Program Catalog 2013 by Lake Shelbyville

Lake Shelbyville Program Catalog 2013 Lake Shelbyville Project Office RR 4, Box 128B Shelbyville, IL 62565 (217) 774-3951 lakeshelbyville@usace.army.mil 1

Table of Contents

Brief History of the Lake

Map of Lake Shelbyville

Visitor Regulations

Recreation Area Chart

Campgrounds/Group Picnic Shelters

Beaches/Group Camps

Visitor Center Emergency Numbers

Day Use Areas/Private Special Events Day Use Fees Boat Rafting Policy Addresses

Photos

List of Available Programs: Ranger‐led Programs

Sample Program Planning Sheet

Plant and Animal Friends

The Lake: Then and Now Lake Shelbyville is a reservoir located in Shelby County, Illinois and Moultrie County, Illinois created by damming the Kaskaskia River. The lake's normal surface pool is 11,100 acres (44.9 km2) at an elevation of 600.4 feet (183 m). The area that surrounds the lake is the Shelbyville State Fish and Wildlife Area. The lake is managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the wildlife is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. $57 million was appropriated for the dam and lake project. Ground breaking on the dam occurred May 4, 1963. Filling of the reservoir began August 1, 1970. The lake was officially dedicated September 12, 1970. The dam is 3,025 feet (922.0 m) long and 108 feet (32.9 m) tall with a normal pool height 17 feet (5.2 m) below the top. Bordering the lake are two state parks: Wolf Creek State Park and Eagle Creek State Park. Lake Shelbyville's shoreline is heavily wooded and deeper than other major lakes in Illinois. Man-made beaches are located at Dam West (Shelbyville), Wilborn Creek, Wolf Creek State Park and Sullivan Beach. Aside from the main channel of the lake are many coves, perfect for fishing. There are full-service marinas, resorts, and campgrounds on the lake. There are three full-service marinas in business: Findlay, Lithia Springs and Sullivan Marina. Findlay Marina is located north of Marker 5 just past the bridge on the west side of the lake. Sullivan Marina and Campground is located 4 miles south of Sullivan and includes hotel suites. Lithia Springs Marina is located on the southern end of the lake. All three offer slip rentals, boat service and sales, and a store for supplies.

Visitor Regulations GENERAL The operation of powerless flight devices including, but not limited to sail planes, gliders, balloons, body kites, and hang gliders is permitted. Powerless flight devices shall not be operated on any part of the dam, roads, bridges, or over beaches or other heavy use areas. The use of all kite tubes, defined as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;towable inflatable devices designed to be airborneâ&#x20AC;?, are banned from use on Corps managed waters throughout the St. Louis District. All waste water must be collected in a container and disposed of in authorized disposal facilities. In primitive areas where sanitary facilities are not provided, human waste must be buried 100 feet from any body of water and/or campsite. All motorized vehicles operated on roadways on public land administered by the Corps of Engineers must be licensed and operated by licensed drivers.

PICNIC AREAS Picnic areas, designated by the operations manager and marked with appropriate signs, close at 10:00 p.m. Other areas, which are not posted, will remain open to public use.

BEACHES Beach users must stay within the designated swim area. Alcohol is prohibited on the sand and water portions of all swimming beaches and other nearby facilities normally associated with beaches that are marked with appropriate signs. These facilities may include, but are not limited to: picnic areas, parking lots, picnic shelters, etc. All glass and other dangerous objects, including but not limited to lawn darts and horseshoes, are prohibited on the sand and water portions of swimming beaches. To avoid unsanitary conditions, all food, pets, and waste materials are prohibited on the sand and water portion of swimming beaches and other posted areas.

