The Illinois Prairie Path Newsletter
Summer 1999

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- Nancy Wasielewski, Editor -

New Trash Containers

By David Tate,
IPP President

The Illinois Prairie Path not-for-profit corporation purchased 13 new trash containers for unincorporated areas in DuPage County and Kane County. The new trash containers are a big improvement cosmetically over our old 55-gallon recycled trash barrels. A 12-inch Illinois Prairie Path logo is distinctly cast on each of the new Weatherstone containers.

The 13 new trash containers were purchased from Wausau Tile Chicago for $6,305. The per-unit cost of the new containers was $485.

Jean Mooring, Illinois Prairie Path board member, coordinated the purchase and placement of the new containers. The 13 new containers are exact replicas of the four containers that Jean purchased and donated to the IPP in 1998. The DuPage County Division of Transportation placed 12 of the new containers along the trail in late May. The 13th container is being held in reserve.

A recurring problem with the old 55-gallon drums was that they would disappear from the trail. Apparently, people were taking the barrels for burning debris in outlying areas or maybe for storage.

The IPP does not anticipate losing many of the new Weatherstone containers as each container weighs 680 pounds.

We also received some constructive criticism on the old trash barrels from a few homeowners. Although the recycled 55-gallon drums were providing a very useful service they simply no longer cosmetically "fit" in the neighborhoods.

Another problem with the old barrels was that Waste Management, our waste service provider, stopped providing barrels to its customers several years ago. Calling the customer service department at Waste Management and asking for a replacement barrel was becoming somewhat analogous to calling an auto parts store and asking for a buggy whip holder. However, the old Illinois Prairie Path trash barrels will definitely be missed by some of the volunteers who have adopted sections of the trail for litter cleanup. Almost every item found along the IPP right-of-way would easily fit into the barrels.

The Illinois Prairie Path will continue to pay the same servicing fee for the new containers of $15.40 per month, or $185 a year per container. The IPP will spend about $3,000 for trash service in 1999. All of the IPP's trash containers are serviced weekly.

The new trash containers are in the process of being placed along the 61-mile Illinois Prairie Path at the following locations:

Main Stem:
Hill Avenue, Taylor Avenue
Elgin Branch:
Jewell Road, Pleasant Hill Road, Geneva Road, Prince Crossing Road, Smith Road, Army Trail Road (2), Dunham Road
Geneva Spur:
Winfield Road, Prince Crossing Road
Aurora Branch:
Winfield Road, Ferry Road
Batavia Spur:
Bilter Road

Copies of our new 1999 IPP Trail Map were recently mailed to
all current members. Additional copies are available by sending
a $6 check (includes shipping and handling) to:
The Illinois Prairie Path, P.O. Box 1086, Wheaton, IL 60189

IPP Cook County Happenings

By Paul Aeschleman,
IPP Board Member

"Build and They Will Come"

It has been less than a year since the IPP's Cook County section underwent a $600,000 facelift, and we are pleased to announce that the number and diversity of the users has increased significantly. The success of the IPP's Cook County section is a true example of "Build it and They Will Come." During a recent journey from Oak Park to Hillside, I enjoyed the revamped IPP with numerous runners, walkers and bicyclists of all ages. A year ago, I would have been surprised to see even a single user.

The IPP's Cook County Committee and a host of volunteers completed several major projects along the Cook County section of the IPP during spring 1999. The projects included the installation of Grand Illinois Trail Signs, spreading prairie seeds, and the completion of the demonstration prairie at 1st Avenue.

Grand Illinois Trail Signs
In March, the first of a series of Grand Illinois Trail signs were installed along the Cook County section of the IPP from Butterfield Road east to 1st Avenue. Bryan Balin coordinated this project for his Eagle Scout project in Troop 24 of DesPlaines. Members of Troop 24, his father, and Paul Aeschleman of The IPP assisted him.

