Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful Annual Photography Contest entries will be accepted from June 15 to July 31. Submit your best photos showcasing the beauty of the environment here in northern Illinois. Your winning photo will gain you recognition for your work and could be used for publication and other promotional use. In addition to this recognition, photographers submitting winning photos will be awarded prizes from Camera Craft. Visit www.knib.org or www.cameracraftinc.com for contest rules. (Photo by Dave Donahue)

Staff Report

Loves Park, Ill. — Camera Craft offers two photography seminars in May in support of the Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful Annual Nature Photography Contest. The first seminar was Tuesday, May 22, and featured Landscape Photographer Bradley Nordlof of Northern Leaf Imaging.

Tuesday, May 29, avid amateur photographer Dave Donahue will present a program about Close-Up and Nature Photography based on extensive work in the National Parks and wilderness areas. This seminar will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and include a Q&A session. The fee for the seminar is $20; all proceeds go to Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful. Registration is required; space is limited.

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful Annual Photography Contest entries will be accepted from June 15 to July 31. Submit your best photos showcasing the beauty of the environment here in northern Illinois. Your winning photo will gain you recognition for your work and could be used for publication and other promotional use. In addition to this recognition, photographers submitting winning photos will be awarded prizes from Camera Craft. Visit www.knib.org or www.cameracraftinc.com for contest rules.

Since 1988, Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful has positioned itself as an outcome-based organization engaging all elements of the community to enhance neighborhoods by reducing, reusing and recycling our world’s resources for future generations. For additional information regarding Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful events and programs, call (815) 637-1343 or visit www.knib.org.

From the May 23-29, 2012, issue

Rockford Park District will host “Animal Mania” at Lockwood Park, 5201 Safford Road, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 19 (weather-permitting).

This free spring event offers a day of fun in the country for the whole family. Activities will take place in several areas within the park, including the Trailside Centre, Cookhouse, main arena and Children’s Farm. The playground will be available for kids to enjoy.

Activities will include wagon and pony rides, a tractor show, horseshoeing demonstrations, a horse extravaganza, a Birds of Prey presentation by staff of Atwood Center, Pioneer Day activities, and games and crafts.

Children can learn about the park’s animals in the Children’s Farm area, and visit the Cookhouse to observe chicken hatching, sponsored by the Winnebago County and Boone County farm bureaus. (Events and activities are subject to change.)

Admission to the event is free; fees will be charged for some activities, and refreshments will be available for purchase from the Friends of Lockwood Park.

Horse trailer parking and trail rides will be closed for the day of the event.

Event fliers with the schedule of activities will be available at Park District facilities and Customer Service locations.

For more about Lockwood Park and equestrian programs, call (815) 987-8809, or visit www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/lockwood. For about accessibility for visitors with disabilities, contact Customer Service at (815) 987-8800.

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

Enjoy traveling along scenic trails through Rockford Park District’s Lockwood and Page parks without riding a horse! Guided trail tours for adults ages 18 and older aboard the Lockwood show wagon provide time to experience nature’s beauty as well as plenty of photographic opportunities during the spring/early summer seasons, or bring your binoculars to identify native Midwestern birds.

Comfortable bench seating and a knowledgeable tour guide provide a relaxing midday excursion, weather and minimum capacity (10) permitting.

Rides operate through May 22, and again June 5-26 on Tuesdays, 10-11:30 a.m., for $6 per person ($8 non-residents). Advance reservations required; purchase tickets at either Rockford Park District Customer Service location (downtown Rockford or Carlson Ice Arena, Riverside and Perryville, Loves Park) or at Lockwood Park, 5201 Safford Road, Rockford.

For more information or to arrange private rides, call (815) 987-8809; to learn more about Lockwood Park online, visit www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/lockwood. Information about accessibility and support for patrons with disabilities is available at (815) 987-8800.

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

Wild Ones — Rock River Valley Chapter, will host Dr. Phil Nixon, a University of Illinois educator specializing in entomology, from the Urbana-Champaign campus, at their next meeting, 7 p.m., Thursday, May 17. This meeting will be at a new location, Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford.

Dr. Nixon will give a PowerPoint presentation about beneficial and invasive insects. Insects exist in balance in the various ecosystems that they inhabit. Herbivorous insects feed on plants, certain ones increasing in number as their host plants become more dominant. Plants respond by producing chemical and physical protection. Predators, parasites and diseases of plant-eating insects increase in number and impact increased insect host numbers. Humans artificially increase the numbers of certain plant species through the processes of agriculture and landscaping. Associated insects then increase in numbers, which humans call pests. These pests are partially controlled by beneficial insects, but some pests are from other ecosystems around the world. These exotic, invasive pests attack native plants that have little natural chemical and physical protection from them. They also arrive without their natural control agents. Several of these beneficial and invasive insects will be addressed. Dr. Nixon will have samples and insects to view before and after his program.

This is a partnership among Wild Ones, U of I Extension, and the Rockford Park District. If people want to enter the greenhouse before or after the program, they may pay a reduced fee of only $3. This evening program is after regulation hours for the Conservatory. People are asked to call to reserve space so the Conservatory can get a better idea of how much set-up is needed. Telephone the U of I Extension office at (815) 986-4357 or register through their website at https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=6602.

Arrive at 6:30 p.m. to socialize before the 7 p.m. meeting, and browse the merchandise tables and check out the library and Wild Ones information booths.

This program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Terry Mohaupt at (815) 399-8432 or e-mail mohaupt@comcast.net.

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

Happy Physical Fitness Month! We, here at Conservation + Recreation, are really excited about the nationwide conversation taking place about the value of having daily access to health and fitness spaces in your local community. We invite you to our Facebook page to share pictures and stories about the places you go on a daily basis for physical activity. May is also National Bike Month, with May 18 being National Bike to Work day! There are a ton of great local events going on. In Washington, D.C., the Washington Area Bicycling Association has places for riders to meet up and connect with other local riders. Is your community hosting a ride, or has it been named a Bike-Friendly Community? We would love to hear about how bikes are a part of your community or your commute. Please feel free to share a photo and tell us about it.

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

Illinois Paddler’s Council’s Paddlers’ Patrol is again sponsoring Rescue Me! Thursdays. (RM!T) will be offered every Thursday evening in May. Each evening will start promptly at 6 p.m. and go until dark.

Each evening will be open to all paddlers, and each will concentrate on one aspect of rescue training. Each training will be coordinated by experienced instructors. Participants must supply their own equipment, i.e.: boat, wet or dry suits, PFDs, throw ropes, etc. Bring whatever equipment you have, there will be a small amount of extra rescue equipment that can be loaned. You must be dressed properly for conditions and ready to get wet. If you are not a member of the ACA, there will be a one-time $5 charge. If you are a member, please have your ACA number ready.

Meet at the Geneva Outdoor Center at Yorkville by 6 p.m. We will work until dark.

Remaining sessions are as follows: May 17 — Swimming Paddler Rescues/ Wading Rescues, and May 24 — Towing/Bumping/Pinned Boat Rescues.

For questions, e-mail lindbladet@sbcglobal.net or call 630-207-9500.

From the May 16-22, 2012, issue

The Winnebago County Forest Preserve District (WCFPD) will begin working with biologists from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct surveys for ornate box turtles in forest preserves on the Sugar River during May 2012.

The Illinois Nature Preserves Commission has granted special-use permits for conducting research on this state-threatened turtle in several sites throughout northern Illinois.

The Winnebago County forest preserves are among a handful of locations where ornate box turtles have been documented in recent years. These forest preserves contain unique habitat that is particularly suited to this threatened species.

Ornate box turtles rely on prairie ecosystems, and their numbers have declined drastically in recent decades as Illinois grasslands have been destroyed.

The prime habitat conditions in these preserves are the result of ecological restoration and management implemented by the forest preserve district.

The goal of WCFPD’s ecological restoration program is to revitalize former agricultural land by restoring ecological processes necessary to make land and water ecosystems sustainable, resilient, and healthy under current and future conditions so that it supports the greatest possible biodiversity.

Posted May 9-15, 2012, issue

Rosecrance Flower Day at Gensler Gardens marks the official start of the planting season and raises funds for mental health and substance abuse treatment programs and services.

The event is set for 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, May 10, at both Gensler Gardens locations: 8631 11th St., New Milford, and 102 Orth Road, Loves Park.

Shoppers have an opportunity to enter a drawing to win a beautiful garnet ring donated for the occasion by Busch Jewelers.

Rosecrance volunteers will be on hand to help shoppers find their way around the greenhouses and assist in carrying purchases to vehicles.

Scott Gensler said the weather should be good for planting by Flower Day, which is just before Mother’s Day. He warned gardeners against planting too early because of the possibility of more overnight frosts. Gensler said Mother’s Day weekend usually is the turning point for safe planting.

One of the hottest new annuals that will be available this year at Gensler Gardens is a variety of calibrachoa from Proven Winner called “Superbells Cherry Star.” The plant offers a profusion of cherry red blooms, each with a yellow star in the middle. The Cherry Star looks like a miniature petunia.

The Cherry Star is a hardy plant that’s easy to grow. If it lives up to its billing, this little beauty is a low-maintenance dream. Gardeners are warned against overwatering the Cherry Star, and spent flowers do not have to be pinched off to get new blooms.

The Cherry Star grows 6 to 10 inches tall and spreads out in low, bushy clusters without getting spindly. It takes full sun. How easy is that!

Gensler Gardens offers a full greenhouse selection of annuals, perennials and gorgeous hanging baskets. The Gensler family generously donates a portion of the day’s proceeds to Rosecrance. Flower Day annually raises about $25,000 to support treatment services.

“We are so grateful for the Gensler family’s commitment to Rosecrance and to the hundreds of gardeners who wait until Flower Day to stock up for the season,” said Lynne Vass, Rosecrance senior vice president of development. “Each purchase makes this a healthier community, not to mention a more beautiful one.”

For more information about Flower Day, call (815) 387-5608.

From the May 9-15, 2012, issue

HORICON, Wis. — The Rock River Archaeological Society is hosting its annual historical educational weekend event May 5-6. All activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; with the exception of the Drum/Flute Circle and Native American Pipe Ceremony, which will be at 6 p.m., Saturday, May 5. Events will be at the Horicon Marsh Education Center between Horicon, Wis., and Mayville, Wis., on Highway 28.

A buckskinners encampment with Dirty Kettle and friends will both fascinate and educate young and old about the customs of the Native Americans. Visitors can walk into the tepee, sit around the fire, and listen to the drums as Dirty Kettle and friends share information and answer questions.

This is a free family event with something for all ages. Events, displays and activities will be held both outdoors and inside the Education Center.

Other activities include tepee storytelling; old railroad songs with fiddle and guitar; tomahawk throwing; Sovereign Nations flag display; atl-atl demonstrations and a chance to try throwing at a target; museum-quality artifacts on display from local collectors; corn grinding; fire-starting techniques; corn husk doll-making from 11 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2:30 p.m.; and bake sale.

In addition to the listed events, visitors are encouraged to check out the Nitschke Mound Site Excavations to be held on both days. Nitschke Mounds Park is west of Horicon on Cty E. For more information, visit http://rockriverarch.blogspot.com or call (920) 387-7893.

The Rock River Archaeology Society organizes and conducts the annual Archaeology Weekend at the Horicon Marsh Education Center. Eastern Wisconsin is extremely rich in its evidence of prehistoric cultures. Horicon Marsh and similar sites appear to have been occupied by a variety of people since the end of the last Ice Age. Several hundred effigy mounds still remain in the area, as well as other archaeological material. The first archeo-astronomy site in the eastern U.S. was discovered nearby, and current research continues to expand our understanding of the lives of these people. Together, this diversity of artifacts and sites provides an abundant resource for discovery, learning and ongoing studies to which this society is dedicated.