CAMPING A responsible person must register and pay fees within a reasonable time after a camp is established or when the fee booth opens. Check out time is 4 PM. Reservation sites will be available for occupancy when vacant, but not later than 5 PM. Single capacity sites are limited to one recreational vehicle or trailer and three tents. If no recreational vehicle or trailer is on the site, a maximum of four tents is permitted. Double sites are limited to two recreational vehicles or trailers and six tents. If no recreational vehicles or trailers are on the site, a maximum of eight tents is permitted. The maximum number of people permitted to stay overnight on a single capacity site is eight. Up to sixteen people are permitted to stay overnight on double capacity sites. Campground roads and facilities are to be used by registered campers and their visitors only. Interfering with or restricting the use of the shoreline by boaters or other lake users is prohibited. All wheeled vehicles, including but not limited to mopeds, mini-bikes, boat trailers, motorcycles, and other vehicles, must be kept on camping pads registered to vehicle users or in designated parking areas. All motor vehicles must be parked lengthwise on the pad, except at sites with irregularly shaped pads. 5

IDNR = Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Available

USACE = U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

WMA = Wildlife Management Area

SP = State Park

= Wheelchair Accessible

C = Concessionaire

ď&#x201A;˘ = Service / Facility 6

Recreation Areas CAMPGROUNDS Campsite Reservations are available by phone (877) 444-6777, internet www.Recreation.gov, or in person at campground fee booths. Campsite reservations must be made at least 4 days in advance and may be made up to 6 months in advance. FORREST W. "BO" WOOD RECREATION AREA GPS Coordinates: 39°33’12.06”N 88°36’46.59”W 138 sites/71 sites reservable, 3 double sites, 36 full hookup sites South of Sullivan, IL on Route 32, 2.6 miles: then west .5 miles. Camping Area Open: April 18 - October 27 Camping Fee: $18-$24 per site per night COON CREEK RECREATION AREA GPS Coordinates: 39°27’12.20”N 88°45’27”W 197 sites/119 sites reservable, 13 double sites, 8 full hookup sites South of Findlay, IL 2.8 miles; then west .2 mile; then south 1.7 miles. Camping Area Open: May 2 - October 14 Camping Fee: $18 - $24 per site per night LITHIA SPRINGS RECREATION AREA GPS Coordinates: 39°26’2.53”N 88°45’37.32”W 112 sites/69 sites reservable, 6 double sites, 8 full hookup sites East of Shelbyville, IL on Route 16, 3.2 miles; then north 2.1 miles; then west 1.4 miles. Camping Area Open: April 18 - October 27 Camping Fee: $18-$24 per site per night LONE POINT RECREATION AREA GPS Coordinates: 39°27’20.14”N 88°44’18.24”W 91 sites/63 sites reservable, 2 double sites, 7 tent sites South of Findlay, IL 2.8 miles; then east .5 mile; then south .8 mile; then east .5 mile; then south .5 mile. Camping Area Open: May 16 - September 3 Camping Fee: $16-$24 per site per night OPOSSUM CREEK RECREATION AREA *Features New Renovations* GPS Coordinates: 39°26’52.79”N 88°46’29.42”W 68 sites/65 sites reservable, 1 double site, 12 full hookup sites, 18 tent sites 11 w/ power. North of Shelbyville, IL on Route 128, 3.4 miles; then east .9 mile; then south .5 mile; then east 1.2 mile. Camping Area Open: May 16 - September 3 Camping Fee: $16-$24 per site per night Lake Shelbyville’s Opossum Creek Recreation Area features new renovations: 12 full-hookup campsites, enlarged campsites to provide additional parking and living space, campsite timbers and added rock, new main shower facility, new playground, and tent sites with power. These improvements have been made to accommodate and provide campers a more comfortable atmosphere.

