one of only two land-based species at the farm, they quickly discovered of turtles native to the Great Plains the secret wonders of the land. of the United States, to roam. It At just over 40 acres, Mary‘s provides respite for the Bobwhite property‘s sand prairie and sand Quail as you hear their clear whistle savanna habitat are rare in Illinois “bob white” through the trees. The and home to many unique plants late summer sees a spark of red as
the Royal Catchfly, one of the very few prairie plants pollinated by hummingbirds, blooms. Sand Prairies are disappearing. With less than 2,500 acres of this habitat remaining in all of Illinois, all of these plants and animals found on Mary‘s property have become more sparse. Mary loves animals and has dedicated her life to rescuing wildlife, even working to start many rescue organizations and initiatives across the river in St. Charles, where she now resides. In recent years, with warehouses looming and the noise of nearby traffic heard louder than before, Mary noticed she HeartLandsConservancy.org
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Student researchers exploring the Knoll Family WIldlife Santcuary
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Native blooming
couldn‘t hear as many Illinois Chorus Frogs singing, and sightings of the Bobwhite Quail were fewer and farther between. With her nieces and nephews grown, the old farmhouse no longer needed to stand tall, and Mary wrestled with the decision to sell her property. The future of the habitat lies in the balance - her acreage could have easily become the corner of the next towering warehouse or a car lot, but Mary wanted more. Mary learned about the work HeartLands Conservancy and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources were doing to preserve sand prairie habitat for the species that depend on it to survive just down the street at Poag Sand Prairie and generously offered to sell, and donate in part, her land to conserve it for future generations.
Prickly Pear Cactus
Through her years of experience in animal rescue, Mary knows the impact that habitat conservation can have on the species that depend on it. The Knoll Family Wildlife Sanctuary allows for the protection of the diverse sand prairie habitat, opens an opportunity for people to experience the plants and animals Mary grew to love, and is a gift of hope for southern Illinois‘ future. Right now, HeartLands Conservancy is working towards the regeneration of the prairie plants and wetland ecosystems. The site will eventually feature walking trails and exploration opportunities for the community to enjoy.
Royal Catchfly in bloom by USFWS Midwest
There are many ways to help the species that depend on our region‘s sand prairies, and like Mary, you can be a key part of the team. We will have volunteer opportunities in the coming years to make The Knoll Family Wildlife Sanctuary an ideal place for these species to thrive. Funding support (see enclosed envelope) for HeartLands Conservancy‘s conservation mission is critical to ensuring we can continue advancing these protection and restoration efforts in our region. You can scan the QR code with your phone‘s camera or visit our donation page: https://heartlandsconservancy. org/support/ to give the gift of hope today.
How to Help
Bobwhite Quail
HeartLandsConservancy.org
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Another Year of Beauty at
The Exploration Garden … and what’s coming in 2024 The Exploration Garden at Swansea Clinton Hills Conservation Park looked incredible in 2023 despite the drought. The flowers planted at the garden are native to our region, which means they are well adapted to periods of drought. The flowers were also helped this year through a prescribed burn, which helped spread their seeds and knocked back some of the less desirable plants that could take over the meadow.
What’s next for the Exploration Garden?
If you visited the garden this past year, you probably noticed something new! The Raindrop’s Journey demonstration was installed. This rocky dry creek shows how water travels from our rooftops (like the pavilion by the parking lot) through a watershed and into a body of water (the lake). Plants and riffles throughout the journey help remove pollutants before they get to the pond. This makes the water healthier for the fish and reduces the amount of algae, which can become overgrown and cause problems for wildlife and humans.
We also plan to include interactive public art elements in the garden in the future.
In the coming seasons we are working to secure funds to install a plaza- a spot that will be great for hosting educational programs, demonstrations, or having a small
gathering. We’ll also continue enhancing the woodland forest, installing new walking paths through the garden, and including spots to rest and relax.
You may also notice a new trail along the west side of the garden. The Village of Swansea is creating an ADA-Accessible trail that connects to the bike path on Old Collinsville Road. If you’d like to be a part of creating the next phases of the Exploration Garden, consider becoming a volunteer, information is on our website, or contact Mallory Ketcherside about how to financially support the garden: (618) 566-4451 ex 10 or email at mallory.ketcherside@ heartlandsconservancy.org A huge thank you to DJM Ecological Services who has been an integral part of creating the beautiful garden. DJM is HeartLands Conservancy’s 2023 Outstanding Business Partner because of their commitment to our region’s ecosystem and values.
DJM Constructing the Raindrop‘s Journey in The Exploration Garden
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The Exploration Garden‘s pollinator meadow with a stone path and rootwad bench of The Raindrop‘s Journey
HeartLandsConservancy.org
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Field to Fork
Celebrating Local Farms, Food, & Conservation Photo Credit: Molly Kelly
Field to Fork Just beyond a quiet neighborhood, 200+ nature and food enthusiasts discovered the beauty of the heartlands in a picturesque fall evening in Illinois, filled with blue skies, native flowers swaying in the warm breeze, and the smell of the bonfire. Field to Fork was a wonderful evening in Rock Springs Park, bringing together folks from all over the region to experience the heartlands through fresh farm-to-table fare by local chefs, superb live music, and a livelier regional live auction. The event featured local wildflowers and produce picked by our team and made into stunning centerpieces by the team at Grimm & Gorly. We are grateful to the gracious attendees, generous event sponsors, and the unwavering support of our chefs, community partners, and volunteers.
