HeartLands Conservancy Summer 2017 Commonfields Newsletter

Commonfields Summer 2017

Board of Directors Robert J. Hilgenbrink, Chair E. William Reichert, Vice-Chair Ronda Latina, 2nd Vice-Chair Stephen Parrish, Treasurer Robert Nelson, Secretary William Armstrong William Boardman Brenda Chandler Dawnesha Johnson Robert Knobeloch Nancy Larson Charles Meier Cliff Schuette

Managing Team

Mary Vandevord, President & CEO Ed Weilbacher, Vice PresidentBuilding Greener Communities Janet Buchanan, Project Manager Sarah Vogt, Project Manager Kim O’Bryan, Development & Events Director Tim Ashe, Associate Planner Trisha Roberson, Accountant Laura L. Lyon, Special Projects Coordinator Steve Widowski, Special Projects Coordinator/Wildlife Biologist Michael Andreas, Agricultural Engineer 406 E Main Street Mascoutah, IL 62258 www.heartlandsconservancy.org info@heartlandsconservancy.org HLC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax deductible.

A Time for Disruption and Reflection 2017 is shaping up to be the year of uncertainty and disruption. Whether it’s national politics, the weather, or the economy, nearly everyone I know has some unease about the world around them.

Coincidentally 2017 is also the year of the ‘Great American Solar Eclipse,’ a total solar eclipse, which will pass right over southern Illinois. The irony is that people all over the world associate an eclipse with disruption of the established order. Sound familiar?

There are many myths and lores about solar eclipses. According to National Geographic (2013) the Batammaliba people in Africa believe that the sun and the moon are fighting during an eclipse, and that the people on earth must encourage the sun and moon to stop fighting.

I personally like the Navajo tradition about eclipses. According to NatGeo, the Navajo relate the eclipse as a part of cosmic balance - a part of the laws of nature. They pause to acknowledge that this particular time is special and reflect on the order of the cosmos.

HeartLands Conservancy will be offering a chance for pause and reflection during the total solar eclipse for our members and two of their guests.

We will host a picnic and hiking at our Mill Creek Preserve near Ava, Illinois. We think of it as our way of

acknowledging the contributions of our members and reflecting on the beautiful environment in southern Illinois. The eclipse happens on Monday, August 21.

Mill Creek is in the line of the eclipse’s longest duration. We hope you’ll take a day off to enjoy it and reflect with us!

More details are found in this newsletter on page 3.

In 2017, HeartLands is also reflecting on the past five years as we kick off our organizational strategic plan update. We’re evaluating our successes and failures and developing a vision of HLC’s next 3 years.

It’s good timing, too, because our 30th anniversary is in 2019!

I also hope you will raise your fork for conservation at our 8th Field to Fork on July 22 in Belleville.

The event raises critical funds for our programs and conservation activities. See back page for info!

We have lots planned this summer and fall. See you outside!

Mary Vandevord

President & CEO

Cover: Solar Eclipse from Space (NASA)

HeartLands Conservancy

Commonfields Summer 2017

Lots of Love: Signal Hill Kicks Off with Bioblitz What is Lots of Love? And what is a Bioblitz?

Last year we kicked off an initiative - called Lots of Love - to transform vacant lots in southwestern Illinois communities to more useful spaces, such as native habitat, outdoor classrooms, gardens, etc.

Our first lot is located in Belleville’s Signal Hill neighborhood. It’s a city-owned property along a trail.

It used to be home to a lake called “Peterson’s Pond,” but it was drained several years ago because of safety issues associated with its dam. The former pond is now a wetland or seep that nearly always has an inch of water at its base and can fill up to the brim after heavy rains. In fact, it serves as a drain for most of the West End of Belleville.

What also makes this location unique

is that it is exactly a 5-minute walk from two schools: Blessed Sacrament School and Signal Hill Elementary.

With this in mind, the neighborhood rallied around the idea of changing this underused space into an outdoor pollinator classroom for students and the community.

The first step in the process was to conduct a “bioblitz” with 7th graders from Blessed Sacrament. Lead by science teacher, Connie Yordy, students got out into the wetland and documented existing plant, animal, and insect species with help from HeartLands Conservancy staff and volunteers.

Species we found included clearwing hummingbird moth, praying mantis, Star of Bethlehem, Poison Hemlock (yikes!), leeches, snails, leaf-footed bugs, and red-winged blackbirds.

We also tested the soil pH. Most of the soil has a very high level of alkalinity (see photo below). Certain plants thrive in highly alkaline soils. Because of the soil pH and continuous presence of water, it is considered fen-like (a rare type of wetland).

The next steps are invasive-species removal working days, grading, planting, and installation of signs and seating. Want to get involved?

Contact Laura Lyon at laura.lyon@ heartlandsconservancy.org

HeartLands Conservancy Commonfields Summer 2017

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Total Eclipse of the Heart(Lands) at Mill Creek

A total solar eclipse is a rare occurrence in the US. We’re fortunate that this year, one of the best places to see it is in southern Illinois!