GROUP PICNIC SHELTERS Reservations for the picnic shelter at Dam West Ramp Point are available by calling (877) 444-6777 and on the Internet at www.Recreation.gov. Reservations for this shelter must be made at least 4 days in advance, may be made up to 1 year in advance, and require a non-refundable $30 reservation fee. The Dam West Large Group Shelter may be reserved in person at the Lake Shelbyville Project Office or by calling (217) 774-3951, ext 7020. Reservations for the Dam West Large Shelter are available beginning on the first working day in January and requires a $50 non-refundable reservation fee. Group picnic shelters located in East Spillway, Dam East, Dam West Overlook, Dam West Beach, Lone Point, Bo Wood, Sullivan Beach, and Camp Camfield are not reservable and are available on a first come-first served basis. 7

BEACHES DAM WEST RECREATION AREA GPS Coordinates: 39°24’57.85”N 88°47’3.93”W East of Shelbyville, IL on Route 16, 1 mile; then northwest across main dam 1 mile.

SULLIVAN BEACH RECREATION AREA GPS Coordinates: 39°31’53”N 88°36’31”W South of Sullivan, IL on Route 32, 4.7 miles. WILBORN CREEK RECREATION AREA GPS Coordinates: 39°34’27.62”N 88°42’19.22”W Southeast of Bethany, IL on Route 121, 2.5 miles; then south 4 miles; then west .5 mile. Beaches Open: Day Use Fees:

May 25 - September 8 8 AM until sunset See Day Use Fees section on this same page.

GROUP CAMPS Reservations (except for Okaw Bluff) are available by phone (877) 444-6777, internet www.Recreation.gov, or in person at campground fee booths. Group Camp reservations must be made at least 4 days in advance and may be made up to 1 year in advance. LONE POINT RECREATION AREA GPS Coordinates: 39°27’20.14”N 88°44’18.24”W South of Findlay, IL 2.8 miles; then east .5 mile; then south .8 mile; then east .5 mile; then south .5 mile. Group Camp Open: May 16 - September 3 Group Camp Fee: Walleye 10 sites $160 per night Mayapple 8 sites $128 per night WILBORN CREEK RECREATION AREA GPS Coordinates: 39°34’27.62”N 88°42’19.22”W Southeast of Bethany, IL on Route 121, 2.5 miles; then south 4 miles; then west .5 mile. Group Camp Open: May 16 - September 3 Group Camp Fee: $120 per night Wilborn Creek Group Camp Reservations are available by phone (217) 774-3951. OKAW BLUFF GROUP CAMP GPS Coordinates: 39°31’52.45”N 88°36’25.93”W South of Sullivan, IL on Route 32, 4.7 miles. This area contains two houses, which can accommodate a maximum of 34 people. Facilities include AC, bunk beds (no linens provided), kitchen with utensils, showers, ice machines, picnic tables, outside grills, recreational facilities, and meeting facilities. Group Camp Area Open: April 5 - November 24 Group Camp Fee: $30 Administrative Fee Stone House: $130 per day Frame House: $130 per day Meeting Room (does not include use of kitchen) $75 per day Okaw Bluff Group Camp Reservations Available by phone (217) 774-3122. These reservations require a non-refundable $30 administrative fee and must be made at least one week in advance. Telephone reservations begin at 8 AM on the first Monday in December. Walk-in reservations are taken at the Lake Shelbyville Project Office beginning on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in December. Reservations available in three packages: 8 AM Monday - 5 PM Tuesday 8 AM Wednesday - 5 PM Thursday 8 AM Friday - 5 PM Sunday Packages may be combined but not split. Reservations for use of meeting rooms for one-day meetings may be made starting on the first working day in January. Evening use of the meeting room is not available unless in conjunction with an overnight stay.

DAY USE AREAS DAM EAST RECREATION AREA GPS Coordinates: 39°24’21.89”N 88°46’18.69”W East of Shelbyville, IL on Route 16, 1 mile SPILLWAY RECREATION AREA GPS Coordinates: 39°24’20.33”N 88°46’57.04”W East of Shelbyville, IL on Route 16, .5 mile

FISHING TOURNAMENTS AND OTHER PRIVATE SPECIAL EVENTS Reservations for fishing tournaments and other private special events, such as weddings, business parties, etc. may be made in person or by calling the Lake Shelbyville Project Office at (217) 774-3951. Reservations for fishing tournaments can be made by telephone beginning at 8 a.m. on the last Monday in September. These reservations require a non-refundable $50 administrative fee and must be made at least one week in advance.

