HeartLands Conservancy Meanderings Spring 2023

Board of Directors

Janet Haroian Board Chair

Gary Huelsmann Vice Chair

William Boardman Second Vice Chair

Amy Kempfer Treasurer

Anne Werner Secretary

E. William Reichert, III, Immediate Past Chair

Carol Gentry, Special Event Committee Chair

Kimberly Huth

Dawnesha Johnson Development Committee Chair

Nancy Larson

Robert C. Nelson Programs & Services Committee Chair

Jim Pauley

Cliff Schuette Team

Michael Andreas Special Projects Coordinator

Laura L. Lyon

VP of Progam Strategy & Impact

Denisha Martin

Communications Manager

Kim O’Bryan

Director of Development & Events

John O’Donnell

Water Program Manager

Sean Pelato

Conservation Stewardship Coordinator

Jenny Reiman

Resilient Communities Program Manager

Jesus Sanchez

Environmental Programs Technician

Mary Vandevord President & CEO

Ed Weilbacher

Senior Advisor

Jamie Wheeler

Director of Finance & Administration

Steve Widowski

Wildlife Biologist

Eric Wright

Land Conservation Program Manager

Conservancy

MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT | CEO

Let’s Get Blooming!

Have you been stuck inside for the past few months? Have you been longing for sunnier days? Well, it’s official! Spring is here to save the day!

The next few months are exciting as we look for the first wildflower blooms to emerge in the forests. Bloodroot is one of the first to blossom and one of my all-time favorite spring wildflowers. There’s a great patch at Bohm Woods Nature Preserve in Edwardsville if you’re antsy to get outside. Early May is the peak of spring wildflower season. Join us for a guided Wildflower Walk at Knobeloch Woods on May 13 to see a variety of blossoms - see page 30 for more details. Want some bloomers for your yard? Our annual spring Native Plant Sale is back for online orders starting March 28, see page 24.

Speaking of forests, community forests in southwestern Illinois will start leafing out and blooming this spring. Trees in your community are so important for many reasons. They take up rainwater, filter air pollutants, provide shade for buildings and people walking, and make places look beautiful. Trees need care and love, and our volunteer Tree Stewards are trained to assist with community tree care. Learn more during Tree Week and how to be involved in your community’s tree canopy on page 11.

Frogs begin mating calls in late February through April. My favorite call is the Southern Leopard Frog, which sounds like the Joker laughing. Dr.

Rick Essner will lead our Frog Walk on March 31. Join us and learn to identify the frog calls. Besides celebrating spring, this season, we are celebrating the milestone of over 10,000 acres protected in southern Illinois. From April 1 through May 10, we will be showcasing many of the special places you have conserved and, as a result, the wildlife you have protected.

As wildlife populations continue alarming declines worldwide (69% since 1970!) and extreme weather conditions, such as flooding and heat, become more commonplace, land conservation, restoration, and stewardship are critical for our future as humans.

We must pick up the pace of conservation.

As such, this Spring, we are running a campaign to support the future of our region’s special places. We aim to raise $30,000 this Spring to support and sustain conservation - and there are many ways to participate. See page 19 for more details.

The staff of HeartLands Conservancy has been working overtime this past winter to prepare for a fantastic spring with you.

See you outside!

Mary Vandevord President & CEO

bloodroot southern leopard frog MO Dept of Conservation

From Vision to Reality

Volunteers Transform Signal Hill Outdoor Classroom with Boardwalk Extension

Steve Yordy, Ken Diekemper, and Bill Rathmann spent many hours in the fall of 2022 planning, preparing, and building a special project. They created an extension to the Signal Hill Outdoor Classroom’s boardwalk.

Initially built in 2018, the original boardwalk did not extend far enough to allow visitors or students to cross over the stream, making accessibility difficult. With funding from a community member and former Signal Hill teacher, HeartLands Conservancy and its volunteers were able to pursue the construction of an extension.