The scouts worked several hours through cold and snow to install over 20 signs along the IPP. The Grand Illinois signs were obtained from George Bellovics, Grand Illinois Trail coordinator with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Prairie Seeding
In mid-March, Larry Sheaffer, IPP prairie consultant, and Paul Aeschleman spread several bushels of prairie seeds over areas that had been disturbed during last year's construction of the Cook County section. Larry felt that the timing of the seeding and the condition of the soil were conducive to the establishment of a strong stand of prairie plants and grasses.

1st Avenue Trailhead
The improvement of the IPP's 1st Avenue trailhead has been spearheaded by The IPP, Proviso East High School's Ecology Club and the Village of Maywood. This project will ultimately include an IPP display case and benches in addition to the demonstration prairie.

Phase One at 1st Avenue was completed last November when approximately 60 yards of high quality garden mix were shaped into growing areas. On May 21, over 1,500 prairie plants were planted at the IPP's 1st Avenue trailhead by eight members of the Proviso East High School's Ecology Club, as well as Maywood Mayor Joe Freelon, Dorothy Lane of the Maywood Beautification Committee and several other volunteers. The 1,500 plants included approximately 200 plants that the Ecology Club grew from prairie seed that they collected last fall.

The IPP wishes to extend its thanks to the students for their efforts on this project, as well as to Larry Sheaffer, IPP prairie consultant, and Proviso East teacher Jill Laubenstein, who helped direct the students' work.

On Saturday, May 22, several IPP volunteers completed the 1st Avenue prairie planting. This two-day effort converted the bare mounds of soil into a large prairie demonstration garden and outdoor classroom. In addition to the students, several officials from the Village of Maywood, including Mayor Joe Freelon, pitched in to make sure that the event was huge success.

This project was supported by a $3,000 IPP contribution and donations from the Village of Maywood and Duke of Oil. The IPP's contribution to this project was used to purchase soil, plant materials, and project management and technical skills of Larry Sheaffer.

For information on IPP Cook County events, contact Paul Aeschleman (708) 848-6023.

Wheaton Park District Proposes Teen Park

By Jean Mooring,
IPP Board Member

In response to many requests from local teens for a skateboard park, the Wheaton Park District has proposed such a facility to be located in the DuPage County-owned parking lot (former Chicago, Aurora & Elgin right-of-way) north of National-Louis University between Washington St. and Reber St.

The preliminary plan calls for the Illinois Prairie Path, which is now located on the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way in this area, to be rebuilt a few feet south along the northern edge of the old CA&E right-of-way, which is its historic home.

The Park District plan also recommends burying the ComEd lines to eliminate the poles as obstructions for the recreational activities proposed. The Teen Park concept has been expanded to include several elements: a 10,000-square-foot skateboard park with several constructed portable ramps and rails; a 6,900-square-foot miniature golf area; a 5,000-square-foot inline hockey area; a washroom/shelter to house mini-golf rentals and supervision for the skate park and storage; extensive landscaping; as well as bike racks, benches, fencing and other amenities.

Cost of the project, which could be phased in over several years is estimated to be over $500,000. The Wheaton Park District will consult with and seek the help of the City of Wheaton and city teen groups, the DuPage County Division of Transportation (which must be relieved of any liability as owner of the property), Commonwealth Edison Company, National-Louis University, the Union Pacific Railroad, the Wheaton Noon Rotary Club, other local civic groups, and The Illinois Prairie Path not-for-profit corporation, which has already promised to donate at least $3,000 for the project.

The Teen Park is recommended for many reasons:

Adds a unique attraction to downtown Wheaton
Has minimal impact on adjacent property owners because of its location
Meets the needs and interests of Wheaton's youth
Completes a missing piece of the Illinois Prairie Path
Provides convenient restroom facilities for IPP users
Creates a recreational amenity (mini golf) to generate revenue
Brings youth from North and South Wheaton together
Improves the aesthetics of the downtown railroad corridor
Provides many opportunities for spectators to view recreational activities and thus brings people to, rather than through, downtown Wheaton.

Wedding Congratulations!
Congratulations to IPP Board Member Mike Cross who married
Margaret (Peg) Beffa in April at St. Bernadette's Church
in Rockford. Best wishes from your friends at the IPP!