Day Use Fees User fees are charged for the use of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers public beaches and certain boat ramps. A $3.00 per day boat launch fee is charged at the following boat ramps: Bo Wood Lithia Springs Whitley Creek Coon Creek Lone Point Wilborn Creek Dam West Opossum Creek A $1.00 per person per day fee is charged at the following beaches: Dam West, Sullivan, and Wilborn Creek. The total Day Use Fee paid shall not exceed $4.00 per day per vehicle. No Day Use Fees are charged for children under 13 years of age or persons camped in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds. Annual passes are available for $30.00. Golden Age and Golden Access cardholders and those with America The Beautiful, Senior, and Access Passes receive a 50% reduction in all Day Use Fees and on the purchase of an annual pass. Annual passes can be purchased at the Lake Shelbyville Project Office, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds, and the West Okaw Wildlife Management Office.

Lake Shelbyville Boat Rafting Policy Up to 5 boats are allowed in a raft without requiring a special use permit. No more than 50 people will be allowed on any raft of boats that consists of 5 boats or less. The required distance between each raft of boats is 150 feet. A Special Use Permit, which is free of charge, is required for rafts of boats consisting of more than 5 boats and up to 20 boats. A permit can be requested no more than 30 days in advance. A primary and an alternate rafting location can be chosen when applying for a permit. For more information or to obtain a boat rafting special use permit call 217-774-3951 Ext 2.

Addresses Lake Shelbyville Project Office U.S. Army Corps of Engineers GPS Coordinates: 39°24’25.77”N 88°46’28.8”W RR 4, Box 128B Shelbyville, IL 62565 (217) 774-3951 Email: LakeShelbyville@usace.army.mil

Lake Shelbyville Fish & Wildlife Management Area Illinois Department of Natural Resources GPS Coordinates: 39°37’55”N 88°42’29”W 10 RR 1, Box 42A Bethany, IL 61914 (217) 665-3112

24-Hour Lake Information Recording (217) 774-2020 Report Non-Emergency Maintenance Items (217) 774-3951 Ext 5 Eagle Creek State Park Illinois Department of Natural Resources GPS Coordinates: 39°30’33.68”N 88°43’4.92”W RR 1, Box 198B Findlay, IL 62534 (217) 756-8260 Wolf Creek State Park Illinois Department of Natural Resources GPS Coordinates: 39°29’14”N 88°40’43”W RR 1, Box 99 Windsor, IL 61957 (217) 459-2831

Lithia Springs Marina GPS Coordinates: 39°25’37.19”N 88°45’36.02”W (217) 774-4121 Findlay Marina GPS Coordinates: 39°31’21.01”N 88°42’39.35”W (217) 756-8595 Sullivan Marina and Campground GPS Coordinates: 39°32’17”N 88°36’29”W (217) 728-7338

Visitor Center The visitor center opened in May 2011 and is located within the Dam East Recreation Area. It includes a 2,500 square foot exhibit room, grand lobby with information station, sales area, meeting room, resource library, free wireless internet, outdoor patio with covered observation platforms, outdoor classroom and butterfly house and garden. Visitor Center Hours: November - April Monday - Friday May - September Sunday - Thursday Friday & Saturday October Monday – Sunday

9:30 AM – 4:30 PM 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

To reserve the visitor center meeting room and/or the outdoor classroom for public or private events call 217-774-3951 ext 2.

