Summer 2018 Commonfields Quarterly Newsletter

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Commonfields Summer 2018


Three Major Conservation Sucesses! Board of Directors Robert J. Hilgenbrink, Chair E. William Reichert Vice-Chair Ronda Latina, 2nd Vice-Chair Stephen Parrish, Treasurer Robert C. Nelson, Secretary Bill Boardman, Conservation Chair Dawnesha Johnson, External Chair William Armstrong Brenda Chandler Robert Knobeloch Nancy Larson Charles Meier Cliff Schuette

Managing Team

Mary Vandevord, President & CEO Ed Weilbacher, Vice President Janet Buchanan, Project Manager Sarah Vogt, Project Manager Kim O’Bryan, Development & Events Director Laura L. Lyon, Special Projects Coordinator Steve Widowski, Special Projects Coordinator/Wildlife Biologist Michael Andreas, Agricultural Engineer Emily Kinard, Project Specialist 406 E Main Street Mascoutah, IL 62258 www.heartlandsconservancy.org info@heartlandsconservancy.org HLC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax deductible.

Cover: Buttonbush flower at our new Kathleen Scanlan Conservation Area in Washington County, IL

2018 is shaping up to be the year of conservation success in southwestern Illinois. We are proud to share with you three incredible successes for natural areas in our region - all funded by the generosity and dedication to nature in Illinois by the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation and our amazing members and donors.

collaborative restoration plan.

Kathleen Scanlan Conservation Area Venedy, IL In April, HeartLands Conservancy (HLC) purchased 140 acres of mature bottomland hardwood forest on the Kaskaskia River in Washington County. The natural area is a haven for bald eagles, cerulean warblers, otters, bats, and numerous creatures that need substantial forest blocks for nesting, breeding, and survival. We are proud to say that this block of forest, which is part of the state’s largest contiguous bottomland hardwood forest, is the first in the area that will be open to the public. Stay tuned for visits! This acquisition is funded by the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation through the Land Acquisition grant program.

Bohm Woods Nature Preserve Buffer Edwardsville, IL For the past year and a half, HLC has been working with the City of Edwardsville to acquire a buffer for Bohm Woods State Nature Preserve the last high quality old growth forest in Madison County.

In May, Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation pledged a $986,290 Land Acquisition grant to the City to purchase 70 acres of buffer. The City will own, manage, and restore the land, and HLC will hold a conservation easement to ensure it stays in a natural state forever.

Poag Sand Prairie Edwardsville, IL

The Illinois Chorus Frog is a StateThreatened Species that only inhabits the sandy soils of the American Bottom. (They have been observed along the Illinois River as well).

Kathleen Scanlan Conservation Area

The elusive frog lives much of its life underground, “swimming” through the sand. They emerge in early spring to hop to breeding ponds for mating. The frogs need sandy soils and benefit from the historic sand prairie habitat. In a joint effort with The Nature Conservancy in Illinois, HLC is working to protect breeding ponds and habitat for the frogs. The Nature Conservancy, as of this writing, is about to close on a 10-acre property with one of the breeding ponds. The property will soon be donated to HeartLands Conservancy for restoration and long-term management. SIUE Biological Sciences will assist with species monitoring and restoration efforts, as well. HeartLands also received a Public Amenities and Events grant from Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation to install public amenities and host a work day. Funding for the acquisition comes from the Illinois Energy Community Foundation Land Acquisition Grant to The Nature Conservancy and Tristar Development (via an incidental take).

HLC is assisting the city, leading a HeartLands Conservancy

Bohm Woods Nature Preserve Illinois Chorus Frogs Photo: Edward Prenzler

Bohm Woods Nature Preserve

Mary Vandevord President & CEO

Commonfields Summer 2018

Kathleen Scanlan Conservation Area

Salamander near Poag Sand Prairie Photo: Edward Prenzler


“The Earth has its music for those who will listen...” The line above is from the song “The Magic of Sound” by Reginald Vincent Holmes. Holmes uses this simple piece of music to extoll the many auditory marvels of the natural world. And while he never mentions them by name, we’re pretty sure that he was thinking about frogs because frogs are surely the troubadours of Spring. If he could have been at our Frog Frolic on March 31 at Arlington Wetlands, we feel Mr. Holmes would have been inspired to add a verse just for the frogs. We had a delightfully damp and squishy time exploring the world of frogs through the expert help of naturalist Paul Shetley and the amazing habitat of Arlington Wetlands. This frog frolic began as many of our