During a total solar eclipse, the moon covers the sun little by little until it COMPLETELY covers the Sun. During that time (for a minute or so), no bright part of the sun is visible and you can see it without using eclipse glasses.

Once the bright part becomes visible again, you will need your glasses back on, however.

Owls, Pileated Woodpeckers, Indigo Buntings, Slimy Salamanders, Ground Skinks, and Redbellied snakes.

The Mill Creek Natural Area is located within the range of total eclipse and is expected to occur around 1:20 pm and last for about 2 minutes! A biologist told us that the animals and birds become very quiet during a total eclipse. We’ll learn if that is true.

Members of HeartLands Conservancy and two of their guests are invited to our Solar Eclipse Hike and Picnic on August 21 from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm at Mill Creek (located between Chester and Ava, Illinois). Viewing glasses will be provided. Limit 200 people.

Mill Creek is 115 acres of natural area that contains a sandstone cave and cliff system, which has been gradually carved by Mill Creek with plant species typical of more northern climates.

Examples of these “relic species” are cinnamon ferns, interrupted ferns, chokecherry, bishop’s cap, and lycodopiums.

Contact us by August 4 to reserve your spots. Email treks@ heartlandsconservancy.org or call Sarah Vogt at 618-566-4451 ext 23.

Many different types of wildlife are also found at Mill Creek, inlcluding Barred

After reserving your spot, we will provide you with more information and how to get there.

Not a member? Sign up on our website or call Kim at (618) 566-4451 x 10.

Community Visioning Workshops Held HeartLands staff has been helping two communities - Murphysboro and Shiloh - with identifying their comprehensive community vision for the next 20 years. In Murphysboro, 80 people discussed the things that make Murphysboro, Murphysboro. They then wrote their version of the Murphysboro Story from a future perspective.

Highlights of Recent Events Annual Dinner Our Annual Dinner was held April 19 at the Four Points by Sheraton in Fairview Heights. We celebrated achievements of the past year, including the preservation of 250 acres of natural areas. We also heard from biologist Dr. Essner. He introduced us to the threatened Illinois Chorus Frog and its unique habits and mating rituals.

We were also pleased to award Green Leaf Achievement Awards to conservation superstars of our region: St. Clair County Greenspace Foundation, Project 612, United Congregations of the Metro East (Cleaner, Greener Granite City), and Metro East Montessori School.

Wild Foraging at Silver Creek Preserve In early May, we hosted a Wild Foraging Hike at Silver Creek Preserve. Josh Galliano and Justin Bell lead two groups to explore common wild edibles in our region and how you might prepare them in a meal.

Flooding Survey in Madison County’s American Bottom Watershed For residents of the American Bottom watershed in Madison County, a survey is available about the impacts of flooding. HeartLands is assisting Madison County Planning & Development with a plan to address flooding, erosion, and water quality.

The survey will help identify location, frequency, and impacts of flooding on residents of the area.

For more information visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ americanbottomflood

Edibles we encountered were cattails, wood sorrel, blackberries, arrowroot, clover, black locust, plantain, curly dock, watercress, and german chamomile. The group also learned about the ethics of foraging - such as where it is legal and NOT legal to forage. The groups left inspired and with new knowledge about the plants in their own backyards.

A Cleaner, Greener Granite City

HeartLands Conservancy Commonfields Summer 2017

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Thank You to Our Members! (as of 5/23/17) Bill Armstrong Kimberly Atkins Mark Badasch Mary Biernot Frederick Blume Williman & Christine Boardman* Chris Brefeld Susan & Kerry Brethauer Dale Brockmann* Ralph Buettner Sally Burgess Brenda Chandler City of Belleville City of Columbia City of Edwardsville City of Granite City City of Lebanon City of Mascoutah City of O’Fallon City of Waterloo Collinsville Area Recreation District Greg Colombo Kay Connolly Donald Dahlmann* Gail DeVilbiss

Donna Dougherty Diane Drake Brian Dulski Marilyn Fahey* Tim Faltus Melvin Feig Ron Foster Jr Michael & JoAnn Fricke Grace Garin Sharon Geil Bonnie Grohmann Ted Harvey Sonny Heck Jane Helms Susan Hertich Robert Hilgenbrink* Athena Hubert Katie Mondy-Hughes Jackie Johnsen* Judith Joy Marty Kemper Dennis Kirkham* Debra Klueter Anne Koleson Ted Krauskopf Mike & Jenny Krim

John Laker Joe Langenhorst Bill O’Hara & Nancy Larson Ronda Latina Mary Laurent Nancy LeVault Carol Lieb Laura Lyon Madison County Planning & Development* Ginger McCall Steve Mudge Robert & Katie Nelson* Randall Neumann Debbie Newman George Obernagel III* Toni & Don Oplt Mary & Ralph Prevo* Michael Reeb Larry Rhutasel Roger Ross St. Clair County* Rene Sackett John & Denise Schaberg Zane & Connie Schneider Cliff Schuette*