Emergency Numbers Area Code (217) Park Ranger: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sheriff: Shelby County Sheriff: Moultrie County Shelbyville Ambulance Shelby Memorial Hospital Fire: Shelbyville Fire & Rescue: Sullivan

774-3951 774-3941 728-4386 774-5519 774-3961 774-2121 728-4341

A Few Photos

A Few More Photos

List of Available Programs To make a reservation, or to request further information, please call the US Army Corps of Engineers-Lake Shelbyville at 217-774-3951.

RANGER-LED PROGRAMS This list of ranger-led programs represents what the US Army Corps of Engineers-Lake Shelbyville Rangers do best. Our Rangers have the experience and specialized knowledge to make these activities especially rewarding for your group. If you would like the lesson plans in advance, to prepare yourself and your group or so that you can lead the activities yourself offsite, you can request electronic copies when calling to make a reservation.

Archaeology Discovering the Past This is an outdoor activity in which participants will learn about the nature and value of archaeology, and then conduct a mock-excavation in a baby pool. 1 HOUR 3RD GRADE AND UP

Dendrology Trees as Habitat This is an outdoor activity in which participants will learn about trees as habitat for small animals and insects, and then collect observations from trees in the field. 2 HOURS 8TH GRADE AND UP 13

Ecology Watershed Model This is an indoor activity, using a scale model, in which participants will learn about “watersheds,” pollution, pollution sources, culminating in a demonstration. 1 HOUR 2ND GRADE-8TH GRADE

Hydrology Water Safety Survivor This is an outdoor activity in which participants will learn about the importance of water safety, and then compete in a 5-part obstacle course relay race. 1 HOUR 1ST GRADE-5TH GRADE

Zoology Skull Detectives This is an indoor activity in which participants will examine animal skull specimens, and then learn to interpret what the features of those skulls mean. 1 HOUR 6TH GRADE AND UP Snakes and Turtles This is an indoor activity, using live snakes and turtles, in which participants will learn about the role of snakes and turtles and their unique anatomical features. 1 HOUR PRE-KINDERGARDEN-12TH GRADE Gone Fishin’ This is an outdoor activity in which participants will learn about the many species of fish in Lake Shelbyville and the necessary fishing equipment, and then practice proper fishing technique. 1 HOUR 3RD GRADE-8TH GRADE Oh Deer This is an indoor activity in which participants will learn the biology of the whitetail deer, using a hide and antlers as a tactile experience. 1 HOUR 5TH GRADE AND UP

RANGER-LED PROGRAMS-EVENING ACTIVITIES Although the overwhelming majority of our programming happens in daylight hours, we do have 2 ranger-led evening activities. If your group was to spend a night in one of our campgrounds, consider reserving one of these. Bears in the Sky This is an indoor activity in which participants will examine the Roman and the Iroquois stories of the Big and Little Dippers, and then create a story for their favorite constellation. 1 HOUR 5TH GRADE AND UP Spiders This is an outdoor activity in which participants will learn about the role of spiders and their unique anatomical features, followed by a “flashlight spider hunt.” 1 HOUR 3RD GRADE AND UP 14

TEACHER-LED PROGRAMS This list of teacher-led programs is a collection of activities which require neither extensive knowledge nor expensive uncommon materials, and can be done without the help of a US Army Corps Ranger. These activities can be done in preparation for your visit, as an extension of what you learned during you visit, or any time a group of participants is interested. Although the activities on this list are intended to be done independently, they can be incorporated in your visit (thereby lead by a Ranger) if you choose.