For more information, contact Horicon Marsh Education Center, Attn: Archaeology Society, N 7728 Hwy. 28, Horicon, WI 53032, or call (920) 387-7893.

Horicon Marsh

At more than 33,000 acres in size, Horicon Marsh is one of the largest freshwater marshes in the United States. The marsh provides habitat for endangered species and is a critical rest stop for thousands of migrating ducks and Canada geese. It is recognized as a Wetland of International Importance, as both Globally and State Important Bird Areas and is also a unit of the Ice Age Scientific Reserve. The Friends of Horicon Marsh International Education Center provides financial and volunteer support for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources — Horicon Marsh’s efforts to educate visitors about the needs, values and uses of watersheds, wetlands and wildlife.

Rock River Archaeology Society

Rock River Archaeology Society (RRAS) was organized in August 1998 for the purpose of studying the rich Native American cultural and archaeological history of the upper Rock River area, including Horicon Marsh and extending throughout southern Wisconsin. This society’s aim is to provide activities for artifact collectors, amateur and professional archeologists, and people interested in Wisconsin’s Native American history. Rock River Archaeology Society offers monthly programs and all activities are open to the general public. The Archaeological Society meets from September through April on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings are held at the Horicon Marsh Education Center/DNR Service Center.

From the May 2-8, 2012, issue

A cougar at Summerfield Zoo. (Photo provided)

Staff Report

BELVIDERE, Ill. — Belvidere’s Summerfield Zoo will hold its opening weekend April 28-29. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 28, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, April 29.

Admission is $5 per person, with all proceeds going to the care of all the animals, many of which are rescue animals.

Margaret Tyler, volunteer at Summerfield Zoo, said: “Mountain lions, monkeys, wolves, zebra and more! There is always something new going on at Summerfield Zoo, and with all the new babies at this time of year, now is a great time to come out and see them for yourself. It’s also a great chance to see what you have been missing if you haven’t been here.”

Enjoy animal presentations, pony rides, the petting zoo, and Prancer’s gift shop all while at the zoo.

Summerfield Zoo is a not-for-profit organization providing an up-close and personal animal experience for the whole family. As a small zoo, visitors can get up close and meet many of the animals.

For more about the zoo and the exotic animals, visit www.summerfieldfarmandzoo.com or call (815) 547-4852.

Summerfield Zoo is at 3088 Flora Road, Belvidere, Ill., and is open weekends and selected Wednesdays.

From the April 25-May 1, 2012, issue

Staff Report

National Arbor Day is April 27 this year, and the best way to celebrate is by planting trees. The Arbor Day Foundation is making it easy for everyone to celebrate the tree planters’ holiday. Everyone who joins the Foundation in April will receive 10 free shade trees.

National Arbor Day and Illinois’ Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday in April, which is April 27 this year.

By joining the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation in April, you will receive the following trees: red oak, sugar maple, weeping willow, bald cypress, thornless honey locust, pin oak, river birch, tulip tree, silver maple and red maple. The free trees are part of the Foundation’s Trees for America campaign.

“These trees will provide shade in the summer and magnificent color throughout the fall,” said John Rosenow, chief executive officer and founder of the Arbor Day Foundation. “By the simple act of planting trees, a person can make a positive impact on the Earth and a deep, meaningful connection to nature. When you plant a tree, you’re giving a gift for future generations.”

The trees will be shipped postpaid at the right time for planting in April or May with enclosed planting instructions. The 6- to 12-inch trees are guaranteed to grow, or they will be replaced free of charge.

To become a member of the Foundation and receive the free trees, send a $10 contribution to Ten Free Shade Trees, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410, by April 30, 2012, or visit arborday.org/April.

From the April 25-May 1, 2012, issue

Klehm Arboretum is calling for vendors to join them at the 19th Annual Garden Fair. If you sell outdoor living or garden-related items, you are invited to participate in the nation’s largest outdoor living marketplace.

Held on Klehm’s beautiful grounds at 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, Garden Fair is always on the first weekend in June. More than 5,000 shoppers attend each year, looking for flowers, shrubs, tools, art and other garden-related items. This year’s event will be from noon to 8 p.m., Friday, June 1; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, June 2; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, June 3. Vendor applications are available online at klehm.org or by calling (815) 965-8146 to receive one by mail.

From the April 25-May 1, 2012, issue

If you are still in the market for the perfect activity for your child this summer, consider 4-H Camp! 4-H Camp at Camp White Eagle in Leaf River, Ill., will be held June 11-15, 2012, and is open to all youth ages 8-14. 4-H Camp offers youth a blend of social, recreational and leadership activities in an environment where the bar is high when it comes to safety, caring, fun and experiences for campers.

4-H Camp allows youth a unique away-from-home experience that lets them test their independence, try new activities not available in their everyday lives, and closely interact with peers that are outside the circle of contact in their local community. Campers get to choose the activities they will participate in while at camp. These activities are designed to allow campers to challenge themselves creatively, mentally and physically.

Activities include swimming, canoeing, river walks, nature studies, arts and crafts, team challenges, hiking, shooting sports, fishing, rock climbing, bicycling and more. “In some cases,” says Kim Christman, 4-H Youth Development Educator for University of Illinois Extension and Soul 4-H Camp Week staff member at Camp White Eagle, “we even have highly specialized workshop opportunities for campers in areas such as GPS and aquatic creature studies. All of our camp activities are led by trained, qualified camp staff or volunteers.”

4-H Camp is more than one week of fun away from the parents; it is a place where they will create memories that will last a lifetime. 4-H Camp teaches youth to make good decisions, have higher self-confidence, become independent, and gain the ability to work well with others. These are skills that will help youth become strong adult leaders. Additionally, 4-H Camp alumni have a great appreciation for camp and value volunteerism. Many 4-H Camp alumni devote much of their personal time to ensure that the campers have the same great experience they did.

“4-H Camp changes a child’s life,” Christman said. “Five days and four nights without their parents is a true growth experience. Youth learn to do things for themselves that Mom and Dad normally do for them. But no worries, we have 30 excellent, trained camp counselors that step in for Mom and Dad and remind the kids to shower and brush their teeth!”

Camp counselors go through a rigorous selection process, train for six months before camp, and learn skills that will help them provide the safety, care, fun and adventure that campers and parents expect. The camp counselor program provides young adults the chance to return to camp, reconnect with old camp friends, and learn skills that will guide them to future careers. Christman has seen many young adults enter the counseling program as shy, insecure followers, and emerge as strong, confident leaders. Camp counseling is an amazing journey of growth, too.

A study conducted in 2008 by SOul 4-H Camp staff with both counselors and counselor alumni indicated that the top five skills counselors develop as a result of their training and on-the-job experiences are: 1) to act as leaders by setting the example; 2) to be responsible for the care of children; 3) to work with others as a team; 4) to make real lifelong friends; and 5) the importance of being prepared.

4-H SOul Camp is accepting campers now; give your child the experience and memories of a lifetime. 4-H membership is not required. For information about 4-H Camp, contact University of Illinois Extension, 4-H Youth staff at (815) 235-4125 or visit http://web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo/4hwhiteeagle.

From the April 25-May 1, 2012, issue

This year, National Park Week is taking place from April 21-29 and the theme is all about picturing yourself in a park. Check out the National Park Service celebration and find out how to get out and explore this week, during which there is free admission! Here at Conservation + Recreation, our staff love to get out and play, paddle or hike. This week on our facebook page, we’ll be sharing some of our pictures out in parks, whether local, state or national. Do you have a favorite shot to share? We would love it if you took a moment to post your pictures and encourage us all to picture ourselves there as well. The following national parks can be found in Illinois: Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor, Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, Lincoln Home National Historic Site, and Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail. (Photo courtesy of www.nps.gov)

From the April 25-May 1, 2012, issue

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal prion disease found in deer and elk similar to mad cow disease. Prions are transmissible protein viruses. The disease attacks the brain and nervous system, causing deer to become emaciated, display abnormal behavior, lose coordination and eventually die in about two years. Ninety-three percent of deer that have been tested positive in Illinois appeared healthy for nearly two years, long enough to reproduce.

CWD can be passed by contact with or ingestion of infected body fluids (saliva, blood and urine). Prions from decomposing infected carcasses and body wastes may remain in the soils for many years. There has never been an instance of people contracting the disease from eating meat from infected deer. A World Health Organization panel of experts conclude that there is no scientific evidence that CWD can infect humans. The prion that causes CWD accumulates in the brain, eyes, spinal cord, lymph nodes, tonsils and spleen. There is no evidence that CWD can be transmitted to cattle, sheep or other livestock.

IDNR (Illinois Department of Natural Resources) has implemented some good regulations (and one very bad action) to help control CWD. When field dressing deer:

• Wear rubber gloves.

• Bone out the meat.

• Minimize handling of brain and spinal tissues.

• Wash hands and instruments thoroughly after.

• Avoid consuming brain, spinal cord, eyes, spleen, tonsils and lymph nodes.

• Dispose of inedible parts properly.

IDNR bans feeding of deer or placing salt blocks in other than domestic livestock areas.

The “very bad action” was to hire sharpshooters to reduce the size of deer herds in 10 northern Illinois counties to near extinction. Nature may provide the same natural immunity that the Black Plague survivors did for the following generation in Europe. Perhaps the offspring of CWD-infected deer will develop immunity to the CWD prion. The money spent to hire sharpshooters would have been better spent on research on the disease. I believe the IDNR sharpshooter program may have ended as Gov. Pat Quinn eliminated the IDNR Forestry budget, putting hundreds of people out of work in forestry alone.

William O’Leary is a retired educator with masters’ degrees in administration and geology, with concentration in science electives. He and his wife, Nancy, have 16.79 acres dedicated to IDNR forestry.

From the April 18-24, 2012, issue

Here’s the buzz: American honey bees are disappearing at an alarming rate, and the government knows why.

Scientists say a pesticide called clothianidin, made by chemical giant Bayer, is strongly linked to the rapid decline in bee populations. When exposed to the chemical, bees get lost: they are literally unable to find their way home back to the hive and drop dead from exhaustion.

Susan Mariner uses her backyard garden to grow extra fruits and veggies for her family and teach her children where their food comes from — and in the past few years, she’s seen the decline in bees firsthand.

When Susan heard about the recent studies linking this specific chemical to the widespread death of the bees who pollinate our food, she started a petition on Change.org to get the chemical banned. Go to www.change.org/petitions/epa-save-our-bees-and-the-food-we-eat-ban-bayer-s-chemicals-now?utm_campaign=aZQlDgyMtF&utm_-medium=email&utm_source=action_alert to sign Susan’s petition asking the Environmental Protection Agency to ban these bee-killing pesticides ASAP.

One-third of the U.S. food supply relies on honey bees. Without bees to pollinate crops, many essential (and favorite) foods are at risk, including apples, squash, tomatoes, strawberries, almonds and even chocolate.

Several countries, including Germany and France, have already banned clothianidin. And after the bans, bee populations began to rise again.

But in the U.S., clothianidin is used on millions of acres of crops and American beekeepers report losses of up to 90 percent of their bees. Many worry that their hives won’t survive another season. Sign Susan’s petition urging the EPA to save the bees and immediately end the harmful pesticide’s use.

Thanks for being a change-maker.

If you don’t have acess to a computer, here’s Susan’s story for you to circulate.

Why This Is Important, by Susan Mariner

United States bee populations are in a nationwide free fall — and this could spell the end of fruits and vegetables grown on our soil.

Not only has the U.S. experienced widespread honeybee deaths and disappearances, called “Colony Collapse Disorder” (CCD), we have also seen a dramatic decrease in the wild bee population. Massive and continuing declines in the bee population means our food supply and our economy is in jeopardy.

As a third-generation backyard gardener who is passing the gift of growing food on to my own children, I have witnessed the decline in wild bees firsthand. To draw more bees to our garden, my children and I have surrounded our vegetable beds with wildflowers, and we never use chemicals in our garden or lawn. My family and I are doing everything we can to help our local bees survive, but the Bayer Corporation is working against us, and the EPA has yet to stop them.