With all three volunteers having ties to the educational site and its nearby schools– Blessed Sacrament Catholic School and Signal Hill School—getting involved with improving the Outdoor Classroom just made sense. With a wealth of experience from past woodworking projects and home renovations, as well as his regular carpentry volunteering efforts at TreeHouse Wildlife Center, Steve Yordy took the lead on the project. His dedicated passion and personal experience with volunteering - he previously built the site’s insect hotels, helped with species diversity sampling, and assisted with invasive species removal - resulted in a usable and accessible walkway.

“With construction over, thanks to Bill and Ken‘s help,“ Steve said, “I can‘t wait to see what the site becomes as an educational site through our

continued efforts in invasive species management and conservation curriculum, drawing students into learning about the outdoors at a location near them.“

BUILDING BONDS

THE BLUEBIRD BOX BUILD SESSION

In July 2022, volunteers participated in a bluebird box build session. This opportunity to give back while avoiding the sweltering summer heat was made possible by a father/son team and a grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation. Lynn Wright, the father of HLC’s Eric Wright, is a former conservation professional with a knack for woodworking. The two teamed up over two months to create and facilitate this unique opportunity.

This project started on the back porch overlooking the native plants Lynn had planted to show his support for Eric‘s career. Eric and Lynn strategized how to create a bluebird box that could be assembled by anyone with a cordless drill and still meet the needs of bluebird parents. After the two reviewed standard bluebird box designs, the old woodworker mosied into the wood shop to create the bluebird box build kits.

During the bluebird box build session at HLC’s office, Lynn and Eric detailed how to prepare the bluebird box kits. Then, the faint whine of cordless drills filled the room while volunteers assembled the future bluebird homes. The conservation family connection between Lynn and Eric was not unique in the room. Husbands and wives, sisters, and a grandfather and granddaughter had joined forces to create homes for the next generation of bluebirds. In the end, 12 bluebird boxes were ready for installation at Arlington Wetlands, and at least four families were brought closer together by conservation.

GOOD RIVER

Wood River Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan

The City of Wood River unanimously adopted their Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan by HeartLands Conservancy in February! The plan captures the community’s vision for creating a bicycle and pedestrianfriendly community, reducing air pollution, encouraging economic development and recreation, and creating a well-designed, connected, and efficient transportation system.

Wood River is a prime spot to connect some of the region’s best trails, including the Madison County Transit (MCT) Confluence Trail along the Mississippi River and the MCT Watershed Trail, which connects to the trail network in Edwardsville. In addition to creating an amenity for residents, this east-west connection has the potential to enhance tourism by bringing visitors to Wood River.

HeartLands Conservancy is proud to have provided technical planning assistance to complete the plan,

along with engineers Oates and Associates. City leaders are already pursuing funds to build highpriority trails. The HLC planning team is excited to see good things happening in Wood River!

Grants from two organizations funded this plan. The Metro East Parks and Recreation District (MEPRD) and the Agency for Community Transit (ACT) provided matching funds to cover the planning process‘s costs with no additional cash expenditures from the City of Wood River.

During the process, HLC demonstrated a “pop-up” Bike Trail, including a temporary ladder-style crosswalk, bike lane, and street features, such as bike racks, benches, trees and planters, and shade for the bus stop. These modest improvements resulted in positive feedback.

Communities or groups interested in HLC‘s planning assistance may contact Laura Lyon at laura.lyon@ heartlandsconservancy.org or (618) 566-4451 ext 22.

Lebanon SE Quad Neighborhood Plan

HeartLands Conservancy was awarded the Outstanding Plan Making Award from the St. Louis Metro Section of the American Planning Association for the Lebanon SE Quad Neighborhood Plan! Congrats to all the partners - City of Lebanon, Friends of McAllister Park, and the residents and descendants of the SE Quad neighborhood!

ILLINOIS IS OUR HOME.

Thank you for protecting the amazing places of our region for generations to come!

Our region is home to some of the most breathtaking open spaces, streams, farms, parks, and cultural sites in the country, and you can be a part of ensuring that they are protected and enjoyed by all.

By joining the Campaign for Special Places, you will be contributing to ongoing efforts to conserve, connect, and restore the unique landscapes and natural resources of southwestern Illinois.

Your donation will make a significant impact on our ability to protect these amazing places, and to expand our efforts to preserve many other places that are vital to the region‘s future.