treks do, with information from experts like Paul to spark our interest and curiosity and make us slightly anxious to venture across the floating boardwalk to the sand prairie and beyond the wetland. Paul gave us pointers on frog i.d.—the physical appearance of each type of frog and, of course, their distinctive “music”. Then, a fun-loving crew of about 30 youth and adults, armed with flashlights, waders and enthusiasm, headed out, hoping to meet some frogs and hear their croaks. And nature came through. A few found tiny tadpoles and one BIG bullfrog tadpole—the size of an adult’s palm! Very faintly, we even heard a few peeps and trills. And while most of the action happened pond side, Paul also talked about the sand prairie, the ground which surrounds this 83-acre preserve. The sandy soil of this little patch of prairie made walking on that soggy evening a lot easier, but its value goes far beyond our momentary convenience. The sand prairie, of which only a few exist along the Mississippi, Illinois, Green, and Kankakee rivers in Illinois, is the only habitat that is capable of supporting the Illinois Chorus Frog. The state-threatened Illinois Chorus Frog requires sandy soil for burrowing

and they burrow for most of their lives. Spring is their breeding season and the only time they are active above ground. So the rarity of sand prairie habitat places them at great risk. As development

Looking for Cricket Frogs in the wetland.

moves in, the Chorus Frog gets moved out. This little frog and its survival are part of the reason preserves such as Arlington Wetlands are so valuable and why we at HeartLands put time, effort and funding into sustaining them. So we love it when the public—especially those who represent the future of conservation— take an interest. Our Frog Frolic was all about fun—right down to the frog cookies everyone took home, but there was a lot of learning going on, too—learning that happens from that magical place of natural curiosity. Kids who could have been sitting in front of a lighted screen on a Saturday night were, instead, “illuminated” by the cool air outdoors, the marvels of nature, the joy of discovery and—yes—even the music of frogs. We could have told them they were engaging in biology, conservation and Earth science….but they were doing fine all on their own. And for some of them, the connection between this rich natural lab and further study will take hold. Someday one of them may be where Paul was—at the front of the crowd, explaining the wonders of nature, the importance of conservation, and how to listen to the music of the Earth. Special thanks to Tony Oplt for helping us with this article. This event was made possible through a Public Amenities and Events grant from Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation and Wells Fargo Gives.

New picnic and trash facilities at Arlington Wetlands via Public Amenities and Events Grant from Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation


quality improvements. The results of the survey will help HeartLands Conservancy and Madison County Planning & Development identify funding sources and programs for landowners to participate in. Contact Janet Buchanan for information: janet. buchanan@heartlandsconservancy.org or 618-566-4451 ext 25

UPCOMING (FREE) EVENTS Public Open House - Lower Silver Creek Watershed Plan

Provide input on draft watershed plan recommendations for agriculture and urban areas to support water quality and flood mitigation goals in eastern St. Clair County. June 20, 2018, 6-8 pm Shiloh Senior Center, 7 Park Dr, Shiloh, IL 62269

Signal Hill Outdoor Classroom Volunteer Day

Help with weeding, planting milkweed, and removing invasive species. June 23, 2018, 8 am to noon Park at end of Signal Park Ln next to W Belleville Bike Trail Belleville, IL

Resilient Communities Program Highlights

Best Management Practices (BMP) Tour of Silver Creek Watershed Tour BMPs installed in Upper Silver Creek watershed in Madison County, such as waterways, streambank stabilization, and ponds.

Shiloh Comprehensive Plan Adopted HLC recently assisted the Village of Shiloh with an update to the Comprehensive Plan - a document that guides development for the next 10 years.

July 13, 2018, 9 am - 12 pm Departs from Troy Tri-Township Park, 410 Wickliffe St, Troy, IL 62294 RSVP to Janet Buchanan: janet.buchanan@heartlandsconservancy.org

3rd Annual Jingle Hike Challenge November 22, 2018 - January 1, 2019 Locations to be announced

Thank You to Our Corporate Sponsors (as of 6/6/18) POST OAK

RED OAK

CHINKAPIN OAK

Wood River Refinery

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HeartLands Conservancy

PIN OAK

Alpine Shop Belleville Optometry, Ltd. Clinton County Soil & Water Conservation District Davey Resource Group, a Division of Davey Tree Expert Co. Farm Credit Illinois Gori Julian & Associates Greensfelder Attorneys At Law Volkert, Inc

Commonfields Summer 2018

After many hours of public meetings, planning commission review and input, and data analyses, the Village Board adopted the plan in early June! The updated plan focuses on connecting and creating new Village greenspaces, embracing and supporting the new medical district along I-64, and planning for new growth near Scott Air Force Base. Way to go, Shiloh!

Alton Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan HeartLands hosted an open house on the draft recommendations in April 2018. Along the way, a committee of residents has been guiding the direction of the plan. The plan focuses on connecting the City’s numerous parks, Mississippi River, neighborhoods, downtown businesses, new train station, and other destinations throughout Alton. Upon completion (within the next month), the City can use the plan to apply for grant funding from state, federal, and private entities to construct the facilities.

Mascoutah Scheve Park Plan Kicks Off HLC is assisting the City of Mascoutah with a Master Plan for Scheve Park the largest and most used park in the City. So far, residents have completed a survey about the needs of the park, attended a workshop to help plan out different facilities, and a committee has helped guide the vision of the park. Over the summer, a draft illustrative park plan will be completed for review by the community.