In the past several months, three separate studies have added substantial weight to the growing body of evidence showing that widespread use of nicotine-based insecticides called neonicotinoids is linked to Colony Collapse Disorder. One study found that colonies exposed to neonicotinoids produced 85 percent fewer queens, meaning the creation of 85 percent fewer hives. United States Department of Agriculture bee expert Jeffery Pettis rightly calls the findings “alarming.”

Bayer markets its neonicotinoids widely to growers of corn, soy, wheat, cotton, sorghum, peanuts and other crops. Research by the Pesticide Action Network of North America showed that a minimum of 142 million acres were planted in neonic-treated seeds in the year 2010. 142 million acres is equivalent to the size of California and Oregon combined! And that number is likely to be even higher this year. On top of that, neonics are widely used in home garden and landscaping products.

EPA registration of Bayer’s neonicotinoids was primarily based on a study funded by the Bayer Corporation itself, and that study has been discredited by the EPA’s own scientists.

The EPA must act now to ban the sale of Bayer’s neoniconitoid products. When the bees suffer, we all suffer. We must do everything possible to protect this essential pollinator. Our bees, and the plants that depend on them, can’t wait.

From the April 11-17, 2012, issue

Wild Ones Natural Landscapers will host a native plant expert at their next meeting. Daniel Boehlke will present a program about native woodland plants for shady areas at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 19, at Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford.

Boehlke is the retail sales horticultural adviser at Frenz Garden Center in Milwaukee. He will present information about the many trees, shrubs, spring-blossoming and ground layer plants that are native to the upper Midwest.

Educated at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Boehlke was senior horticulturist and assistant garden center manager at Hawks Nursery Company for five years. At the Milwaukee Audubon Natural Landscaping Conference, he presented “Woodland Restoration From the Ground Up,” by looking at the history of Wisconsin forests, and with descriptions and pictures of typical wooded areas, a restoration procedure laid out with more than 36 species. He has more than 20 years of experience in native plant culture.

Arrive at 6:30 p.m. to socialize, browse the merchandise tables, or check out the library and Wild Ones information booths before the 7 p.m. meeting.

The program is free and open to the public. For details, contact Terry Mohaupt at (815) 399-8432 or mohaupt@comcast.net.

From the April 11-17, 2012, issue

Candy Ridlebauer releases a barred owl into the wild Thursday evening, March 8. (Photo by Cathy Hoover)

By Carole Linne

Candy Ridlebauer of Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab and Education released a barred owl into the wild Thursday, March 8. The bird had been held for recuperation at the Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab and Education facility in Loves Park.

I discovered the owl early Saturday morning, Nov. 19, 2011, hanging by its wing ensnared in fishing wire from a tree on Race Street, Rockton, a popular fishing area. The bird was conscious and calm, hanging over the water out of reach. Bud Anderson of the North American Hydro Plant nearby helped pull her in and cut the fishing line from the wing tip with a pair of nail clippers.

The owl lay in the grass calmly, most likely in shock, not attempting to move. I wrapped it in my coat and easily transported her.

Mari Weikel of Rockton, who has some experience with animal rescue, kept the owl safe until Candy picked her up and transported it to Loves Park.

The veterinarian was able to see hemorrhages in the eyes, which eventually healed. However, the owl was so calm and docile, Candy did not think it would be releaseable. Its slow reactions would put the owl at risk in the wild.

Recently, the owl, which was determined to be a first-year female, was housed with another barred owl, and made a swift recovery to strength and agility. The owl was certified releaseable. Attending the release were Candy and Steve Ridlebauer and Cathy Hoover.

From the April 4-10, 2012, issue

I visited the opening ceremony for the Vermilion today. All of the local officials and a number of DNR bigwigs were there, including Marc Miller, DNR director, Arlen Juhl, from the Office of Water Resources and, State Rep. Frank Mautino, D-Spring Valley.

I did have an opportunity to discuss recent concerns about the proposed new Paddling Pass system with Miller. Miller assured me our concerns about state-to-state reciprocity and the cost for canoe livery outfitters would be addressed. He said these are details that are handled once legislation has passed and that he felt certain they could address them to our satisfaction at that point.

The rest of the morning provided an object lesson in why our registration fees amount to an incredible bargain for us. The Vermilion lease arrangement is absolutely unique, and would not have been done under previous administrations. Having a paddler and former member of the IPC Board as DNR director has made an incredible difference.

The last piece of icing on today’s cake is that I had noticed some major work being done on the southwest side of the Ed Hand bridge. For those of you not familiar with the Vermilion River, the bridge is the take out point for the rapids section of the river, and is a notoriously steep and dangerous take-out with large trucks speeding across the bridge as boaters load their vehicles on the bridge shoulders. In an almost totally unpublished project, the DNR is building a new access that traverses the high valley bank down to the river. My estimate is that there will be parking for at least 50 cars, and more than adequate space to pick up rafts and boats. All of the grading is done, and it looks like all that is left is paving the road, seeding and landscaping. It could be complete in a few weeks. All of this for a modest increase in my boat sticker fees, and a $35 yearly pass to the state parks, are costs that, I for one, will happily pay.

News release from Illinois DNR:

IDNR restores public access on Vermilion River in LaSalle County — Vermilion River section had been closed for dam safety modifications

Oglesby, Ill. — Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Director Marc Miller joined State Rep. Frank Mautino, D-Spring Valley, at a ceremony today to officially reopen a portion of the Vermilion River for public recreation.

In the summer of 2009, a nearly 3-mile section of the river was closed at the request of Buzzi Unicem USA while an agreement between the IDNR and the Pennsylvania-based cement company was crafted and while subsequent safety modifications were made to the privately-owned low head dam on the river.

“This is a great day for the citizens of LaSalle County and for everyone who enjoys paddling and rafting. This stretch of the Vermilion River is widely regarded as the best location for whitewater rafting and paddling in the state. I want to also thank Buzzi Unicem and Rep. Mautino for their efforts to make this day possible,” said Miller. “By entering into this state lease with Buzzi Unicem, the IDNR took innovative action to work with a private landowner to successfully open access to the recreating public. We are happy to be a part of restoring public access to an improved Vermilion River.”

“I am very pleased to announce that this section of the Vermilion River will now be open to the people of Illinois and visitors to our state who enjoy spending time on the water,” said Rep. Mautino. “The Vermilion River is a beautiful waterway and a tremendous resource for our Illinois River Valley communities in the state of Illinois. I would like to acknowledge the hard work of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, IDNR Director Marc Miller, and Buzzi Unicem. Thanks to the dedication of all parties involved, those who love spending time outdoors can enjoy the Vermilion River and the recreation opportunities it provides.”

The lease agreement reached between the IDNR and Buzzi Unicem USA in November 2010 provides that company ownership of the river continues while allowing the IDNR the right to reopen the river to public access for paddling and rafting recreation.

A Buzzi Unicem spokesman said: “Buzzi Unicem USA appreciates the IDNR’s cooperative efforts to make this beautiful natural resource available for the safe use and enjoyment of the people of Illinois. We thank Director Marc Miller and all of the IDNR staff that worked on this project for their tireless efforts to protect and preserve the natural resources of the state, to ensure the river’s continued availability for safe access, and for their diligent oversight and protection of the river against misuse. The company also expresses its appreciation to Rep. Frank Mautino for marshaling the necessary resources and for his substantial work toward making this opening day a reality. We hope that the paddling community will both treasure the use of this resource and protect it against misuse and abuse through a campaign of educating the river’s users about the safe and proper use of this outstanding resource.”

Pursuant to the lease, the IDNR Office of Water Resources oversaw safety modifications at the low head dam to reduce the risk of objects becoming trapped under the water due to the force of the current flowing over the dam.

IDNR staff also installed various warning devices such as buoys and signs upstream and downstream of the dam.

The public should note that the river area at, below and above the low head dam has been designated as a restricted area under Illinois Administrative Rule. The only legal access over the low head dam is to the river right, which is the right side of the river looking downstream. The restricted area is marked with hanging buoys.

Now that the river is reopened, the public is once again legally able to navigate this portion of the river. The IDNR reminds all recreational users that whitewater, rapids and dams of all types are inherently dangerous. Public awareness of the area and what is ahead is imperative to personal safety.

For information, contact Chris McCloud at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, chris.mccloud@illinois.gov.

From the April 4-10, 2012, issue

Rockford Park District and the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District (WCFPD) have unveiled a new Path and Trail Map of Winnebago County.

The fold-out map contains extensive information about the 45 miles of paths and trails within the Rockford Park District, and the more than 87 miles of trails within the WCFPD.

Rockford Park District Horticulture and Parks Manager Dan Erwin said: “We have some of the best paths and trails. This map comes at a perfect time, since more and more people are looking for a way to be physically engaged. Aside from the fresh air, getting out and exploring one of these paths or trails give you a chance to see what nature has to offer.”

Path and Trail Map features include the following:

• Names and addresses of all 63 paths/trails;

• Large, colorful map with easy-to-locate locations;

• Actual distance of each path/trail;

• Trail surface types: dirt path, mowed grass path, gravel path, paved path;

• Amenities outlined: parking, restrooms, shelter;

• Examples of path usage recommendations: hiking, bicycles, equestrian, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling; and

• Recreation opportunities: playground, fishing, camping.

The Path and Trail map can be found at all Rockford Park District Customer Service locations and all Rockford Park District facilities, as well as the offices of the Winnebago Forest Preserve District, 5500 Northrock Drive, Rockford.

From the March 28-April 3, 2012, issue

MONROE, Wis. — The Friends of the Pecatonica River Foundation (FPRF) will host informational meetings about starting a canoe and kayak club in southwestern Wisconsin and northwestern Illinois at 7 p.m., Thursday, March 29, and 7 p.m., Thursday, April 19.

The meetings will be at the Monroe, Wis., Public Library, 925 16th Ave., Monroe, Wis.

The purpose of the meetings is to determine the level of interest in a paddling club in the stateline region. More than 565 canoes and kayaks are registered in Stephenson County and more than 5,500 in the six-county region of northwestern Illinois and at least 5,000 in the six-county region of southwestern Wisconsin.

Discussion at the meetings will cover “Learning a ‘Lifetime Sport’”; points of access on the Pecatonica, Sugar, Rock, Kishwaukee, Platte, Plum and other rivers in the area; joining the American Canoe Association; and a PowerPoint presentation about “Illinois’ Friendliest Paddle.”

For more details, contact Roger Schamberger at (815) 238-7888 or rscham@hotmail.com.

From the March 28-April 3, 2012, issue

Note: This is the first in a series of articles about CWD.

This info is from “Illinois Chronic Wasting Disease 2009-2010 Surveillance/Management Summary,” available from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

“Prior to July 1, 2009, IDNR personnel tested 43,000 wild deer and found 257 of them infested with CWD. The most concentrated areas occurred in two distinct clusters, one just to the northeast of Rockford (Winnebago County) and the other to the southeast. Spread of the disease from these clusters was primarily to the east and southeast along major riparian corridors (and that borders waterways), the north and south fork of the Kishwaukee River and its tributaries. This affects Boone, western McHenry and northern DeKalb counties. CWD had also been found in locations distant from the core area such as Stephenson, western Winnebago, Ogle and LaSalle counties. Such locations typically consisted of a single positive animal and had no evidence of significant disease establishment. The exceptions were found in eastern Ogle and southeast DeKalb County, where two to three positive deer were identified from a single section.”

The interesting facts here are, there are no check-ins for testing purposes for CWD in LaSalle and DeKalb counties at the time this book was issued. The only way to “test” the deer is to kill it. It would be interesting to find out how many were “tested” to find the positives in DeKalb and Ogle counties. I spoke to Doug Dufford from the DNR after a friend of mine hunted second season last year and saw no deer tracks — none! Mr. Dufford told me, “We have killed every animal from 51-39 on the south fork of the Kish there was.”

