Returned

Back home after a wonderful week of work at Starhill Forest. New chainsaw challenges were met head on!
Also on the agenda this time was a sidetrip to Southern Illinois where the Sprinfield chapter of the Illinois Native Plant Society hosted a fieldtrip to Horseshoe Lake Nature Preserve. We were also able to visit Ferne Clyffe State Park, Big Cypress Natural Area, Heron Pond, and Blackpowder Hollow. Along the way we met some amazing trees...even some state champions!
We were also fortunate to be able to spend some time with the father of the natural areas movement, Mr. John Schwegman. Thanks to his work with others, the richly diverse natural areas of Illinois were mapped , the effects of which revolutionized conservancy efforts across the state and country.