To Support: https://bit.ly/HLCSPECIALPLACES

Pictured: Mary Vandevord, President & CEO, Jennifer Reiman, Resilient Communities Program Manager, and Laura L. Lyon, VP of Program Strategy & Impact

Extra TLC Coming to Poag Sand Prairie

Poag Sand Prairie is receiving extra attention in 2023 thanks to the Edwardsville Community Foundation (ECF), Mr. Denny Kirkham, and Walker & Williams, PC. ECF agreed to provide $5,000 if HeartLands Conservancy’s supporters provided $500. Kirkham and Walker & Williams rose to the challenge!

Poag Sand Prairie is a rare habitat that we are working to enhance by replacing non-native plants with more diverse plants suited to southwestern Illinois sand prairies. The restoration will ultimately provide structure and food for birds, amphibians, reptiles, and pollinators. Several threatened and endangered species are trying to survive at Poag Sand Prairie, and this restoration effort will support their survival.

Habitat restoration is a multi-step, multi-year process. HLC’s team of dedicated staff, volunteers, and funders is essential to protecting and restoring the unique habitat of Poag Sand Prairie. While contractors will perform some of the work, volunteers can help, too. Tasks include creating brush piles for wildlife, removing invasive plants, and planting new sand prairie plants. Visit Poag Sand Prairie through early and late summer - to enjoy the transformation from degraded prairie to high-quality habitat.

Volunteering.

You Make a Difference!

Making a difference in your community can be as easy as spending a few hours on a Saturday at a beautiful site like Arlington Wetlands or joining a guided walk at Poag Sand Prairie!

With the HeartLands Conservancy, people can get involved in everything from site stewardship, independent volunteering schedules, office volunteering, special event set-up, educationa programs, and more! Joining a growing team of dedicated volunteers can provide the perfect environment for creating connections and visualizing the work you accomplish—all for an amazing purpose.

In 2022, volunteers dedicated over 1,500 recorded hours to HeartLands Conservancy’s mission, project sites, and Southern Illinois communities.

From the beautifully planted Exploration Garden at Swansea Clinton Hills Conservation Park to the newlybuilt boardwalk extension at Signal Hill Outdoor Classroom, our volunteers have showcased their skills, passion, and service in many ways.

Your service matters to the health of our community‘s natural resources. Join your fellow community members in protecting and preserving the beauty of southwestern Illinois for future generations!

UPCOMING VOLUNTEER DATES: Registration Required!

4th Saturdays, 9am-12pm

Starting in March

Arlington Wetlands Volunteer Day

2nd Thursdays, 9am-12pm

Starting in May

Exploration Garden Volunteer Day

3rd Fridays, 9am-12pm

Starting in April

Signal Hill Volunteer Day

First time volunteering with HLC?

Fill out the volunteer interest form: https://bit.ly/HLCVOLUNTEER

TREE WEEK

Why should we care about our Southern Illinois trees? 2023

During Tree Week, you can take action to support trees in southern Illinois. The road ahead is shaded with trees. How are you going to get involved in Tree Week 2023?

Tree Week: Earth Day to Arbor Day

HeartLands Conservancy is again recognizing and celebrating the many reasons to love the trees around us—whether they’re part of your backyard, a local park, or a nearby nature preserve! Throughout April, HeartLands will host many events and activities to get involved with the forestry around them.

Celebrate trees and learn even more about the benefits of the trees around you!

Tree Stewards Saturday Program, Fairmont City Library Center

Saturday, April 15th (12 pm - 3 pm) Saturday, April 22nd (12 pm - 3 pm)

Want to attend the Tree Stewards Program, but Tuesday nights don’t work? Come to the satellite Saturday program at the Fairmont City Library Center to attend our free classes on urban forestry and all things trees! Registration is required. Visit our website or contact Sean Pelato at sean.pelato@heartlandsconservancy. org (618) 566-4451 ex 17.

Tree Stewards Graduation and Tree

Planting - TBA

Learn about proper tree planting and maintenance techniques from our newly trained HLC Tree Stewards, or take the program yourself! Congratulate these individuals on their newfound knowledge while participating in site improvement!