Chronic wasting disease, better known as CWD, by the Illinois DNR’s admission, is a disease that affects only the host animal. This was discovered in Wisconsin about the time the test for CWD was developed. There then was a grant from the USDA to combat this in different states. The money actually came from the equine (horse) budget. What was determined was to start “testing deer.” Unfortunately for the deer, the only way to do that is to kill them. Then, a sample is tested, and if determined not to have CWD, the animal is processed and given to feed the hungry. How this happens is, the land owners are approached and asked for permission to take “samples.” The unfortunate thing is there are no ways to control the number of samples taken. Where we are right now is, the DNR is bound and determined to eradicate our largest game animal in Illinois.

To all the land owners — you do not have to let the DNR on your land. There is nothing they can do about it. They have told people various stories to get access. They have pretty much killed off the herd in Castle Rock and Lowden State Park. This affects everyone, not just hunters or folks that like seeing wildlife. The state of Wisconsin around Mt. Horeb, where this was initially discovered, has taken a wait-and-see attitude. What really happened is, the residents were told by the DNR that if they didn’t grant land access, the DNR would shoot them from the sky. The outcry from the public stopped that plan. Maybe that’s what we need here.

I’m trying to bring light to the situation here in Illinois, and the determination of the DNR to kill every deer north of Route 80 in Illinois. I know there was a petition circulated trying to get the wanton killing stopped. I would like anyone who has experiences, good or bad, with the DNR, to forward them to this paper. Remember, you can’t make anything better by killing it.

David Wiehle is a self-employed businessman and lifelong deer hunter in DeKalb County who owns 15 acres of wooded land along the Rock River.

From the March 28-April 3, 2012, issue

CHICAGO — Members of the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee (ACRCC) released March 15 the first interim report of the Asian Carp Environmental DNA Calibration Study (ECALS).

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is leading this two-year study in conjunction with the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to reduce the uncertainty surrounding Asian carp environmental DNA (eDNA) results.

eDNA is a process in which genetic material (cells containing DNA from mucus, feces and/or urine) is extracted from water samples to detect the possible presence of Asian carp.

A new ECALS page on the ACRCC’s website Asiancarp.us will host interim reports and tentative release dates for upcoming interim reports and document the progress of the study.

“At present, eDNA evidence cannot verify whether live Asian carp are present, whether the DNA may have come from a dead fish, or whether water containing Asian carp DNA may have been transported from other sources such as bilge water, storm sewers or fish-eating birds,” said Kelly Baerwaldt, ACRCC eDNA program manager.

ECALS will investigate alternative sources and pathways for eDNA detections beyond a live fish. The study will also examine how environmental variables such as light, temperature and water velocity impact eDNA detections; explore the correlation between the number of positive samples and the strength of the DNA source; develop more efficient eDNA markers to cut the sampling processing time in half and model eDNA transport specific to the Chicago Area Waterway System.

This first interim report provides results to date from the study, including storm sewer experiments, fertilization analysis and alternative sampling trials to make the sampling process more efficient. For example, an initial trial on Chinatown storm sewers demonstrates that ice contaminated with Asian carp DNA and deposited into storm drains may serve as a source of eDNA and testing on two brands of fertilizer, as Asian carp are used as ingredients in some, failed to detect bighead or silver carp DNA. Moreover, the differences in sampling at different depths were investigated, and it was found that surface sampling was the most successful in detecting eDNA.

ECALS is funded through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

From the March 28-April 3, 2012, issue

FREEPORT, Ill. — The Friends of the Pecatonica River Foundation (FPRF) will host an informational meeting about starting a canoe and kayak club in northwestern Illinois and southwestern Wisconsin at 7 p.m., Thursday, March 22, at the Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport, Ill.

The purpose of the meeting is to determine the level of interest in forming a paddling club. More than 565 canoes and kayaks are registered in Stephenson County and more than 5,500 are registered in the six-county region of northwestern Illinois.

Discussion will include “Learning a Lifetime Sport”; points of access on the Pecatonica, Sugar, Rock, Kishwaukee, Platte, Plum and other rivers in the area; joining the American Canoe Association; and a PowerPoint presentation about “Illinois’ Friendliest Paddle.”

For more details, contact Roger Schamberger at (815) 238-7888 or rscham@hotmail.com.

From the March 21-27, 2012, issue

Spring has finally arrived in the stateline area. Before you get busy outside, why not join Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., for a specialty class? Connect with experts, learning the skills and information you need to achieve your gardening goals.

Botanical studies

Lilies to Make Your Garden Great: Saturday, March 24, from 9-11 a.m.

Woody Imberman, president of the Wisconsin/Illinois Lily Society, touts his garden as “the largest Chicagoland garden devoted almost solely to a wide variety of true lilies.” With more than 200 plants sharing the common name of lily, not all are true lilies. A true lily comes from a bulb, whereas a day lily comes from a root. Unlike a day lily, which blooms for just one day, true lilies stay in bloom for one to two weeks and can be planted to bloom from early June until late August.

Forcing Spring Blossoms: Saturday, March 24, from 1-3 p.m.

Force winter gloom away with an early burst of spring blossoms indoors. Klehm staff John Moors and Edith Makra show you how to prune trees and shrubs to harvest branches for forcing. Students will be able to take some branches home.

Tree studies

Taking Care of Trees — Series

Trees are the longest lived and most prominent features of the landscape. With proper placement and care, they offer much beauty and pleasure over a lifetime. This four-session course is taught by Klehm’s certified arborists, John Moors and Edith Makra. Take one session or sigh up for the series and save.

Session 1. Choosing the Right Tree: Thursday, March 29 — 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Session 2. Tree Planting: Thursday, April 19 — 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Session 3. The Care and Feeding of Trees: Thursday, May 17 — 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Session 4. Geriatric Tree Care: Thursday, May 24 — 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Prices are, complete series, $50 non-member, $40 Klehm members. Individual courses, $15 non-member, $12 Klehm members.

To register, visit klehm.org or call (815) 965-8146.

From the March 21-27, 2012, issue

A vertical photo of winter at Starved Rock’s Wildcat Canyon. (Photo provided)

By Kathy Casstevens-Jasiek
Director of Marketing, Starved Rock Lodge

UTICA, Ill. — This has been an unusual winter. Snow fell, and then it disappeared quickly. Photo opportunities are out there, offering a chance to capture unique scenes of what many consider to be doldrums. You have to be ready.

In the old days, you had to carry a cumbersome camera, telephoto lens and film. Today, smartphones are closing in on replacing not only 35mm cameras, but digital cameras as well.

Most of us are tempted to not bring a camera on a hike or to a special event and totally rely upon our smartphone, but how do you get the most from a built-in camera? It all goes back to the fundamentals of photography.

The most basic rule is lighting. Whenever possible, position the sun to your back, with sunlight (daylight) on the subject. Indoors or in low-light situations, it is important to know how to turn on the flash. Read on for details.

If your camera doesn’t have a flash, this is an upgrade you should look for in your next smartphone purchase. As you frame the photo you are about to take, shoot both a horizontal and vertical shot. Vertical photos make better profile photos for Facebook, and horizontal photos are much more fun to look at on a digital screen.

There’s a lot to be said for changing your perspective. If you crouch down low and shoot up, it may offer a unique angle that you hadn’t previously noticed. It’s good habit to take an establishing shot (such as a sign with the name of the canyon you are approaching). This makes for a better scrapbook and a memory of your day, and it documents where you’ve been without question.

There’s no better place to explore than at Starved Rock Lodge & State Park. Nestled in the forest, surrounded by canyons and frozen waterfalls (or not), digital photography was never so inviting. Gone are the days when you had to decide whether to buy a 24 or a 36 exposure roll. There’s no wait time to pick up your pictures, and if all goes well, you can upload the shots to Facebook before you leave the park, directly from your phone. The advantages of new technology are many.

Keeping your shot steady is also important. If you can steady yourself by imagining that you are the tripod, you’ll get sharper, less blurry images.

Learning how to use all the functions of your camera will help you get better photos, too. For example, if you learn how to manually turn your flash on and off, you’ll find that this knowledge comes in handy. The fill flash mode is good when photographing people on winter days. The flash makes skin tones look realistic and not dark when placed against the dim daylight of January and February. Many smartphones come with a built-in way to give special effects to photos such as sepia-tone or black-and-white. There are also free and inexpensive apps to help put spot color and captions on your photos.

A visit to Starved Rock Lodge and State Park offers a variety of photo opportunities and a chance to try new skills with your camera. One of the latest trends in photography is to turn the camera 30 degrees or zoom in close (but at an angle) to the subject. Another fun approach is to take “parts of a whole.” This means zooming in and shooting close to or parts of a larger picture. An example of this would be to shoot one leaf in a frozen stream and then take a photo of the stream as it meanders into the forest.

Imagine being proud of your photos instead of disappointed because they are too dark or too boring. It can be a relaxing and fun way to spend a winter, or any day, when you use your smartphone as your camera. On occasion, you might get really lucky and see a 13-inch pileated woodpecker. These unusually large birds can be seen at Starved Rock (even in the winter), and smartphones are able to zoom in and shoot both still photos and video, if the photographer is very quiet when approaching wildlife of any kind.

Whether you use a point-and-shoot camera, smartphone or the most elaborate professional camera, protecting your camera from winter conditions is important, too. If you store the camera or smartphone inside your coat (around your neck or in an inside pocket), it will help your camera stay warm and function properly without the lens fogging up. It’s a good idea to bring a small towel and a zipper-close plastic bag on any hike. If you happen to drop your phone in the snow, you are prepared to dry it before any moisture can get inside the phone.

Get out there and enjoy the undiscovered season that’s waiting for you to capture it! Happy shooting.

Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center is in Utica, Ill., and can be reached at 800-868-ROCK (7625). Visit http://www.starvedrocklodge.com/ for directions and details.

From the March 21-27, 2012, issue

Hello. My name is Kathy Bode, and I am a volunteer Wildlife Rehabilitator here in northern Illinois. My husband (“Bode”) and I have held permits from the IDNR (Illinois Department of Natural Resources) for almost 25 years. We are a five-county, 24-hour/seven-day telephone “hotline” for all questions and problems dealing with all kinds of local wildlife. Most of the area rehabbers work with the five smaller species of critters, which includes opossums, raccoons, rabbits, woodchucks and the whole squirrel family. Special permits are required for endangered species of wildlife, migratory birds and deer.

There are several ways you can help the wild neighbors with which you share your “space.” Although we do not recommend backup feeding critters, it would be great if you would tolerate wildlife in your yard, as long as they are not being aggressive or destructive. Also, we need new people to mentor, train and help obtain their own wildlife permits to help in the rescue and raising of orphaned wild animals that need help — or to assist current rehabbers in other ways. Finally, by law, we must release any rehabilitated animals on private property in Illinois. If you have land that is close to the Rockford area, with no hunting, no busy streets, is away from irate farmers and subdivisions, has a natural water source and trees, and you are willing to allow healthy animals to be released back into the “wild,” please contact us. Our phone number is available through Animal Services — and we are willing to help with all wildlife concerns. Thanks for caring.

Contact info: e-mail gordon.bode@comcast.net or mail to P.O. Box 53, Cherry Valley, IL 61016.

From the March 21-27, 2012, issue

John David Mickelson, author of the new book, Geology of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, will present a program at 2 p.m., Sunday, March 25, at Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St. This will be the 70th Anniversary Lecture Series in Memory of Steve Ellis.

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail meanders across the state of Wisconsin through scenic glacial terrain dotted with lakes, steep hills, and long, narrow ridges. David M. Mickelson will bring this landscape to life and help the audience understand what Ice Age Wisconsin was like. An overview of Ice Age Trail geology and key geological concepts will help you understand geological processes, materials and landforms. Dr. Mickelson will describe geological features along many segments of the Ice Age Trail and at several of the nine National Ice Age Scientific Reserve sites.