Glen Schuetz Robert Seiffert Justin Seigel Silver Creek Garden Club Nancy Suelflow Dave & Lisa Tiedemann* Rachel Tompkins John & Lynne Troyan* Mary & Robert Vandevord Village of Dupo Village of Fayetteville Village of Glen Carbon* Village of New Baden Village of Shiloh Village of Smithton Connie Vogt Sheila Voss Ann Warner Matthew Warren Waterloo Park District Ed & Kathi Weilbacher* Leo & Key Welch Brian & Jaynie Wells Brittany Williams Katie Wonnacott Lisa Zamfir * - White Oak Society Member

Thank You to Our Corporate Sponsors (as of 5/23/17)

Civil Design, Inc. Clinton County Farm Bureau EWR Architects, Inc. Farm Credit Illinois Geotechnology Gori, Julian & Associates, PC Greensfelder Attorneys at Law

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Madison County Soil & Water

Conservation District Memorial Network - BJC

Healthcare Randolph County Soil & Water

Conservation District St. Clair County Farm Bureau Scott Credit Union

St. Louis Composting Stormwater STL, LLC Suncoke Energy - GCO Terminal Railroad Association

of St. Louis The Material Works Wetlands Forever

Plant This! Not That! Let’s Cover Some Basics Groundcovers scare me.

After years of battling vines in the forest, I have an aversion to anything and everything that vines. Lonicera japoninca (Japanese honeysuckle), Celastrus orbiculatus (oriental bittersweet), and Euonymus fortunei (Wintercreeper) are just a few of the most common examples of vining invasive species found in our region.

All were once (and in some cases still are....looking at you Wintercreeper) readily available in local nurseries. They escaped manicured flower beds and began taking over forest floors, topping trees, and drastically changing the local habitat.

The very name groundcover makes me apprehensive, as they are planted for the sole purpose of covering ground quickly. They are typically aggressive plants, and the number one characteristic of invasive species is that they are aggressive, so they outcomplete natives.

Nevertheless, I am starting to realize groundcovers play and important role in the garden, doing things like: • Keeping moisture in the soil

Here are some examples of very common groundcovers sold at nurseries and home stores that are also listed invasive species. Avoid these plants and instead — Sarah Vogt choose the native alternatives.

Non-Natives Euonymus fortunei (Wintercreeper)

Vinca minor (common periwinkle)

natives Sedum ternatum (stonecrop)

Asarum canadense (wild ginger)

Lamium maculatum (spotted deadnettle) Phlox bifida (sand phlox)

Ajuga reptans (bugleweed)

Fragaria virginiana (wild strawberry) Hedera helix (English Ivy)

• Preventing weed growth • Preventing soil erosion • Adding height, texture, and color differences So, reluctantly, I admit not all groundcovers are bad. However, when choosing groundcovers for our gardens we need to do our homework.

1. Make sure you’re not buying a plant that is on an invasive species list.

Missouri Botanical Garden’s Plant Finder is a good resource.

Galium odoratum (sweetscented bedstraw/sweet woodruff )

Pachysandra terminalis (Japanese spurge)

Oenothera macrocarpa (Missouri Primrose)

Heuchera parviflora (Littleflower Alumroot)

2. Always plant native species.

Photos: Missouri Botanical Garden & Grow Native

HeartLands Conservancy Commonfields Summer 2017

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8th Annual Field to Fork

July 22, 2017 | Bellecourt Manor, Belleville, IL Summer is here and that means we are gearing-up for our big fundraiser, Field to Fork! Six area chefs team together to prepare a six-course meal using all locally grown and sourced ingredients. Join us as we enjoy a delicious meal and raise money for conservation in southern Illinois.

Chef line-up: Jenny Cleveland, Cleveland-Heath; Josh Charles, Blood & Sand; Tim Faltus, Bellecourt Manor; Jennifer Pensoneau-Kennedy , J. Fires’ Market Bistro; David Sandusky, Beast Craft BBQ Co.; and Adam Washburn, 1818 Chophouse. Music by the Bon Bon Plot and emcee Mike Roberts.

Reservations available on our website or call Kim at 618-566-4451 ext 10. Space is limited, and we typically sell-out weeks in advance, so reserve today!

P.S.

We are also accepting silent auction donations, and volunteers to help with event logistics and check-in/out!

TWO RAFFLES FOR CONSERVATION! Win a Tesla for a weekend or a Cardinals Game + Dinner for 2 - buy raffle tickets on our website.

Winners pulled at Field to Fork July 22! www.HeartLandsConservancy.org 406 East Main Street Mascoutah, IL 62258 (618) 566-4451

Address service requested:

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