Arlington Wetlands Volunteer Workday - April 22nd, 9 am - 12 pm

Join us at Arlington Wetlands (Arlington Dr, Pontoon Beach, IL 62040) for a special Volunteer Workday to support wetland forest!

Community Free Tree Distribution(TBA, April 21st - April 28th)

Want to make an impact in Southern Illinois communities without planting trees? Help distribute free trees with HeartLands Staff and fellow volunteers to municipalities around the area!

Full Moon Hike at Stemler CaveMay 5th, 8 pm - 9:30 pm

Come along for a guided hike under the Flower Moon at Stemler Cave Woods Nature Preserve! Learn about the lives of trees at nighttime as we walk. Registration is required with limited spaces available. Please visit https://heartlandsconservancy.org/ event/full-moon-hike/ to RSVP. Tree

Last year’s Tree Week provided an incredible opportunity for communities to get involved, learn more, and help their town ecology.

Over 675 free trees were distributed within southwestern Illinois communities; 20 communities received our assistance with tree acquisition and information. HeartLands staff hosted special events with information about Tree City USA, Tree Identification Community and Urban Forestry, and more, with over 200 participants throughout the week.

For updated events and locations to be announced, be sure to check our Events Calendar on our website:

https://bit.ly/EVENTSCAL

Watch out for what‘s blooming & pollinators in the Exploration Garden! 3RD [SPRING] TIME IS A CHARM!

How time has flown! The Exploration Garden at Clinton Hills Conservation Park began in 2019. This spring marks the wildflower meadow’s third blooming season - and it should be grand! An old adage says, “The first year a garden sleeps, the second year it creeps, and the third year it leaps.”

To kick off a spectacular succession of native blooms, HeartLands Conservancy, Great Rivers Prescribed Burn Association, and the Village of Swansea performed a prescribed burn on the meadow. A prescribed burn is a carefully planned and directed habitat management practice conducted by a trained and certified “burn boss” and crew. This best practice improves prairie and soil health and encourages native wildflowers to spread their seeds, enhancing the health and vibrancy of the meadow. As a result, this year’s meadow colors should be spectacular. Keep an eye out for all the pollinator and wildlife activity while we build the Raindrop’s Journey feature this spring.

The Great Rivers Prescribed Burn Association, Village of Swansea & HLC performed a burn on the meadow.

HLC staff investigating the meadow area post-burn.

Caltapa tree bloom; attracting hummingbirds, pollinators, and catalpa sphinx moths.

Coreopsis and Purple coneflower with Bumblebee.

Rose mallow (a perrenial native hibiscus) can be found in the meadow and rain gardens.

Milkweed is beneficial to many insects and birds, espcially monarch butterflies that need it to host their caterpillars.

Bee balm (monarda) and black-eyed Susans make for a spectacular combination to attract many types of bees and small birds, like hummingbirds and finches.

Daisy-shaped flowers like coreopsis are benefit bees who need direct access to nectar and pollen.

• White oak (Quercus Alba), Illinois State Tree: Hosts over 200 insects that feed birds. Large mammals like deer, turkey, and squirrels feed on the acorns, and many cavity-nesting birds (owls, woodpeckers, eastern bluebirds, bats, etc.) live in these majestic trees.

• Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa): White blossoms in May and June host hummingbirds and the catalpa sphinx moth.

• Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum): Grows in wet areas in southern Illinois and is home to frogs, toads, bats, and birds.

• American plum (Prunus americana): An excellent substitute for Bradford Pear, many birds and bees are attracted to the flowers of this tree, and 345 species of moths and butterflies use these trees as host plants. Red and gray foxes like the fruit.

• Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis): Another fantastic flowering alternative to Bradford Pear! Many birds, such as cardinals and bluebirds, and mammals, such as opossums and squirrels, love the fruit of serviceberries. The berries are edible and taste similar to a blueberry.

• Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis): Bright purple and pink buds and blossoms attract bees and other pollinators.

• Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida): Another white or pink flowering tree that attracts birds (over 75 species), chipmunks, foxes, rabbits, deer, squirrels, and pollinating insects, and serves as the host plant for Azure butterflies.