A publicity description says, “The book contains more than 100 full-color photographs, scores of beautiful maps, and helpful diagrams. Science briefs explain glacial features such as eskers, drumlins and moraines. Geology of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail also includes detailed trail descriptions that are cross referenced with the science briefs to make it easy to find the geological terms used in the trail descriptions.”

A book signing will follow the program. This program is recommended for middle school age and older.

From the March 14-20, 2012, issue

The beauty and diversity of ornamental and native plants in their yards can increase people’s enjoyment and satisfaction by providing homes, food and shelter for a variety of birds. Lee G. Johnson will present a program, “Attracting Birds with Native Plants,” at 7 p.m., Thursday, March 15, at the Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford. The program will describe how to attract various species of birds to your yard, or acreage, by providing an environment that gives them food and shelter.

Johnson will describe specific native plants that provide places for birds to nest and find food, as well as plants that attract insects, which, in turn, attract birds. Besides talking about plants, he will share other ways to attract birds by providing supplemental food, water and nesting facilities. He will describe the different habitat requirements for attracting certain types of birds. Birds are constantly looking for suitable habitat … if you provide it, you may be surprised by what you see!

Lee G. Johnson is the retired director of Burpee Museum of Natural History and the founder of Sand Bluff Bird Observatory.

This program is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Terry Mohaupt at (815) 399-8432 or e-mail mohaupt@comcast.net.

From the March 14-20, 2012, issue

Coffee arabica. (Photo by Jeff McMillian)

Staff Report

SYCAMORE, Ill. — Eugene Powers, owner of DeKalb’s South Street Coffee, will present “The Natural History of Coffee” from 7 to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 15, at Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St., Sycamore, Ill.

“Teaching comes naturally to me,” said Powers, who began roasting coffee beans for fun at home, and decided to turn it into a business. That business is now South Street Coffee, a DeKalb provider of dry roast coffee beans.

Powers started teaching history in graduate school, and now taps into his lecturing talents to teach Sycamore and DeKalb area residents about his livelihood and passion: coffee.

Powers’ multimedia presentation will document the growth of the coffee plant, how it is harvested, and the development of the drink we know as coffee today — and, of course, samples of the delectable drink will be available.

The lecture is $4 per person or free for museum members. Doors open at 6 p.m.

The Midwest Museum of Natural History can be reached at (815) 895-9777 or online at www.mmnh.org.

From the March 14-20, 2012, issue

Staff Report

Henry County, Ill. — Friday, March 23, Renaissance Hennepin, a project of the non-profit Friends of the Hennepin Canal, will host a dinner/theater capital campaign gala, “Unlocking the Journey,” at the Annawan Best Western Hotel & Banquet Center, 315 N. Canal St., in Annawan, Ill. Proceeds will support the Friends’ lock restoration project.

A cocktail hour with a cash bar will precede a buffet dinner at 6 p.m., prepared by L & J Hometown Markets & Catering. The Jansson 5, a Bishop Hill-based blues and jazz trio, will provide musical accompaniment. The group takes its name from Erik Jansson, the charismatic Swedish leader who founded the Henry County colony in 1846. Following dinner, Geneseo’s Richmond Hill Players will perform Dexter Brigham’s play The Locktender, and a silent auction will be ongoing throughout the evening.

Opened in 1907, northern Illinois’ Hennepin Canal provided a commercial shipping shortcut from the Illinois to the Mississippi River that shortened transportation of people and goods between Chicago and Rock Island by 419 miles. Along with a feeder branch from the Rock River, the Hennepin cut through five Illinois counties, and remained in use for 44 years.

Ruling it obsolete, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers closed the canal in 1951. After years of decline, the State of Illinois purchased it, and created the Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park. In 1977, the entire canal was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and today, this rustic, tree-lined waterway is a 104-mile-long linear jewel with an adjacent towpath that serves as a multi-use recreational trail.

The Friends was organized in 1998 to raise awareness of the canal and the need to preserve it. In 2010, the group inaugurated Renaissance Hennepin, with a goal to restore three of the locks creating a 50-mile-long portion of it as a navigable waterway once again.

“The Friends are planning an unforgettable event,” said Cathy Foes, executive director of the Henry County Tourism Bureau. “Communities along the canal and within Henry County are assisting in this destination development effort. Local chefs will serve the buffet. The Geneseo Historical Museum will display a bathing suit collection and historic Hennepin artifacts, and the silent auction will feature Hennepin Canal art, gift certificate packages from canal communities, and much more.”

Former State Sen. Todd Sieben said: “The Renaissance Hennepin Canal is one of the most exciting projects I’ve ever been involved with. It will preserve and protect the Hennepin Canal for generations to come while creating an economically profitable waterway for canal cruising from Geneseo to Rock Falls and connecting to the Rock River. It will draw tourists from across the country and around the world.”

Gary Wagle, Friends president, said: “The lock restoration project is entirely funded by grants and private donations, so the public is encouraged to attend on March 23 and help support this exciting endeavor. The Hennepin is one of the best-kept secrets in the United States.” Paraphrasing the voice in Field of Dreams, Wagle added, “We believe that ‘if we build it, they will come.’ Our vision is for an entire tourist industry to blossom along this corridor.”

Tickets for “Unlocking the Journey” are $45 each, or $75 per couple, and may be purchased at www.friends-hennepin-canal.org, or by phoning the Richmond Hill Players box office at 309-999-2244. Major credit cards and PayPal are accepted. Rooms at the Annawan Best Western may be reserved for the night of March 23 for $69.99 single, and $79.99 double at (309) 935-6565. Be sure to tell them you are attending “Unlocking the Journey.”

For information about other historic sites and attractions in Henry County, plus additional suggestions for overnight accommodations, go to www.visithenrycounty.com, or phone the Henry County Tourism Bureau at 877-436-7926.

From the March 14-20, 2012, issue

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar recently unveiled the National Water Trails System, a new network that will increase access to water-based outdoor recreation, encourage community stewardship of local waterways, and promote tourism that fuels local economies across America.

The announcement came in advance of the White House Conference on Conservation, hosted by the Department of the Interior. The conference spotlighted community-driven conservation efforts as part of President Barack Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors Initiative.

“Rivers, lakes and other waterways are the lifeblood of our communities, connecting us to our environment, our culture, our economy and our way of life,” Salazar said. “The new National Water Trail System will help fulfill President Obama’s vision for healthy and accessible rivers as we work to restore and conserve our nation’s treasured waterways.”

Salazar signed a Secretarial Order that establishes national water trails as a class of national recreational trails under the National Trails System Act of 1968. The order sets the framework for Secretarial designation of water trails that will help facilitate outdoor recreation on waterways in and around urban areas, and provide national recognition and resources to existing local water trails.

Jo-Ellen Darcy, assistant secretary of the Army for civil works, said: “The Corps will actively participate, working with many local partners, to develop the water trails system and connect people to the water resources close to their homes. The National Water Trails System will recognize and promote local efforts at a national level.”

Salazar also announced that the Chattahoochee River Water Trail in Georgia would be the first river to be designated as a National Water Trail under the new system. The water trail travels through 48 miles of river within the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. The park serves 3.2 million visitors annually, most from the local Atlanta metro-region.

In addition to providing more than 65 percent of the public greenspace in this urban region, the river provides most of Atlanta’s drinking water. The park and new water trail contain 18 developed public access points and connect with other local city and county parks. The river is heavily used by anglers, tubers, kayakers, canoers and rafters.

“The Chattahoochee River Water Trail provides clean water, greenspace and river access for millions of Americans every year,” Salazar said. “As our nation opens a new chapter on rivers — one where we value our waterways for their recreational, economic and ecological importance — it is fitting that the Chattahoochee River Water Trail leads the way.”

With each designation, signage, technical assistance and resources will be provided to build on and promote the development of quality water trails. Water trails that are designated can become catalysts for restoring the health of local waterways throughout the community.

The National Trails System Act of 1968 authorized the creation of a National Trails System composed of National Recreation Trails, National Scenic Trails and National Historic Trails. Although National Scenic Trails and National Historic Trails may only be designated by an act of Congress, National Recreation Trails may be designated by the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture.

Under the Secretarial Order, the National Park Service will coordinate the national water trail nomination process.

To learn more about the National Trails System, visit www.nps.gov/nts/.

From the March 7-13, 2012, issue

This is the second part of the lecture delivered to the Archaeological Institute of America, Rockford Society, by Dr. Shannon M. Fie of Beloit College Thursday, Feb. 9, at Rockford’s Burpee Museum of Natural History. The first part of this series appeared in the Feb. 15-21 issue.

The PIMA system — how it works

PIMA is a technical term for Portable Infrared Mineral Analyzer. This is a system to use a non-destructive technique to analyze the mineral content of pipestone. Much of this work would document the source of a new pipestone found near Sterling, Ill. At these two caches, researchers have examined the different types of pipestone represented — Tremper vs. Mound City. Seventy-two percent comes from Sterling – very different from Mound City, where only 6 percent is local materials. Not only do the pipes look different, but there was also a difference in the effort they put into getting the raw material. There is a source directly across from Ohio that they were ignoring in order to get pipestone from local stuff. It is not necessarily the pipestone that is important, but the people who created it. This was a good place to be in southern Illinois. The materials were being processed through, with no way to associate the pipe with one person. We were not necessarily flagging individuals for status. In Illinois, we have a very different burial program, Mound City, where there is a low-lying creek and individuals of high status. There are copper artifacts and people buried in a central tomb. These were items you would expect to find in the central tomb, and we find also in bundles buried with both men and women. The one distinguishing factor with pipes is that they tend to occur with people older than 40 years. It may be based on average seniority, or age of wisdom. The life expectancy at this time was about 44 years. These are individuals who would have been considered to be very mature.

Debris is important

We have some new ideas that this pipestone has changed in terms of pressure. In the Middle Woodland period, it was all about Sterling. This suggests the opportunity for many different people to have pipes, but it still doesn’t tell us who was making them. Is it for trade-out or for everybody making their own person icons? It is hard not to look at the very cool types, but at the debris from manufacturing it. This is not often found in museum collections. But there are a couple places. One is the Propheter site on the north side of the town of Sterling, on Elkhorn Creek, only about 4 km from Rock Falls. It is part of the excavation, where they found several hundred pieces of pipestone. Out of the 200-plus pieces that they found, only six really had investment in form. The vast majority of pipestones are in debris that probably came out of a creek bed. Farnsworth suggests that Elkhorn Creek is probably the source area for this pipestone. He suggests that following the transaction center model is likely. Local folks were reducing it and taking it to a small mound group. Some think it is on the way to a larger mound group in Ohio.

The Sinnissippi Mounds group of 22 are Middle Woodland mounds on a bluff overlooking the Rock River. In the 1800s, a group of people like this audience would have spent Sunday afternoon digging holes in these mounds. The only really modern work was done in the early 1960s, and on the other side, it slips down to the river. On many sites in Illinois, these overlooking slopes include the literal camp where populations were living while building the mounds. There were several source materials. There was also a pipestone gorget found with two drilled holes in it.

The big site for transaction would be Albany Mounds, located on the west side of Whiteside County. A total of 90-some mounds were built over several hundred years on the Minnesota flood plain, many of which are still there. Many of them are remnants, but not very visible. Albany Mounds has been mostly under private ownership.

Analysis and more questions

A variety of work has been done with the local collectors. But in addition to the finished objects, there is also some manufacturing debris at this site. This pipestone material may have been moving from these different modes of trade relationships. In Whiteside County, the site Dr. Fie worked on was near Prophetstown, where she went in 1975 with a couple students. She has led more than a dozen summer field school programs in locations around the Midwest, including the Lower Illinois Valley and lower Rock River Valley. She found Bracke site No. 1, listed in the Illinois state archaeological records that identified 26 different sites.