Communication Skills Maps Without Words This is an indoor activity in which participants will learn to communicate information, as early settlers did, by drawing maps. 1 HOUR 3RD GRADE AND UP Create a Park This is an outdoor activity in which participants will use the surrounding landscape to create a miniature park, and then “sell” it to the group. 1-2 HOURS 5TH GRADE AND UP Picture Framing This is an outdoor activity in which pairs of participants will carefully observe their surroundings, and then relay that information to a partner for sketching. 1 HOUR 5TH GRADE AND UP Painted Lodges This is an indoor activity in which participants will learn that our shelters/dwellings represent our environment, and then design their own shelter. 1 HOUR 5TH GRADE AND UP

Dendrology Adopt a Tree This is an outdoor activity in which participants will find the “perfect tree,” imagine its life story, and then share their work with the group. 1 HOUR 5TH GRADE AND UP Meet a Tree This is an outdoor activity in which blindfolded participants will be led to a tree, explore it without the use of sight, and then try to find it again after removing the blindfold. 1 HOUR 5TH GRADE AND UP A Rottin’ Place This is an outdoor activity in which participants will learn how decomposing trees support the ecology, and then collect observations from fallen trees in the field. 2 HOURS 6TH GRADE AND UP Tree Detectives This is an outdoor activity in which participants will explore the characteristics of different species of trees, and then learn to identify local trees. 2 HOURS 5TH GRADE AND UP Tree ID This is an outdoor activity in which participants will discuss identifying trees, and then compete in a photo scavenger hunt of local tree species. 1 HOUR 5TH GRADE AND UP 15

Ecology Perspectives of Wilderness 16 This is an indoor activity in which participants learn how “wilderness” is portrayed in the media, and then examine actual advertisements to understand the effects. 1 HOUR 9TH GRADE AND UP Web of Life This is an indoor activity in which participants will learn about the interdependence of animals at Lake Shelbyville, and then complete a short activity to illustrate the point. 1 HOUR 3RD GRADE AND UP Hiking Scavenger Hunt This is an outdoor activity in which participants will learn about Shelbyville’s Dacey Trail by a completing a walking scavenger hunt. 1HOUR KINDERGARDEN-5TH GRADE What’s That Habitat? This is an indoor activity in which participants will learn about the basic needs shared by every living creature, and then design a habitat for their favorite animal. 1 HOUR 5TH GRADE AND UP

Hydrology The Long Haul This is an outdoor activity in which participants will learn about the importance of water, and then compete in a “water relay race.” 1 HOUR 1ST GRADE-5TH GRADE

Zoology Bird Family Album This is an indoor activity in which participants will learn about the life of local birds, and then produce an album of drawings representing the life of a bird. 1 HOUR 4TH GRADE AND UP House Hunting This is an indoor and outdoor activity in which participants will learn about bird nests, and then use natural materials to make a nest. 2 HOURS 5TH GRADE AND UP Food Web This is an indoor activity in which participants will learn about the interconnectedness of animal species, and then examine local food chains. 1 HOUR 3RD GRADE AND UP Butterfly Life-cycle This is an indoor activity in which participants will about the stages in the life of a butterfly. (In summer, it can be paired with a walk through the Visitor Center Butterfly House.) 1 HOUR 3RD GRADE AND UP Camouflage Critters This is an outdoor activity in which participants will learn about animal camouflage, and then use clay to make a “critter” for the group game. 1 HOUR KINDERGARDEN AND UP Home Fish Home This is an outdoor activity in which participants will learn about ideal habitat for fish, relating it to the habitat in which they live, and then play a short a short, active game. 1 HOUR 1ST GRADE-5TH GRADE 16

Plan Your Visit TIME AM

ACTIVITY GROUP 1

GROUP 2

GROUP 3

GROUP 4

LUNCH

START TIME

END TIME

LOCATION

TIME

ACTIVITY

GROUP 1

GROUP 2

GROUP 3

GROUP 4

Use this SAMPLE to plan your day with the US Army Corps of Engineers-Lake Shelbyville. We have a number of available programs, of varying durations, for students K-12. Filling your day with fun and education is our mission. When you are ready to make a reservation, have this planning sheet ready and please call the US Army Corps of Engineers-Lake Shelbyville at 217-774-3951. 17

At Lake Shelbyville You Might See... PURPLE CONEFLOWER

WHITE-TAILED DEER

native to the Illinois prairie, this late-summer bloomer has rosy-purple daisy-like flowers and is drought tolerant. The central cone has neatly arranged prickly spines that enhance the flower's appearance. It has an upright habit and grows 2' to 3' in height. The blooms are among the most vivid and beautiful of all of our native wildflowers.

