Friends of the Sangamon Valley

Our friends at Grand Prairie Friends in Urbana, IL., are having a native plant sale! The SALE STARTS TODAY at 8AM. Are you ready? Get Your List Ready for Online Opening on Sunday, May 5 at 8am!

https://www.grandprairiefriends.org/plantsaleopen

See their Native Plant Sale Catalog here.

What a fantastic tour at The Wolf Preserve! Thanks to everyone who joined us on April 27th to explore and learn about this beautiful natural area!

This Tuesday, May 7th at 10:00 a.m., there will be a Stewardship Workday at the Tyner-Lael Habitat Restoration Project. The Tyner-Lael Habitat is located at 2055 Gray Road, Ashland, IL., 62612-8063. So far only one person has signed up to help. We need MORE HELP!

Saturday, May 11th at 9:00 a.m.
2024 INPS Central Chapter Native Plant Sale at the Food-A-Rama Pavilion, Illinois State Fairgrounds

Regarding the unexpected expenses we recently became aware of, a fallen tree at Robinson Woods that narrowly missed a house and two other trees that are in need of either removal or serious trimming (follow this link to read original post), we were just informed by a donor that they will match $500 in donations made towards this need! We are so thankful for every dollar of support we receive towards these expenses. Thank you!

To help with these expenses text TIMBER! to 44321 or click on this link https://secure.givelively.org/…/friends-of-the…/timber. Again, thank you for your support.

Just a quick update of birds that I have seen or heard at the Gudmundson Wildlife Sanctuary the past couple of days. Baltimore Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and Indigo Buntings have joined the resident Belted Kingfishers, Wild Turkeys, and Pileated Woodpeckers. Hummingbird feeders are up, but are only being visited by Downy Woodpeckers so far!

The good people at Hand of Fate brewing company in Petersburg have brewed up a fine beer in honor of the Old Wolf oak tree found at the Wolf Preserve (see following post for tour info). Join us today, Saturday, April 27th starting at 3:00 p.m. for a tasteful celebration with our Hand of Fate friends.

Saturday, April 27th at 1:00 p.m.

The weather forecast has changed AGAIN for today… but it is still looking promising. Bring on the sunshine! Plan to join us for a tour of The Wolf Preserve.

The Wolf Preserve was acquired by the Friends of the Sangamon Valley in 2005 and is located in rural Petersburg. This 68-acre parcel consists of upland forest dominated by red and white oak, intermittent streams and seeps, and includes an eight acre prairie. Join board members and staff as we share this Menard County gem! There will be multiple hike distance options. Wear sturdy footwear and bring your curiosity!

There are no restrooms on site so plan your pit stop accordingly.

The Wolf Preserve is located in rural Petersburg on Boy Scout Trail. Enter 39.960344 – 89.814431 (or N39.960344 – W89.814431) into your navigation app or click on this link: Google maps. We will have signs posted on Boy Scout Trail at Route 97 and Boy Scout Trail at Gudgel Road, as well as signs for parking when you arrive. Call 217-494-3115 or email fosvexecutivedirector@gmail.com with questions.

Getting to witness the rescue of a lost and seemingly exhausted young, federally-endangered Whooping Crane from a residential front-yard in Wilmette, IL., today was beyond incredible. Big Shoutouts to Brad Semel from Illinois Department of Natural Resources (who got himself onto the scene as soon as he heard about the bird, and communicated with multiple other organizations to determine an action plan), the amazing team from International Crane Foundation (who drove 3+ hours on a moment’s notice to handle this sensitive rescue with complete and total aplomb!), Jeff Bilsky for getting IDNR engaged in the first place, and Tamima Itani for taking the lead on establishing an ad hoc volunteer team to help keep things calm and quiet on a busy residential block, just as a nearby school was letting out, while the rescue commenced and completed around 3:30 PM, nearly eight hours after the bird was first reported on the block. Early reports are that the rescued Whooper, whose name is Animal (her entire brood was named after The Muppets), is fine after getting separated from her flock and losing her way. She’s now in a van on her way back to the site of her captive-rearing at ICF in Wisconsin. Here’s hoping she can be quickly evaluated, treated as needed, and released back into the Crane flock at Horicon Marsh in short order. Here are just a few highlights of a truly memorable afternoon in Wilmette:

Join us for a tour of The Wolf Preserve this Saturday, April 27th at 1:00 p.m.!

The Wolf Preserve, acquired by the Friends of the Sangamon Valley in 2005, is located in rural Petersburg. This 68-acre parcel consists of upland forest dominated by red and white oak, intermittent streams and seeps, and eight acres of prairie. We invite you to join us for a tour of the property to explore spring ephemeral wildflowers, admire the Old Wolf Oak, and perhaps catch a glimpse of a pileated woodpecker.

Join board members and staff as we share this Menard County gem! We’ll discuss a variety of species as well as current and future management efforts. This walking tour can be considered easy to moderate. Wear sturdy footwear and bring your curiosity!

The Wolf Preserve is located in rural Petersburg on Boy Scout Trail. Enter 39.960344 – 89.814431 (or N39.960344 – W89.814431) into your navigation app or click on this link (Google maps). We will have signs posted on Boy Scout Trail at Route 97 and Boy Scout Trail at Gudgel Road, as well as signs for parking when you arrive. Questions? Call or text 217-494-3115 or email fosvexecutivedirector@gmail.com