Pipestone was found throughout the field; apparently, different populations were using this raw material before and after Hopewell. There was a distribution of both pipestone and ceramics. The Sterling pipestone was of one uniform color, and some pieces were red, green or yellow. There was some deviation from the model. She noted all the activities going on. “You can come back to it six months later and see that they are accessing the pipestone and making these objects throughout the year and finishing them or starting them at various camps,” said Dr. Fie. “This was a protracted activity that took some time.”

She has analyzed debris from three different sites; she was also interested in the Gast farm in Iowa, where they had approximately 660 pieces of debris. There is nothing else even close to this at other sites. The ceramics are in the very early Hopewell period. “We would like to borrow this collection and look at it further,” Dr. Fie said.

Different pipestone sites have changed over time. We knew there was something important about the Sterling, Ill., area. The pipes were like personal property. The Tremper analysis showed that there were tube and modified-tube pipes, platform pipes and effigy pipes representing 15 genera of animals and 12 genera of birds. These were likely manufactured over a period of time, used in both rituals and domestic context.

What we need to figure out is:

• Was the pipestone acquired via trade, direct access, or either or both?

• Were finished pipes acquired via trade?

• Who made the pipes? A specialist? Men or women?

• What was the manufacturing process?

Dr. Fie explained her connection to the Logan Museum of Anthropology at Beloit College. The museum was started in 1893. Dr. Fie said, “I am an associate professor at the Department of Anthropology [at Beloit College] but also a research associate in the Logan Museum. Since I arrived, the relationship with the Logan Museum has been amazing, both with the resources and Bill Green, the director of the museum.” He was also present at the lecture given at Burpee Museum in Rockford.

From the Feb. 29-March 6, 2012, issue

Editor’s note: The following column appeared as a paid advertisement in the Galena Gazette.

COLOMA, Wis. — Several events in recent weeks have shown the fight against concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in the Central Sands is heating up.

First, Friends of the Central Sands (FOCS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting natural resource stewardship in Wisconsin’s Central Sands, was granted its requests for Contested Case hearings to review DNR’s approval of two high-capacity wells for the Richfield Dairy, the DNR approval of plans and specifications for the dairy, and the approval of the WPDES permit. Richfield Dairy is a proposed dairy CAFO in eastern Adams County that would house 4,550 cows and steers, or 6,270 animal units. FOCS, along with several local residents and land owners and Family Farm Defenders, filed lawsuits along with the request for Contested Case hearing following the WDNR’s approval in early November.

“We were gratified that our requests for hearing were granted, and look forward to a closer examination of the high-capacity wells and plans and specifications,” said Bill Vance.

The high-capacity well permit approval caps the dairy’s annual water withdrawals at 131 million gallons, yet evidence was submitted to the DNR that a lower amount of annual withdrawal — 52 million gallons — would lower levels in nearby lakes by an average of 2 inches per year and would reduce stream flows by 5 percent. The DNR stated that it did not view these reductions as a “significant adverse environmental impact.” While recognizing and agreeing with the impact based on 52 million gallons, the DNR actually approved an amount 2.5 times that amount. Equally concerning, several world-class trout streams would be impacted by this as well. Additional research has shown that pumping at the approved rate of 131 million gallons per year will reduce stream volumes in some sections by 10 percent or more having a significant negative impact.

Second, it was recently confirmed that a second dairy CAFO under construction in Adams County is already planning to double in size, to a staggering 9,100 animals on site. This dairy, known as the New Chester Dairy, is proposed by Milk Source Holdings, LLC, the same corporation seeking approval for the Richfield Dairy. The New Chester Dairy and Richfield Dairy are only about 10 miles apart, and more alarmingly, the New Chester Dairy is located only about 1 mile east of the Grand Marsh Grade School.

According to documents New Chester Dairy has submitted to the DNR, the doubled-up facility, if approved, would be the largest dairy in the state of Wisconsin. In brief:

• 100 million gallons of manure per year would be generated from the facility every year.

• The dairy’s three waste storage ponds would have a combined capacity of 63.1 million gallons.

• 14,000 truckloads of manure would leave the facility every year.

• The dairy would utilize more than 38,000 acres of land for spreading manure and process wastewater every year, mostly through leases.

• This is in addition to the more than 16,000 acres Richfield Dairy will require for manure spreading for a total of more than 54,000 acres.

• For perspective, Adams County has 63,000 acres of crop land available for manure spreading.

“Where are they going to spread this waste?” asked Ruth Simpson, board member for Family Farm Defenders. “There are 23,040 acres in a township, which are 6 square miles. New Chester will spread well over a township’s worth of manure, and adding Richfield is like adding another township for spreading manure. Unbelievable.”

“Our worst fears are being confirmed,” said local resident Terry Tinkle. “We have always publicly expressed our concern about the expansion of these dairies, and this confirms it. Phase II of New Chester raises serious concerns that Richfield will be expanded in the future, too.”

Although Milk Source’s application to the DNR does not quantify projected air emissions, DNR has previously estimated that dairies half the size of New Chester will generate hundreds of tons of ammonia and methane per year, as well as volatile organic compounds, particulate matter and acetaldehyde.

“Is anyone paying attention to the public health impacts of the New Chester expansion? The New Chester CAFO is located about a mile from Grand Marsh Grade School where children will be exposed to the odors and emissions from manure and other waste,” Tinkle added.

“We strongly encourage the DNR, Adams County Public Health Department, and Adams County Planning and Zoning Department to closely scrutinize this expansion request and ensure public health,” concluded FOCS’s Bob Clarke.

FOCS continues to play a role to ensure the stewardship of the natural environment in the Central Sands and is currently involved in other activities such as the development of a groundwater coalition in the Central Sands and supporting the efforts of Sustain Rural Wisconsin Network, a statewide coalition of individuals and organizations dedicated to preserving the environment while maintaining the health and economic vitality of rural communities.

“We have important work to do protecting our natural world, and opposing the Richfield Dairy is critical in accomplishing this mission,” said Bob Clarke. “We will continue as long as necessary.”

For updates and donations, visit www.stoptherichfieldcafo.org

You may also mail your tax-deductible contribution to: HOMES, P.O. Box 674, Warren, IL 61087, or donate online at www.StopTheMegaDairy.org

From the Feb. 29-March 6, 2012, issue

Eric R. Sonnenberg

By Eric R. Sonnenberg

Thursday, Feb. 9, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel (D) announced plans to call for an Illinois gun registry. He wants to know the make and model of every gun you own, along with its caliber, serial number and when and where it was produced.

Emanuel reasons that we register automobiles, so why not firearms? He says this will help law enforcement identify the owners of guns used in crimes.

Emanuel wants to charge $65 per gun for registration, and it would be good for five years. Renewal after that would be $25 per gun. Failure to comply with the registration would result in a felony conviction.

This wacky plan is a violation of our Second Amendment rights, and will do nothing to solve gun violence or reduce the staggering crime rate in the Land of Lincoln.

Law-abiding citizens who own firearms don’t commit crime, and criminals who do are not going to register their guns. This plan has very little support from state politicians. Democrats and Republicans alike have called the plan absurd and ridiculous.

This plan is a blatant attempt to infringe on our right to keep and bear arms. Registration is the first step toward confiscation. If the government knows who has what guns, they can come to your door and demand you turn them over. Virtually every country that eventually outlawed guns started the process with registration.

This plan is an obvious money grab by a liberal, anti-gun politician that will serve no useful purpose and cost Illinois residents millions. I know many collectors who have well more than 100 firearms in their collection, and that would cost them thousands of dollars.

The City of Chicago already has a registration requirement, and that has proven ineffective in reducing gun violence because Chicago has one of the highest murder rates in the country. Now, Emanuel wants to make it harder for EVERY law-abiding resident of Illinois to defend themselves. He is NOT the mayor of Illinois, and he should get his own house in order before he tries to tell the rest of the state what to do.

When former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley announced in 2010 he would not run for re-election, I was elated. I figured whoever the new mayor of Chicago would be could not possibly be as anti-gun as Daley. I figured wrong.

Since his days as chief of staff for President Barack Obama, Emanuel has widely been known as the most anti-gun politician in the United States. He was largely responsible for Obama’s position during the last presidential campaign to bring back the assault weapons ban that was in place during the Bill Clinton administration.

After little more than a year in office, Mayor Emanuel has already started chipping away at our freedoms. This plan is not going to fly because Illinois residents simply will not stand for it.

Not only should we not register guns in Illinois, we should be allowed to carry them as well. Illinois is now the only state in the union with no form of concealed carry. All other 49 states have recognized our right to protect ourselves. NOW is the time to let your state lawmakers know you want concealed carry in Illinois. We came very close to passing it last April, and I believe this spring, with your help, we will finally get it done. A concealed carry town hall meeting will be at Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford, at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 22.

Emanuel’s plan will only add to the already burdensome process of owning a handgun, and Illinois’ refusal to recognize our god-given right to self-preservation will only make it harder for law-abiding Illinois residents to defend ourselves.

The City of Chicago and the State of Illinois should not be able to infringe on our federal right to keep and bear arms. The arrogance, stupidity and corruption of some of our state and local politicians have made Illinois the laughing stock of the country.

Eric R. Sonnenberg is a Federal Firearms Licensed gun dealer who owns Forest City Firearms, 137 N. Chicago Ave., Rockford or online at www.forestcityfirearms.com. He can be reached at (815) 262-4279 or via e-mail to forestcityfirearms@comcast.net.

From the Feb. 22-28, 2012, issue

Courage, politics, and creativity are three terms we have not heard in the same sentence much recently, nor have we seen much government/corporate cooperation for the public good, but both are factors in a little-known controversy that is quietly about to be resolved near Starved Rock State Park.

Two years ago, after a couple of deaths resulting from a mixture of inexperience and alcohol, the Vermilion, the most well-known whitewater river in the state, was closed to the public by Buzzi Unicem, the Italian cement company that owns the former Lonestar cement plant property along the river. Buzzi did not want any further exposure to lawsuits and, in Illinois, they were fully within their rights to attempt to protect themselves by closing the river.

As the result of some creative thinking by Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Director Marc Miller, the DNR recently leased the river from Buzzi, has done much to make it more safe, and plans on reopening it to the public this spring.

Courage is being shown by Buzzi in taking the risk to try something that has never been done before, and by politicians like Gov. Pat Quinn, who appointed and has supported Miller, and State Representative Mautino who has supported the lease in the legislature.

The winner is us, the general public, who will have access to the Vermilion once again.

From the Feb. 22-28, 2012, issue

The Archaeological Institute of America, Rockford Society, as part of its lecture series, hosted Dr. Shannon M. Fie of Beloit College at a program Thursday, Feb. 9, at Burpee Museum of Natural History. She was introduced by Bert Stemberg, president of the Archaeological Institute of America, Rockford Society.

Dr. Fie has a Ph.D. in anthropology (2000) from the University of Buffalo; an M.A. in anthropology (1980) from the University of Buffalo; and a B.A. (1986) in anthropology from Moorhead State University. She had a National Science Foundation grant. She made a proposal for a new archaeology lab at Beloit College, and it was renovated. She also likes to work with students.

Pipestone relics from the Middle Woodland period

Dr. Fie spoke on the topic, “Evidence for Early Pipemaking in Illinois during the Middle Woodland Period (50 BC-400 AD).” She explained, “Recent investigations near Sterling, Ill., document the presence of an important pipestone source utilized during the Middle Woodland period. Pipes and other objects made from this Sterling pipestone provide intriguing evidence of exchange relations throughout the Midwest, including with the builders of the large earthwork complex of western Ohio.”

The prehistory of interest in this part of the country began around 1650AD, and populations began moving toward villages or horticultural-based societies, growing corn, beans and squash. By 1600 AD, they were starting to develop competition. They engaged in long-distance trade and ceremonies.