ComEd Begins IPP Landscaping Restoration

By Jean Mooring,
IPP Board Member

On April 30, a magnificent Turkish Filbert tree was planted in front of City Hall beside the Illinois Prairie Path by representatives from Commonwealth Edison Company and by Warrenville Mayor Vivian Lund and other city officials. Its planting not only celebrated Arbor Day, but marked the beginning of the planned restoration of the four-mile section of the Illinois Prairie Path in Warrenville affected by the Commonwealth Edison construction project.

The trail and its vegetation between the EJ&E tracks and Winfield Road had been heavily damaged during the recently completed construction of the high voltage power line on the IPP. ComEd plans to spend $500,000 on this unprecedented landscaping project, which should be completed this summer. The path will then be resurfaced, probably by the DuPage County Division of Transportation.

The landscaping project to revegetate the "keyholes" around all the tall towers was designed by Anthony Tyznik, noted landscape architect, in consultation with Steve May, landscaper for ComEd.

Thanks for a Great Cleanup

Bellwood Cleanup #1
By Susan Wisniewski
The IPP Earth Day Cleanup #1 was held on Saturday, April 17, with help from the Bellwood Streets Department. Larry Doyle, John Antonovich and Bob Russ organized a crew of five community service workers and supervisor, as well as a truck, sticks to pick up trash, gloves and garbage bags. We worked for a couple hours cleaning the IPP between Mannheim and 25th Avenue and really got a lot accomplished. We picked up a lot of broken glass. The community service workers seemed very interested when I told them the history of the IPP. Afterwards I gave them all maps. Many thanks goes to the Streets Department, loyal IPP supporters.

Bellwood Cleanup #2
A second cleanup was held in Bellwood on May 1, a beautiful day. John Antonovich, Bellwood director of public works, reported that about 30 members of the Boys and Girls Club turned out to clean the path from Mannheim Road to 25th Avenue, aided by Mayor Lemm, his assistant Mike Sturino and three village trustees. Chico Hernandez of the public works department, who was in charge of the crew, said that the village provided pizza and pop for the volunteers who picked up rugs, metal poles, boxes and 25 bags of trash.

The volunteers also swept up broken glass. The Prairie Path Board recommends to the municipalities that they adopt a regular trail-sweeping program.

Lombard
By Joelyn Kott
Approximately 350 people took part in the "Take Pride in Lombard" cleanup on April 27. Several truckloads of litter were picked up along the entire length of the IPP and Great Western Trail within the village limits.

Glen Ellyn
By Thomas Jamrok,
Chairman of the Glen Ellyn Environmental Commission
On behalf of the Village of Glen Ellyn and Environmental Commission, thanks to all the participants in this year's Prairie Path Cleanup on April 24.

The cleanup attracted 106 volunteers and removed 1.5 tons of trash from the Glen Ellyn section of the path. The most interesting items removed were a snow blower, gasoline engine and an exercise bike. The Illinois Prairie Path not-for-profit corporation of Wheaton supported the village efforts and sponsored the morning coffee, orange juice and donut holes. The IPP gave a multi-colored IPP trail map to each cleanup volunteer and also provided a number of handouts regarding trail activities.

In addition to personnel, pick up and disposal, the Village of Glen Ellyn contributed a number of gift certificates to local coffee shops as trail prizes. A drawing was held at the completion of the cleanup activities. Wolf Scouts Will Mathews and Chris Huppertz of Pack 51 randomly drew winning participants from the Forest Glen School District and certificates were mailed to winners the following week.

Thank you also goes to those volunteer service groups participating in this year's success. Groups represented are Cub Pack #51, First Congregational Church of Glen Ellyn, Glen Ellyn Kiwanis, The Illinois Prairie Path and Lucent Technologies. The Prairie Path cleanup also attracted several volunteers from surrounding communities, including Naperville, North Aurora, West Chicago and Wheaton and one from Madison, Wisconsin.

