The IPP Native Plant Restoration Project is a conservation project that is being coordinated by the Sierra Club's River Prairie Group and the Illinois Prairie Path. The IPP is a multi-use trail that starts in Maywood, splits off in Villa Park to form the Great Western Trail and continues west through many different towns. The IPP is on land that once was a railroad right of way. It was the first rails to trails conservation project in the country. It is maintained by different municipalities and groups. Don Kirchenburg, President of the Illinois Prairie Path, has suggested that we get together with him and others in the IPP to look at doing a project close to a site called "The Special 8." The "Special 8" is an 8 acre site by Glen Alien, between the Prairie Path and the Chicago and Great Western tracks. It is unique because it is an area that is called a cam. Camas are isolated glacial features that comprise mounds of water sorted gravel and sand left by melting ice along the front margins of glacial moraines. It has been left untouched by development because it lies between the two rail lines. Anyone who would like to be involved with conserving this area contact Bruce Blake. We would like to start by planting native plants. There are very few species of native plants that are left in this part of the state because of development and farming. There are many fibrous and grasses we could plant. This project would show what was growing on the prairies before our time. It would involve landscaping and planting. WORK DAY - NOVEMBER 26 (SATURDAY) - 10:00 A.M.. Till NOON If you are interested in getting involved with this project, Bruce Blank can be contacted by phone, 630 629-2520 or email, rllnstns1@aol.com |