The Archaic period (circa 800-100AD) is the earliest period for which pipes are documented. This period is associated with catlinite, or materials used in pipe ceremonies. The Middle Woodland pipes show a platform style; some were effigy or animal forms, also tube pipes.

Hopewell system explained

The Hopewell Interactive Sphere is a very challenging concept. It refers to a relationship between many different cultures of the Eastern U.S. Between Minnesota and Florida, you have many different groups developing their own cultures, ceremonies, styles and tool use.

The mound builders produced some elaborate artifacts, ceremonies and death uses. It was also a dynamic living interaction. While it may have been ideology, it also had some important ceremonial and social aspects to it. Hopewell is a relationship of interaction between these different culture groups, and it happened during the Middle Woodland window. Populations used indigenous plants. Mound builders used ceramics, made spears and other tools and weapons. There was a group cooperation.

We are situated in the Havana culture area. The other major area is Scioto in Ohio. Each of these areas exhibited interest in raw materials and activities. Some of the materials are crystal, mica, quartz from the Great Lakes area, obsidian from Yellowstone Park, and galena from northwest Illinois.

There were some 300 pipe-producing sites in Ohio. They were transporting this from Yellowstone Park all the way to Ohio. One small pipe sits in the palm of your hand; one platform pipe from a mound in Illinois is in the form of a beaver, with pearl eyes and real beaver teeth. The Hopewell pipes are very interesting because they are more widespread. In Illinois there are more than 250 pipe fragment areas known. We can look at patterns of interaction because they are associated with this development. They are most common in the north with Hopewell sites. The best known are two sites in Ohio.

Tremper is an early site excavated by William Mills in 1915 that consists of an earthwork mound built in a circle. There is an irregularly-shaped mound in the middle of it. This is a structure of several different rooms, and individuals were processed through this room. They were charnel houses that might take years to process. Bodies were burned. This particular mound was one of the earliest Hopewell earth works circa 50 BC-100 AD. It contains a “Great Cache” of more than 500 objects, including beads, gorgets and boat shaped objects of copper; mica, stone earspools, quartz crystal,, galena; ornaments made from animal and human jaws; woven textiles; and fragments from 1567 plain and effigy pipes.

During the course of the excavation, researchers uncovered the remains of about 150 pipes. The challenge is that they were all broken — actually smashed — killed. They were mixed with other materials including copper and mica. Instead of burying an individual with material, they were processing people through the charnel house, and objects were being documented; over time, you would see more than 156. The different kinds of pipes included tube and handle pipes, reminiscent of some of these other Woodland styles.

Plain platform pipes have different sizes. Some were animal or effigy pipes. Most of these occurred with the second cache. They were not killed but put there when the mound was built. Only a small number were restored; several different predatory birds were depicted. They were quite tiny and fit in your hand.

Mound City economics

Another find was a mound city in Ohio, located near Chillicothe. It has an earth wall 13 acres in extent. Inside, there are mounds, many of which have charnel houses. This site was dug back in 1846 by Squier and Davis and has pipes that were smashed. Most of them have the same animals represented. Squier and Davis found fragments of 184 pipes, which were sold to the Blackmore Museum in England and are now at the British Museum. These contained many of the same animals and birds as the Tremper caches, but these were not as well made.

What about transportation? We have focused on the objects but not how they were created and moved. How were they getting the pipestone? The early literature on Illinois prehistory recognizes Illinois as one of the most important areas for this Hopewell phenomenon, and one of the earliest objects we see in Illinois is pipes. But for caches, we tend to focus on Ohio. There is a pipestone location in Ohio across the river from Tremper, so we assume it was floated across the river. Different archaeologists over the last 30 years have built models around these assumptions, like the transaction idea. They talk about these mound cities, but it is all associated with economics.

Another economic idea is that the most pipe production would happen near the source of manufacture. You would think that the area around Scioto would be the source; these are production areas. But that is wrong because this is not economic behavior. This is burial activity in charnel houses over furnaces. These pipes did not come to be here in a day or a week — but a generation of people buried their dead and left their pipes in that site. So it is a cumulative function vs. a distribution system.

To be continued …

About the Archaeological Institute of America

The Rock River Times spoke with President Bert Stemberg of the Rockford Society of the AIA.

TRRT: When did the AIA start? How long have they been affiliated with Burpee Museum?

Stemberg: “It was started in 1960 by Dr. Ray DenAdel, a professor of classics at Rockford College. We had our anniversary recently. He was our founder and our first speaker in February 1968. It was recently affiliated with the museum. Our past president was on the board. We are still a part of Rockford College. It was eight or nine years ago that we came over to the museum.”

He extended an invitation to the public. “We are always hoping people will come down and join us because the lectures are free, and we have had speakers from Cairo, Moscow, and all over the world. We had Bob Brier, the mummy expert. We sometimes will have local ones because of the interest in Indians. We have people from Orientalists and Beloit College. We really think it is a jewel that people need to come and check out. We have a wide variety.”

From the Feb. 15-21, 2012, issue

The Rockford Society, Archaeological Institute of America, invites the public to its next free and fascinating multi-media presentation on archaeology at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9, at the Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford.

The topic will be “Archaeology Near Your Own Back Yard — Native Americans, Pipestone Artifacts, and Prehistory of the Midwest in the Rock River Valley.” Guest speaker will be Professor Shannon Fie of Beloit College. Learn about native Americans, their manufacture of pipestone artifacts and archaeology in the Rock River Valley. Dr. Fie is a North American archaeologist specializing in the prehistory of the Midwest, and conducts research on pipestone artifacts during the Middle Woodland period, from 50 B.C. to 400 A.D. Dr. Fie has led more than a dozen summer field school programs in the Midwest, including the lower Rock River Valley.

The public is invited to a free reception immediately following each presentation. Burpee Museum is handicapped accessible and offers free parking. Additional free parking is available next door at the Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St. The Rockford Society provides additional information about lectures, events, trips and archaeological topics on the web at www.rockfordaia.org.

From the Feb. 8-14, 2012, issue

Photo provided

Photo provided

Photo provided

The Prairie Preservation Society of Ogle County (PPSOC) will host a wine tasting from 4 to 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 18, at  Hailey’s Winery and Vineyard, 114 Franklin St., Byron, Ill. Cost is $5 and includes samples of different wines, appetizers and acoustic music. The PPSOC holds various events throughout the year. Pictured, from top to bottom, is a prairie hike at Sand Ridge Prairie; a camp fire at Sand Ridge Prairie; and Sand Ridge Prairie in summer. The 83-acre Sand Ridge Prairie — formerly the Sinnissippi Tree Farms’ cut-your-own Christmas tree operation — was purchased by PPSOC in December 2010 with a grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation.

From the Feb. 8-14, 2012, issue

University of Illinois Extension-Winnebago County will hold its second annual Winter Trails & Naturalist Tales event from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4.

The event will be at Atwood Center, 2685 New Milford Road, Rockford.

Winter Trails & Naturalist Tales offers the public an opportunity to enjoy winter’s beauty and learn more about the natural environment.

U of I Extension Master Naturalists will guide participants through historic Atwood Park’s woodland, prairie, river and marsh habitat during the “Winter Trails” Winter Ecology Snowshoe Hike, while “Naturalist Tales” will be shared by two distinguished naturalists, Dr. Richard King of Northern Illinois University and Scott Elrick of the Illinois State Geological Survey.

Dr. King will share his experiences with the successful recovery and delisting of the previously endangered Lake Erie watersnake in his presentation titled “Conservation of Midwestern Amphibians and Reptiles: Challenges and Successes.” Elrick will reveal an unprecedented view of ancient forest life during his presentation “Snapshot in Time — Geologic Secrets of Danville’s Fossilized Forest,” as he describes the 300-million-year-old fossilized forest found in the roof of an underground coal mine near Danville, Ill.

Program fee is $30, which includes a chili lunch, two keynote speakers, one guided outdoor hike and snowshoe rental (weather permitting). To register, visit http://web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw or call (815) 986-4357.

From the Feb. 1-7, 2012, issue

DURAND, Ill. — Hoo Haven is hoping to complete its new waterfowl rehabilitation building with help from friends and supporters.

The facility, in Durand, Ill., will help waterfowl and mammals to practice swimming or get the much-needed water therapy to help them heal.

The building and its floors are heated, so it can be used year-round. A large grant from Exelon for $35,000 and some very generous donations have enabled Hoo Haven to create and nearly complete this valuable resource for helping wildlife, but the group needs about $10,000 to finish the job.

After 28 years of wildlife rehabilitation experience, Hoo Haven is a model for the future of this area’s wildlife rehabilitation and conservation efforts. Since Hoo Haven’s incorporation and in January 2000 its change to non-profit, 501(c)(3) status, the wildlife rehabilitation service has moved from inside a private residence to a separate facility on the property.

Over the past six years, additional enclosures have been built on the Hoo Haven property and include a deer/waterfowl pen, squirrel pens, raptor pens and the newest — the Marlys Bulander Eagle Flight Exercise Pen, which enabled Hoo Haven to gain certification as a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Eagle Recovery Center in 2005.

Hoo Haven works closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin departments of Natural Resources. Each year, Hoo Haven receives more than 2,000 referral calls and admits between 400-800 birds and mammals to the facility for treatment. Happily, most are successfully released to the wild as healthy animals. Small mammals (squirrels and rabbits), large mammals (deer, fox, coyotes, opossums, raccoons and woodchucks), and raptors are the most frequently seen patients at Hoo Haven.

To arrange a private tour of Hoo Haven or to volunteer to work with the wildlife, call (815) 629-2212 or visit hoohaven.org.

Donations to help fund the project can be sent to Hoo Haven, P.O. Box 594, Durand, IL 61024.

From the Feb. 1-7, 2012, issue

As written in a previous editorial, a deal to open the Vermilion River (closed because of fear of liability by the local cement plant owner, Buzzi Unicem) has been struck, and we are doing what we can to support what was negotiated.

As requested by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), we have succeeded in asking those who wrote in opposition to the rule enacting the exclusion zone around the cement plant dam to withdraw their comments to decrease the amount of time necessary for the legislature to sign off on the arrangement. Completion of the process will still require several more weeks.

Unfortunately, negotiations to open the Vermilion — conducted for paddlers — ended with an agreement that fails to recognize some of the most basic precautions necessary for safe paddling, such as the need to scout and portage. During the several months of delicate negotiations, paddlers were not consulted. We can only speculate that negotiations would have gone differently if paddlers were involved, but it does seem likely.

I believe if we are not represented when decisions are made about things important to us, bad decisions will be made. That said, we must now do what we can to both open the Vermilion and make it as safe as possible for all paddlers.

We are hopeful that the fact we were invited to a meeting at the DNR is the beginning of a real partnership. The DNR director is a paddler, and it is likely because of Marc Miller that we were invited two weeks ago. During that meeting, I believe there was genuine concern they had gotten it wrong and some willingness to try to get it right.

The DNR and its office of Water Resources do many very good things, and there is much the paddling community could do to help, particularly by providing support in the coming budget battles. But in return, we need to be confident we will at least be at the table when decisions that profoundly affect us are discussed. What our most famous Illinois politician set as a continuing goal more than 150 years ago — a “government of the people, by the people, and for the people” — is still as relevant today as it was then.

From the Feb. 1-7, 2012, issue

Midwest Museum of Natural History in Sycamore, Ill., will host its fourth annual Groundhog Gala from 6 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 28. (Image provided)

Staff Report

SYCAMORE, Ill. — Woodchuck, land beaver, whistle pig — groundhogs go by many names. From 6 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 28, the Midwest Museum of Natural History will tip its hat to this mighty marmot during its fourth annual Groundhog Gala.

Guests will enjoy a fabulous evening complete with music, exhibitors, a silent auction, open bar and treats from around the world. Snack on authentic Mexican fare from Taxco while enjoying African drumming, chat with a dinosaur expert as you sample wine from across the globe. Sip on unique coffee while learning about its origin from an expert with South Street Coffee, and much more.