Wheaton
By David Tate
Again this year the Wheaton Environmental Improvement Commission coordinated a thorough Earth Day cleanup of the Illinois Prairie Path. Due to the commission's promotion of the trail cleanup as well as several years of perfect spring weather, the number of volunteers participating in the cleanup continues to increase each year.

A record number of 244 people signed up at the commission's registration tent this year which was a surprising increase from the 180 volunteers in 1998 and 160 in 1997. Due to the number of cleanup volunteers, Helen Bartlett, the commission's coordinator, not only assigned cleanup groups to the entire six miles of the trail in Wheaton but also sent groups into neighboring Warrenville, Winfield and Glen Ellyn.

The Wheaton Environmental Improvement Commission's Earth Day sign-up tent was again this year conveniently located at Stevens Park in Wheaton at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and the Illinois Prairie Path's Elgin Branch.

Kay McKeen, the chairperson of the City Council's appointed commission, reported that the cleanup volunteers came from churches, junior women's clubs, Kiwanis, and schools. Helen Bartlett attributed a part of the success of this year's cleanup to the hard work that the commission did prior to the event. To recruit trail cleanup volunteers the commission contacted TV and radio stations and also faxed a flyer to all schools in Wheaton.

After the cleanup, the commission's Prairie Path Committee of Helen Bartlett, Tracy Vought, Paul Zanke, and Ted Witte sent thank you letters to each of the trail cleanup groups. Again this year, The Illinois Prairie Path not-for-profit corporation financed all of the commission's trail cleanup expenses.

West Chicago
By Dick and Nancy Wilson and Birt Hurlbert
Birt Hurlbert, Dick & Nancy Wilson, and Linda Yucuis from South Elgin cleaned the IPP from Route 59 to Smith Road. Three 30-gallon trash bags of debris were picked up including a large canvas tarp, political election signs, construction material, car parts, mattress springs and a "Mushroom Lady" lawn ornament.

Winfield
By David Tate
The entire three-mile section of the Illinois Prairie Path in Winfield and the Timber Ridge Forest Preserve was cleaned again this year. It appears that very little of the litter along the Illinois Prairie Path right-of-way in Winfield actually comes from trail users but rather is wind-blown trash from the Prairie Trail shopping center and from residents' recycling bins.

Warrenville
By Bob Rawls
The Warrenville Prairie Path Cleanup was held on Sunday, May 2. The Rawls family -- including Bob, Maureen, Greg, Laura, Meagan and Michael -- provided the manpower to pick up a variety of debris and litter on the IPP from Route 59 to Warrenville Road. There are future plans to cover the rest of the Warrenville section in the coming weeks. Any individual, organization or group that would like to help clean a section should contact Bob Rawls at 630-393-6720. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed!

Wayne
By David Tate
Gladys Johnston coordinated the Earth Day cleanup in Wayne along almost four miles of the Illinois Prairie Path's Elgin Branch between Smith Road and Dunham Road. Gladys was especially thankful for the hard work done by four freshmen from Bartlett High School.

IPP Membership Report:

Spotlight on Lifetime Members
of The Illinois Prairie Path

The IPP was pleased to welcome three new Lifetime Members in the first half of 1999. Lifetime members contribute a one-time minimum donation of $500.

Fran Rossi of Elmhurst
The Elmhurst Bicycle Club, Elmhurst
The Hamill Family Foundation, Chicago

A newly designed Lifetime Membership Certificate was mailed to each new Lifetime Member.

To show our appreciation to all our Lifetime Members, the new Lifetime Membership Certificates were mailed to all IPP Lifetime Members:

