Mary showed us some photos of Urban Sprawl taking place across from her. It is sad that so much of our precious natural habitats are being used for subdivision and mini mall. I feel fortunate to live in an area that is doing something about preserving native environments. A small, but growing very quickly, town to the south of us has started a Wetland restoration and educational site.
Now, I will grant you that this area is not prime real estate as it does frequently flood. No one in their right mind would ever consider building here. (well, stranger things have happened I guess) And maybe this was a tax write off, but the important thing is wild life comes out a winner!
I am not very good at estimating acreage or hectors, but I think this site is close to 30 acres. The north edge borders the Salt Fork River and there are lots of trees. Some native broom and prairie grasses have been planted or have come back on their own. There are several different types of bird houses setting on tall poles scattered across the grounds. Hopefully, there will be more added as they progress. The picture below shows the mound they have built up to be used as a viewing area.
As you can see, it is not open yet. From what I can find out, sometime this spring or early summer is the anticipated date. There will be wetland kits available to teachers for use with their students. These will consist of a birding book, soil testers, fresh water clam identifier and written materials. Of course anyone will be welcome. I do think it is important to reach young people on many different levels to stress the importance of preserving natural lands.
One other area that is very close (2 miles south) is owned by the University of Illinois. I would suppose it is about 20 acres of totally natural woods. Occasional, we see university vehicles pared along the road and now they are in there studying wild life, trees, or something. I go there to see birds and deer, as do many others.
Even though this looks like a road, you have to walk. They have blocked the entrance. Good for them!
So, my positives are that there are programs and areas out there to preserve nature. We just have to look for them and speak out in favor of such projects!