The Groundhog Gala is the museum’s largest fund-raiser of the year, and all proceeds support educational programming, live animal care, museum operations, and community outreach.

Tickets for the event are $30 each or two for $50; stop by the museum or call (815) 895-9777 to reserve a ticket.

Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St., Sycamore, Ill., is a nonprofit organization. To learn more about the museum and upcoming events, visit www.mmnh.org.

From the Jan. 25-31, 2012, issue

Winnebago County Soil and Water Conservation District’s annual tree sale is under way for 2012. Each year, the district sells bare-root tree, evergreen and shrub seedlings and transplants to increase efforts to provide energy conservation and/or habitat cover for wildlife in the rural setting. These starter seedlings and transplants are an investment in the future.

Deadline to order is March 30.

Evergreens available include white pine, Colorado blue spruce, concolor fir, Norway spruce, Canadian hemlock, American arborvitae and white spruce.

Shade trees available: red maple, sugar maple, Northern red oak, black cherry, white oak, bur oak, river birch and chokecherry.

Shrubs available include common lilac, black chokeberry, Juneberry serviceberry, silky dogwood, common witch hazel and pagoda dogwood.

Trees are sold in bundle sizes of five, 25 and 100 with prices ranging from $9-$130 for the different species and sizes.

Also available: Evergreen Package (a variety of 20 trees) for $34 and a Shrub Package (a variety of nine shrubs) for $17.

The district also offers for sale “Right Start” Fertilizer Packets to give seedlings the right starting nutrients in the right place at the right time. Tree protectors are available to improve the survivability of hardwood trees. Tree protectors increase growth and lower maintenance costs. They are designed to only be used on hardwood trees, not on shrubs or evergreens. Vispore Tree Mats are also available to help protect from weed growth around the tree. The mat provides each tree, evergreen or shrub 9 square feet of weed-free soil. The mat controls weeds, yet allows water to reach the plant.

Rain barrels and conservation books are also available.

In addition to energy conservation and wildlife habitat, trees serve a number of other purposes. Ten mature trees remove approximately 5 tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually. They also dilute polluted air with fresh oxygen. One hundred mature trees catch about 250,000 gallons of rainwater each year. Trees planted appropriately can save up to 25 percent of annual cooling costs and save 10 to 25 percent of energy used for heating. In 40 years, the average tree returns $2.70 in benefits for every $1 of investment.

Trees will be available for pick-up in late April.

Tree sale order forms are available by calling the district office at (815) 965-2392, ext. 3, or on the website, www.winnebagoswcd.org.

From the Jan. 18-24, 2012, issue

From Prairie Rivers Network

Please contact LaSalle County Board members and tell them to protect Starved Rock by not permitting the sand mine.

If you have time for just one call, the LaSalle County Board chairman is Jerry Hicks, (815) 795-2608.

A proposed sand mine adjacent to Starved Rock State Park could drain a rare, brackish wetland, with high-quality plant communities and specific habitat for threatened and endangered species. The noise generated from blasting and constant truck traffic will have a negative impact on the wildlife populations that inhabit the area.

Starved Rock State Park receives more than 2 million visitors annually, many of whom come to view the abundant wildlife that occur in the area, such as the bald eagles that overwinter there and the white pelicans that migrate to the Illinois Valley in spring and fall.

It’s not too late to let members of the LaSalle County Board know you oppose locating this mine near Starved Rock. Please take the time to call board members and voice your concern.

In December, the LaSalle County Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously in favor of the permit. However, the proposal will go before the full LaSalle County Board Thursday, Jan. 12, for a final vote.

Please contact the county board members or attend the county board meeting in support of Starved Rock State Park.

When: Thursday, Jan. 12, at 1 p.m.

Where: Knights of Columbus Hall at 401 W. Main St., in Ottawa, Ill.

From the Jan. 11-17, 2012, issue

WASHINGTON, D.C. — “America’s Favorite Cherry Tree,” an online poll launched by the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Cherry Blossom Festival, allows all Americans to participate in the festival’s Centennial Celebration by casting their vote for one of three finalists: the Yoshino, Kwanzan or Autumn Flowering cherry tree.

The poll can be accessed at arborday.org. On the website, participants can also purchase individual cherry trees, with a portion of every sale benefiting the National Cherry Blossom Festival. This year’s festival commemorating the 100-year anniversary of Tokyo’s gift of cherry trees to Washington, D.C., begins March 20.

Results of the online voting will be announced April 27, National Arbor Day and the last day of this year’s festivities.

Diana Mayhew, president of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, said, “By voting in the poll and purchasing a cherry tree, Americans can bring the Centennial Celebration to both their computer and back yard.”

John Rosenow, founder and chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation, added: “We’re thrilled to add a new chapter to this great American tradition. With this year’s poll and the availability of online cherry tree purchases, Americans can take part in this historic event, even if they are unable to travel to the nation’s capital.”

The three finalists, selected by Festival and Foundation staff, were included in the gift from the mayor of Tokyo in 1912. Since their introduction, they have become favorites along Washington, D.C.’s Tidal Basin, as well as in yards, parks and neighborhoods across the United States.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation and education organization of more than 1 million members, with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information about the foundation and its programs is available at arborday.org.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is the nation’s greatest springtime celebration. The 2012 Festival, March 20-April 27, includes five spectacular weeks of events and features diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty and community spirit.

From the Jan. 11-17, 2012, issue

LOVES PARK, Ill. — Paddle and Trail will be the host of the PaddleFest Pavilion at the Chicago Boat, Sports & RV Show, Jan. 12-16, at McCormick Place in Chicago.

The PaddleFest Pavilion is a brand-new feature at the show, and will be the place to get the first look at the 2012 paddlesport products. From kayak fishing to Stand Up Paddleboards, experts will be on hand to demonstrate why these healthy outdoor activities have become the fastest-growing segment of paddlesport products.

Free on-water boat demonstrations are offered throughout the show in the pool, where people can see the boats in action and try one out for free.

Off-water seminars are planned that will feature adventure travel, micro adventures, camping from your kayak, and how to fish from a kayak by the Illinois Smallmouth Alliance.

Manufacturers that have announced they will showcase their new 2012 products at the PaddleFest Pavilion include Confluence Watersports, Johnson Outdoors, Jackson Kayak, Hobie Cat, Dagger, Mad River, Perception, Wilderness Systems, BIC SUP, Hovie SUP, Sylvan Sport GO and Space Trailers.

Paddle and Trail is an outdoor outfitter and retailer with store locations in Aurora, Ill., Loves Park, Ill., and Beloit, Wis. They offer the largest selection of paddlesport products in Illinois. For more about the PaddleFest Pavilion, call Paddle and Trail at (855) 752-9688 or visit paddleandtrail.com.

The Chicago Boat, Sports & RV Show website is www.chicagoboatshow.com.

PaddleFest Pavilion schedule

Thursday, Jan. 12

4 p.m. — What’s New in Kayaking for 2012, presented by Paddle and Trail’s Walter Loos.

6 p.m. — Kayak Fishing, presented professional kayak angler Drew Gregory featuring the Cuda and Coosa fishing kayaks from Jackson Kayak.

Friday, Jan. 13

1 p.m. — Paddlesports Demo Time, presented by Paddle and Trail.

3 p.m. — Stand Up Paddling — Introducing the Hottest New Paddlesport, presented by Linda Brown from Hovie SUP.

6 p.m. — Kayak Fishing, presented by professional kayak angler Drew Gregory featuring the Cuda and Coosa fishing kayaks from Jackson Kayak.

Saturday, Jan. 14

1 p.m. — Multisport Kayaks, presented by Hobie Cat’s Culley Traweek.

3 p.m. — SUP Yoga, presented by Hovie SUP’s Linda Brown.

6:30 p.m. — Finding the Right Boat For You, presented by Confluence Watersports’s Kurt Whitney.

Sunday, Jan. 15

1 p.m. — Introducing SUP Fitness, presented by Hovie SUP’s Linda Brown.

3 p.m. — Kayak Fishing, presented by Native Watercraft.

5 p.m. — Paddlesports Demo Time, presented by Paddle and Trail.

Monday, Jan. 16

1 p.m. — Kayak Fishing, presented by Native Watercraft.

3 p.m. — What’s New in Kayaking for 2012, presented by Paddle and Trail’s Walter Loos.

From the Jan. 11-17, 2012, issue

Residents of Illinois can ring in the new year by receiving 10 free flowering trees by joining the Arbor Day Foundation any time during January 2012.

By becoming a member of the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation, you will receive two white flowering dogwoods, two flowering crabapples, two Washington hawthorns, two American redbuds and two goldenraintrees.

“These beautiful trees will give your home in Illinois lovely flowers with pink, yellow and white colors,” said John Rosenow, chief executive and founder of the Arbor Day Foundation. “These trees are perfect for large and small spaces, and they will provide food and habitat for songbirds.”

The free trees are part of the nonprofit Foundation’s Trees for America campaign.

The trees will be shipped postpaid at the right time for planting, between Feb. 1 and May 31, with enclosed planting instructions. The 6- to 12-inch tall trees are guaranteed to grow, or they will be replaced free of charge.

Arbor Day Foundation members also receive a subscription to the Foundation’s bimonthly publication, Arbor Day, and The Tree Book, which includes information about tree planting and care.

To become a member of the foundation and to receive the free trees, send a $10 contribution to ten free flowering trees, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410, by Jan. 31, 2012. Illinois residents can also join online at arborday.org/january.

From the Jan. 4-10, 2012, issue

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful Executive Director Lori Gummow reminds area residents to recycle their Christmas trees. (Photo provided)

Staff Report

LOVES PARK, Ill. — Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful (KNIB) has added a new drop-off location to its Christmas Tree Recycling Program, which runs Jan. 1-15, 2012.

The following drop-off sites are unmanned and open 24 hours a day:

• Don Schmid Youth Sports Center/Riverdahl Park, Rockford

• Blackhawk Park/100 — 15th Ave., Rockford

• Levings Lake/East entrance off Johnston Avenue, Rockford

• Andrews Park, 800 N. Central Ave., Rockford

• Gambino Park/Pepper Drive off North Alpine Road, Rockford

• Alpine Park, 900 S. Alpine Road, Rockford

• Martin Park/Park Ridge Road off Riverside Boulevard, Loves Park

• Machesney Park Village Hall/300 Machesney Road, Machesney Park

• Baumann Park, behind South Walnut maintenance building, Cherry Valley

• Williams Tree Farm, 4661 Yale Bridge Road, north Winnebago County

• Rockton Boat Ramp Parking Lot, off Hononegah Road, Rockton

• Valley View Farms, 6440 Belvidere Road, Roscoe

• Pecatonica Wetlands Forest Preserve, 4550 N. Pecatonica Road, Pecatonica

No tree recycling will be offered at the Westlake Village location.

Residents are reminded to wrap their trees in reusable bed sheets instead of disposable tree bags. Trees must be completely bare with no tree stand.

KNIB Executive Director Lori Gummow said: “We ask that everything be removed from the tree. They are put through large chippers that could be damaged by forgotten ornaments or lights. Crew members may also be harmed by foreign objects in the equipment. This is why we cannot accept pine wreaths with metal frames. Flocked trees are also not accepted, as the white flocking material is not biodegradable.”

Mulch is created as the trees are chipped and is available at no charge to area residents for use in their landscaping; it is a durable ground cover that reduces weeds and retains moisture. Acid-loving plants benefit from the nutrients in the mulch.

“The pine mulch is available on a first come, first served basis,” Gummow said. “Residents need to bring their own shovel and containers. In 23 years, the Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful’s Christmas Tree Recycling Program has created 1 million pounds of pine mulch from over one-half million trees.”

For more details, visit www.knib.org or call (815) 637-1343.

From the Dec. 28, 2011-Jan. 3, 2012, issue