Frederick & Cinda Axley of Wilmette - members since 1970
David & Lisa Beckwith of Wheaton - members since 1989
Jane Berry of St. Charles - member since 1996
Andy Ehrlicher of Louisville, IL - member since 1998
Curlie Engdahl of Villa Park - member since 1995
James & Ruth Gallop of West Chicago - members since 1994
Shawn Hagen of Villa Park - member since 1995
Edward Heil of St. Charles - member since 1983
Jack Hlustik of Hinsdale - member since 1989
Philip & Margie Hodge of Spring City, TN - members since 1982
Jane Jegerski of Elmhurst - member since 1997
R.B. Kemp of Chicago - member since 1983
Susan Lindquist of Wheaton - member since 1997
Brooks McCormick of Warrenville - member since 1995
Randall Miller of Oak Brook - member since 1994
Paul & Jean Mooring of Glen Ellyn - members since 1965
Barbara Rettgen of Madison, Wisconsin - member since 1984
Marilyn Schweitzer of Naperville - member since 1994
Donald Skeet of Hinsdale - member since 1977
Robert Stoner of Elgin - member since 1969
Norman & Cheryl Thomas of St. Charles - members since 1997
Christopher Wilson of Wheaton - member since 1983
James & Barbara Wright of St. Charles - members since 1995

IPP Prairie Burn is Spectacular in Wheaton!

By Jean Mooring,
IPP Board Member

To everyone's surprise, Saturday, April 10, proved to be a good day to burn the three IPP prairies in Wheaton. Despite heavy rains the week before, prairie expert Larry Sheaffer promised the sun would shine on Saturday and the burn would proceed as planned.

Three IPP members, true believers that they are, turned out to help: David and Benna Tate and Jean Mooring. To ensure success, however, Larry prudently brought a truckload of straw bales, which the volunteers spread at the prairies at Hoffman Park, President Street and Volunteer Park.

The burn did go on -- so spectacularly in fact -- that the Wheaton College campus police sent a patrol car over to check it out. Larry calmly explained that he always gets permission from the Wheaton Fire Department for our annual spring burn and that we take all necessary precautions. A Wheaton Fire Department crew, which showed up next, verified this. It was a very exciting and productive day!

Birdwatchers Enjoy Spring Outing
at Pratt's Wayne Woods

By Dick Wilson and David Tate, IPP Board Members

The Illinois Prairie Path's spring bird walk was held on Saturday, May 15, in the Pratt's Wayne Woods Forest Preserve. The annual bird walk is scheduled each year on the third Saturday of May during the peak of the bird migration.

Seventeen birdwatching enthusiasts spent three hours looking for birds during the walk. We saw many more birds than we did on last year's walk. Last year we had a very early spring due to El Nino and most of the migrating birds had already flown north before our pre-scheduled bird walk.

Paul Mooring, IPP Treasurer, was the bird walk leader. Some of birds sighted were: Eastern Bluebird, Indigo Bunting, Gray Catbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, American Crow, Mourning Dove, Wood Duck, American Goldfinch, Canada Goose, Great Crested flycatcher, Common Grackle, Pied-billed Grebe, Rose- breasted Grosbeak, Great Blue Heron, Killdeer, Mallard, Eastern Meadowlark, Baltimore Oriole, Eastern Phoebe, European Starling, Tree Swallow, Brown Thrasher, Wood Thrush, and Blue-winged Warbler.

After the walk, everyone enjoyed a picnic lunch as they discussed the birds they saw, the sounds of the frogs and the threat to Pratt's Wayne Woods by the proposed superhighway through the preserve. We also enjoyed the wonderful homemade chocolate chip cookies brought by Christi Kimmel.

FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Illinois Prairie Path

Office Manager's Note:
Thanks to all who write or call The Illinois Prairie Path with your many questions. I am publishing some of the most frequently asked questions so that all members can benefit from the information.

One reminder -- when calling to ask a question, please leave your complete name and your day and evening phone numbers and the reason for your call. It is not always possible for me or one of our volunteer board members to return your calls during daytime hours.

Where can I get one of the free IPP maps?
The IPP prints 25,000 free maps every year for users of the Path. These are distributed by David Tate to boxes along the trail. The best way to get a free map is to pick one up at the following IPP locations:

Berkeley - Display case 150 feet west of Taft Ave.
Elmhurst - York Road
Elmhurst - Berkley Road
Lombard - Westmore Ave.
Lombard - Main Street
Glen Ellyn - Prairie Path Park
Glen Ellyn - Koslow's Bike Shop
Wheaton - Volunteer Park (the intersection of the IPP's Main Stem, Elgin Branch and Aurora Branch (Liberty Street and Carlton Ave.)
Winfield - Geneva Road/County Farm Road display case
Winfield - Prairie Path Schwinn
Wayne - Army Trail Road
South Elgin - Riverside Deli
Geneva - Bennet Park (intersection of Fox River Trail and IPP's Geneva Spur
Geneva - Mill Race Cyclery
Warrenville - Display case next to City Hall
Aurora - Bilter Road

[Webmasters note: a copy of this map is available on the IPP flyer webpage.]