The white-tailed deer is tan or brown in the summer and grayish brown in winter. It has white on its throat, around its eyes and nose, on its stomach and on the underside of its tail. The male has antlers. Males weigh between 150 and 300 pounds and females weigh between 90 and 200 pounds. A deer's home range is usually less the a square mile.

AMERICAN TOAD

WILD TURKEY

Inhabit virtually all forest and prairie habitats in Illinois, including in urban areas. Adults can be found under logs, rocks, and surface debris even in extremely dry microhabitats. Diet includes insects and earthworms. Breeding occurs from mid -April to early May when sustained high-pitched trills of males are heard from almost every aquatic habitat.

The wild turkey is a large ground-dwelling bird that is 36-44 inches in length. It has a large, fan-shaped tail; long, stocky pink or gray legs; short, rounded wings; a bare head and neck and a small, down curving bill. The male wild turkey has a tuft of feathers called a beard on his chest and a red wattle (a fleshy lobe of skin that hangs from the neck or chin.)

NEW ENGLAND ASTER

EASTERN FOX SQUIRREL The eastern fox squirrel is the largest tree squirrel. It is 10-15 inches in length. It has three distinct color patterns. In the northeastern part of its range, it is gray above with yellowish undersides. In the western part of its range, it is gray above and rust colored on its undersides. In the southern part of its range, it is black with a white stripe on its face.

The New England aster graces our prairies with its rich purple flowers from late summer into autumn. It's rather large, growing to 4' or 5' in height with hairy stems and leaves. Each plant has many flowers, 1-1/2" to 2" across, consisting of 40 to 50 rays surrounding a yellow center.

Or Maybe A... GREAT BLUE HERON

WILD GERANIUM This wild geranium is a woodland perennial which typically occurs in woods, thickets, and shaded roadside areas. Forms a mound of foliage that grows to 24" tall and 18" wide. Features 1 1/4" diameter, pink to lilac, saucer-shaped, upward facing, 5-petaled flowers in spring for a period of 67 weeks. Deeply cut, palmate 5-lobed, dark green leaves up to 6" across.

The great blue heron is the largest heron in North America. It stands three to four feet tall and has a wingspan of almost six feet. It has blue-gray feathers on most of its body and a plume of feathers on its chest and back. It has a long, pointed yellow bill and long legs. Adults have white on the top of their heads and long black plumes above their eyes.

SUGAR MAPLE One of the best-known trees of North America. Its five-lobed leaves grow densely on an upright oval tree that can reach a height of 70'. Tiny yellowish-green flowers appear in spring before the leaves emerge. The tree's winged fruit, matures in the fall. Autumn color is highly variable, ranging from yellow or orange to red, but is always outstanding.

CARDINAL The cardinal is about eight inches in length. It has a black mask on its face, a crest on its head and a short cone-shaped bill. The mask on the female is usually lighter than the mask on the male. Cardinals are known for their bright red color but only the male is red. The female is a dull brown or olive color with dull red on her wings and tail.

RED-TAILED HAWK The red-tailed hawk is 18 -25 inches in length with a wingspan of four feet. It weighs two to four pounds. It is dark brown to gray brown on its back and on the top of its wings. It has light brown or cream undersides and a cinnamon colored neck and chest. It has a dark band across its belly and a broad, round, rusty red tail. The female is larger than the male.

EASTERN REDBUD Pea-like purple-pink flowers bloom all along the branches and even sprout from the trunk of Eastern redbud. Unique heartshaped leaves and picturesque branching habit are attractive too. Growing to 20' to 30' in height, this ornamental native tree has a rounded habit with branches usually quite close to the ground.