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Sponsor Spotlight Phillips 66’s first taste of the work of HeartLands Conservancy started by sponsoring Field to Fork years ago at the request of one of their employees.
Phillips 66 finds investing in nature conservation and biodiversity important because they understand, respect, and value their influence in our daily lives. We are proud to continue to partner with Phillips 66 to work together towards a more sustainable future for communities in the Metro East.
Force Elegance’s support for HeartLands Conservancy and sponsorship of Field to Fork is rooted in our shared vision of sustainable community growth and a profound respect for the environment. It’s more than just financial support; it’s a collaboration to promote sustainability and a stronger, nature-appreciating community.
(618) 234-4455
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Field to Fork Centerpiece by Grimm & Gorly
To this day, Phillips 66 continues to invest in HeartLands Conservancy’s mission to conserve, connect, and restore the diverse natural and cultural resources that sustain the people and communities of southern Illinois, both financially and with their sweat through employee volunteer days.
While attending a HeartLands Conservancy firefly hike as a family, Force Elegance was able to witness firsthand a diverse group of people sharing their love for the land and wildlife who depend on it. Engaging with the community, especially the younger generation, and seeing families bond over their appreciation for nature inspired them to work together with HeartLands Conservancy to ensure their missiondriven work can further its reach.
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Staff & Stories
Jack Aydt
Scott Dunakey, AICP
Welcome, Jack!
Welcome, Scott!
We are thrilled to share that Jack Aydt has joined our team as our new Stewardship Technician! Jack previously held the role of our Land Conservation Intern in partnership with SIUE‘s GEOPaths Program and continues to play a vital role as a member of our team. With his previous experience working alongside the Army Corps of Engineers and conducting research at SIUE, Jack has developed invaluable practical knowledge about ecology and safeguarding our local environment.
Scott Dunakey, AICP has joined the team as the Community Planning & Policy Manager! Scott brings over 20 years of expertise in urban planning, economic development, and transportation planning in both the public and private sectors. Certified planner from the American Institute of Certified Planners and trained in engagement methods by the Institute of Cultural Affairs, Scott firmly believes in a collaborative approach. His love of exploring the outdoors and championing sustainable solutions for communities bring a great perspective to his role and are a great asset to our team.
Jack Aydt and Scott Dunakey gathering input for the MCT Trails Master Plan at the Mississippi Earthtones Festival in September 2023.
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Milestone: Looking Back on 15 years Michael Andreas, Special Projects Coordinator, recently celebrated 15 years of working with HeartLands Conservancy, coordinating with local communities and landowners and designing stormwater Best Management Practices, such as grassed waterways, wetlands, and sediment basins. He has worked extensively in Clinton County and Madison County and is a former NRCS employee with over 30 years of experience. In the past 15 years, Mike has had his share of favorite projects - From constructing a fish-rearing pond in
the city park at the edge of Highland Silver Lake to a wetland with a stop log structure to manage the water level for aquatic habitat. Using various practices from sediment basins, rain gardens, and rock riprap riffles at Willoughby Heritage Farm and integrating new materials made from recycled tires.
Looking Forward, Mike is excited to continue to see projects through from beginning to completion and be a resource for HeartLands Conservancy’s partners. We sincerely thank Mike for his 15 years of dedicated service.
Mike continues to make a difference in the landscape by installing numerous Best Management Practices for livestock systems, stormwater, sedimentation, and erosion issues in rural and urban areas.
Mike Andreas l
HeartLandsConservancy.org
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Thank You for Your Service!
Thank you, Bill!
Thank you, Jim!
Bill Reichert joined the Board of Directors in 2015 and is wrapping up his third and final term in 2023. Bill has been an incredible advocate and partner for conservation and communities during his time on the HLC Board. Bill became our Board Chair in 2019 and led the organization through a period of tremendous growth.
Jim Pauley joined the HLC board in 2021 as a strong advocate for the outdoors and agriculture. As owner of Pufalt-Pauley Insurance Agency in Belleville, Jim’s involvement on the board and perspective in risk management has increased the organization’s resilience for years to come.
During Bill’s 4-year tenure as chair, the organization conserved more than 1,100 acres of important lands, constituting 11% of total land protected in the organization’s 30 year history.
Bill was instrumental in getting our nonprofit through the pandemic and did so with his calm, positive and uplifting demeanor. We couldn’t have done it without him, and I am forever grateful for his mentorship and collaborative approach to chairing the organzation. Mary Vandevord President & CEO HeartLands Conservancy 18 MEANDERINGS FALL | WINTER 2023
Jim has also been a strong advocate for the preservation and health of forest lands along Silver Creek ad the Kaskaskia River. We are incredibly grateful for the partnership and assistance Jim provided the organization for the past 3 years. Thank you, Jim!
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
In the winter months, watch for eagles nesting along the Mississippi River.
HLC Sponsors (as of November 20, 2023) Pin Oak
Post Oak
Atkins’ Acres Educational Farm Balsters & Hinirichs, P.C. Bauerhaus Design, Inc. Belleville Optometry, Ltd.
Chinkapin Oak
Carrollton Bank Clinton County SWCD
Red Oak
Mayor & Mrs. Michael Leopold
Sapling Hank’s Excavating Holland Construction
Nancy Larson & Bill O’Hara
Anne Werner
Randolph County SWCD St. Clair County Farm Bureau
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We have a window of time to conserve some of our area’s more important wildlife habitat and local farms.
Ensure that special places are here for generations to come. See enclosed envelope.
HeartLandsConservancy.org
29 E. Main Street, Belleville, IL 62220 your can type your address here