Survey open for Cahokia Creek Watershed Landowners Landowners and farmers in the Cahokia Creek Watershed are asked to complete a survey about potential erosion control and water HeartLands Conservancy Commonfields Summer 2018

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What’s Bloomin’ At Signal Hill Outdoor Classroom? Serviceberry (amelanchier spp.)

Yarrow (Achillea millefollium var.) Rocky Mountain Bee Plant (cleome serrulata)

The Signal Hill Outdoor Classroom is a part of HLC’s Lots of Love Initiative - a program that aims to convert vacant lots to native habitat. The goal is to improve the quality of the environment while simultaneously improving the quality of life and appearance of a neighborhood. The outdoor classroom is located off the West Belleville Bike Trail, just east of the Signal Hill Elementary track (closest address is 22 Signal Park Lane). The project is a collaboration between the City of Belleville, HeartLands Conservancy, St. Clair County Greenspace Foundation, Blessed Sacrament School, and numerous volunteers, scout troops, and schools. Funding support has come from Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation through a K-12 Pollinator Habitat Grant, American Water Environmental Grant, Clif Bar Family Foundation, the Donna Dougherty Family, and donations from many individuals.

Cornflower (centaurea cyanus) Daisy Fleabane

Field to Fork is a six course farm-totable dinner prepared by local chefs with regionally sourced ingredients. All ingredients are picked within 72 hours of the event, making it one of the freshest meals around!

Purple Coneflower

Slider Turtle Photo by Clare Goelz

Common Morel (morchella esculentoides)

In its 9th year, Field to Fork has raised more than $100,000 for preservation of farmland, natural areas, and wildlife habitat in southwestern Illinois.

Roughleaf Dogwood (cornus drummondii)

The evening includes raffles, silent and live auctions, trivia, music, and of course, FOOD!

Many volunteers have assisted with this project and more days will be scheduled . The next work day is June 23, 2018 from 8 am to noon.

Space is limited and we’re already halfway sold out, get your tickets soon!

Join the Facebook group to follow along.

Lanceleaf Coreopsis

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Plains Coreopsis

Golden Alexander (zizia aurea)

HeartLands Conservancy Commonfields Summer 2018

$100/person or $700/table of 8

2018 FEATURED CHEFS

Saturday, July 21, 2018

Josh Charles | Winslow’s Home

Doors open, amuses & cocktails 5:00 pm

Tim Faltus | Bellecourt Manor Jesse Mendica | Olive + Oak Samantha Mitchell | Farmtruk

Courses begin 6:15 pm Bellecourt Manor

David Sandusky | BEAST Craft BBQ

225 East A Street Belleville, IL 62220

Adam Washburn | 1818 Chophouse

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

ENTERTAINMENT Emcee | Mike Roberts Music | Main Street Remnants

www.heartlandsconservancy.org or call Kim O’Bryan, Director of Development & Events at 618-566-4451 x 10

HeartLands Conservancy Commonfields Summer 2018

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WHITE OAK SOCIETY

Our Members Make a Difference! We are proud to say that our members make southwestern Illinois a better place. Whether they are planting trees, preserving their own natural area or farm, cleaning up a park, spreading the word about conservation, or just participating in one of our events, your impacts echo across our region. Thank you, members, for all you do!

William & Christine Boardman Dale Brockmann Donald Dahlmann & Ronda Latina Jeanne Dahlmann Donna Dougherty Pat Fahey Thomas & Marilyn Fahey Leonard C. Goodman Robert J. & Donna Hilgenbrink Jeffrey P & Molly King Dennis & Jo Kirkham Cheryl Kowalczyk Nancy Larson & William O’Hara Robert C. & Katherine Nelson Charles Poettker E. William & Catherine Reichert Cliff & Christine Schuette Glen & Linda Schuetz David & Lisa Tiedemann John & Lynne Troyan Ed & Kathi Weilbacher *As of 6/6/2018

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29th Annual Dinner Kids in Nature At the 2018 Annual Dinner, we held tours of the in-progress Signal Hill Outdoor Classroom, discussed HLC’s accomplishments from 2017, learned about how nature can help children with sensory disorders from Kristy Deguire of DG2 Design, and awarded three organizations/people doing great work for conservation in our region: City of Belleville, Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, and Gene Meuer, founder of Meuer Brothers Tree Service. We also raised money for our 2018 programs and enjoyed a beer tasting from 4204 Main Street Brewing Co. Photos by Vic Lovan


406 East Main Street Mascoutah, IL 62258 (618) 566-4451

PRSRT STD NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID ZIP CODE 62258 PERMIT NO 7 Address service requested:

www.HeartLandsConservancy.org

Photo: Prairie Trillium at Bohm Woods Nature Preserve (credit Mary Vandevord)


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