That’s

of the

HAVE A MARTINI, SUPPORT THE MEADOW

Join us for Martinis in the Meadow, a special Earth Day event benefiting HeartLands Conservancy and The Exploration Garden. Celebrate nature and support the transformation of a part of this former golf course into a beautiful public demonstration garden and outdoor classroom.

The 6-acre garden, located at the Clinton Hills Conservation Park in Swansea, is quickly becoming a local favorite, showcasing wildflower meadows, native plant & educational displays, and rainwater demonstrations. With phase 2 completed in 2022, more work is happening in 2023. See more on page 12.

Enjoy a martini surrounded by nature‘s beauty and invest in our region‘s tomorrow. Your support will continue the transformation of the Exploration Garden into a place where all can experience and learn the wonders of our natural world.

April 21, 2023, at 7:00 pm at the patio of Swansea Fletcher’s Kitchen & Tap. | Tickets are $75

1524 Clinton Hills Pkwy Swansea, IL 62226

Scan the QR Code with your phone‘s camera or purchase tickets at: https://bit.ly/ MARTINISINTHEMEADOW

10,000

ACRES & COUNTING

• Chouteau, Gabaret, and Mosenthein Islands, Madison

• Engelmann Farm, Shiloh

• Willoughby Heritage Farm & Conservation Reserve, Collinsville

• Arlington Wetlands, Pontoon Beach

• Kidd Lake Marsh, Prairie du Rocher

• White Rock Nature Preserve, Valmeyer

• Poag Sand Prairie, Edwardsville

• Signal Hill Outdoor Classroom, Belleville

• Rockwood Island - Middle Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge

• Exploration Garden, Swansea (learn more on page 12)

• William C. Drda Woods, Edwardsville (enter through Bohm Woods)

CELEBRATING THE SPECIAL PLACES YOU PRESERVED FOR SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS

Mary Vandevord, President & CEO

Remember to Celebrate Milestones as You Prepare for the Road Ahead

In 2022, HeartLands Conservancy supporters reached a milestone for conservation. Together we have preserved over 10,000 acres of land for nature, farms, and recreation in southern Illinois. As we celebrate this milestone, we also must, as Nelson Mandela said, prepare for what’s to come.

Conserving, connecting, and restoring land for wildlife, food, and people is critical for our region’s quality of life. To continue this work, we must prepare for continuing episodes of extreme weather, ongoing battles against invasive species, repair of degraded of forests and prairies, increased need for community green spaces for enjoyment, and increased food insecurity. The list goes on.

If you’re like us, you know that 10,000 acres are just the beginning! So, let’s celebrate the work we’ve accomplished together and let’s prepare for the future of the special places in which we live.

Here are just a few of the special places you’ve protected and where we are going with them.

Poag Sand Prairie - Edwardsville

Celebrate: Poag Sand Prairie is 20 acres near Edwardsville. This rare habitat is owned by HeartLands Conservancy and is home to state-threatened Illinois Chorus Frogs, tiny frogs that are found only in a few places in the state. Restoration of the sand prairie is underway, and thanks to a grant from the Edwardsville Community Foundation, major chunks of the prairie will be under restoration by this summer. Restoring the prairie habitat will be beneficial to the frogs, quail, turtles, and other animals that need this type of habitat to survive.

Visit Poag Sand Prairie - it’s open the public! A short out-and-back trail takes you through the prairie. We recommend visiting in the summer to see the beautiful wildflower display.

The Future: More habitat is needed to help these frogs survive. We are actively working to preserve land and restore habitat in the area of Poag Sand Prairie.

Illinois Chorus Frog

Poag Sand Prairie

Nelson Mandela

Arlington Wetlands - Pontoon Beach

Celebrate: Arlington Wetlands is an 83-acre remnant of the Mississippi River, called a “meander scar”. Its preservation serves an important role in providing stormwater storage, clean water, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities. It features two sand prairies, a floating boardwalk, and beautiful scenery.

The property is owned by Madison County, and we work with the County to steward the land. A 1.5-mile trail will take you from the parking lot across the boardwalk to a large sand prairie.