You can also receive a free map by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to: The Illinois Prairie Path, P.O. Box 1086, Wheaton, IL 60189. Our more detailed multi-colored map is available for $6 with shipping and handling. The 1999 edition of the map was mailed in late May to all members whose dues were paid up as of May. Extra copies of the map are available by sending a $6 check to our address listed above.

Where is the IPP Office and when can I stop by to pick up information and maps?
The Illinois Prairie Path does not operate an office open to the public on a regular basis. The IPP Member's Room is located on the second floor of the Rathje Park Recreation Building and is open for the regular monthly meeting. Information about the IPP is included on the IPP Trail Map and on our web site at www.ipp.org. Contact our office by mail or phone for more specific inquires. Inquiries are answered by the part-time office manager or our volunteer board members as soon as possible, depending on the nature of the request or question.

How can I get more involved with the Illinois Prairie Path group?
The IPP is always looking for people who enjoy doing volunteer work with other IPP members, according to President David Tate. Work days are planned on the third Saturday of each month.

Individuals who want to get involved are invited to our monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of each month at Rathje Park in Wheaton at 7:30 p.m.

Some people like to come to both the work days and the meetings and some prefer just the work days or meetings. Whatever your preference, The IPP welcomes your participation. Call our voice number if you have any questions. We're looking forward to meeting you.

Where can I get a map of the Grand Illinois Trail?
According to George Bellovics, Grand Illinois Trail coordinator, the easiest way to get a copy of the map is through the internet. The web address is: http://dnr.state.il.us (there is no www to the address). At the web site, select Statewide Office, Office of Realty & Environmental Planning; and Division of Planning. From this point you can access a map of the GIT. By mail, you can request a copy by writing to George Bellovics at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, 200 Washington, Oregon, IL. By phone, call 815-732-9072 or fax 815-732-4252.

To ask a question that we will answer in this column in a future issue, write to: The Illinois Prairie Path Newsletter, P.O. Box 1086, Wheaton, IL 60189

Who's Who

The Illinois Prairie Path Corporation
Board of Directors and Office Manager

David Tate (Winfield) - President
Susan Wisniewski (Bellwood) - Vice President
F. Paul Mooring (Glen Ellyn) - Treasurer
Nancy Becker (Willowbrook) - Secretary & Public Relations
Bob Bernero (Glen Ellyn) - Director
Ken Bohl (Lombard) - Director
Mike Cross (Naperville) - Director & Webmaster for IPP website
Birt Hurlbert (West Chicago) - Director
Eric Keeley (Oak Brook Terrace) - Director
Jean Mooring (Glen Ellyn) - Director
Ken Moss (Elmhurst) - Director
Bob Rawls (Warrenville) - Director
Nancy Wasielewski (Naperville) - Director, Office Manager & Newsletter Editor
Dick Wilson (DesPlaines) - Director
Tom Yule (West Chicago) - Director

Share Your Summer Fun On The IPP!
Send Us Your Photos

Pack your camera on your next IPP outing with family friends and pets and take some photos (color or black&white) of your fun times along the Illinois Prairie Path. Your favorite scenic shoots are welcome too!

This is the first time we've tried this promotion and we're hoping for a good response! We will use as many photos as we can in the fall issue and future issues if necessary. Along with photos, please include information about the IPP location and identification of the people (or pets) shown. Photos will be kept on file with the IPP and cannot be returned.

So share your fun times on the IPP with our members!
Mail your photos to: The Illinois Prairie Path, P.O. Box 1086, Wheaton, IL, 60189