Visit: Join us for a night hike here on June 29, 2023. You may see fireflies and other nocturnal creatures! (See page 30 for more information).

The Future: A site with prairies and wetland forest needs a lot of stewardship. Volunteers, prescribed burn crews, and contractors will continue site work.

For more information about private land conservation easements, contact Eric Wright, Land Conservation Manager at eric.wright@ heartlandsconservancy.org (618) 566-4451 ext 23.

Celebrate: A part of the mighty Kaskaskia River is surrounded by the state’s largest forest block - and Kathleen Scanlan Conservation Area is 174 acres of that forest. The floodplain forest protects ancient trees and provides a habitat for many animals, especially migratory birds. Our favorite is the prothonotary warbler - a tropical bird named after the bright yellow robes worn by papal clerks, known as prothonotaries.

Visit: While not open to the public at this time, the conservation area is a critical piece of protected forest along the banks of the Kaskaskia River.

The Future: We dream of kayaking to this spot one day. Until then, the work continues to monitor and steward the land to protect the health of the mighty oaks on this property. Volunteers have installed nesting boxes for the prothonotary warblers to encourage their residence.

In addition to public land, supporters of HeartLands Conservancy have preserved nearly 3,000 acres of private land through our conservation easement program. That’s almost 5 square miles!

Arlington Wetlands Firefly Hike

Arlington Wetlands

Kathleen Scanlan Conservation Area - Venedy

Prothonotary Warbler

Kathleen Scanlan Conservation Area

Brushy Lake - Collinsville

Celebrate: This 80-acre property is part of a 400+ acre complex of wetlands. Restoration of the wetlands began in 2022, with a goal of returning the flooded farm field to wet meadows and providing habitat for Black Crowned Night Herons and Snowy Egrets, which have lost their nesting places in the area.

Visit: Public access is not available until restoration is complete. However…

The Future: After the ecological restoration has been completed, the next phase will provide public access to the view birds and other wetland wildlife.

Mill Creek Natural Area - Ava/Randolph County

Celebrate: The 115-acre Mill Creek Natural Area contains sandstone canyons, gorges, and cliff systems that host unusual plants, including the cinnamon fern and bishop’s cap. The property is part of a larger sensitive ecosystem in southern Randolph County near Piney Creek Ravine. HeartLands Conservancy and Clifftop worked together to purchase and protect the property in 2011.

Visit: The property is now owned by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, but not yet open to the public due to sensitive ecological areas.

The Future: We encourage the State of Illinois to enroll this unique property as an Illinois Nature Preserve, which will provide it a special status in the state land holdings.

With a conservation easement, a landowner voluntarily restricts future use of the land to a natural area or agriculture but still owns and uses the land in its conserved state. HeartLands Conservancy, as a land trust, protects and monitors these lands, forever ensuring they will remain open spaces.

Thank you for protecting these amazing places for the region! If you are excited about the future of the places - and the many other places we have or have yet to preserve - consider joining our Campaign for Special Places (see enclosed envelope) to sustain the work of conserving, connecting, and restoring all that is special about southwestern Illinois.

Snowy Egret

Brushy Lake

Cinnamon Fern

Mill Creek

Natural Area

MEET THE STORMWATER COORDINATOR OF MADISON CO.

HLC: What is a day in the life like for a stormwater coordinator?

Gabrielle Reed is the new Stormwater Coordinator for Madison County. We have the privilege of collaborating with Gabrielle on several initiatives targeting water pollution issues in the region. We sat down with Gabrielle this winter to learn more about her.

HLC: What was your path to becoming a stormwater coordinator?

GR: The path to this career was a winding one. Beginning community college in the fall of 2017, I was determined to be a Psychology major. After transferring to SIUC, I decided to switch gears and study Wildlife Habitat Management for a semester. I had taken a pre-requisite zoology course and decided I wanted to change majors again. I was then a Zoology major before Geography and Environmental Resources.

While I was getting comfortable in this major, I had to decide on my specialization, which is Climate and Water Resources. Since I had so many classes on my transcript from bouncing around, my wonderful advisor at the time made connections with those classes, allowing me to obtain two minors in Geology and Environmental Studies. The path wasn’t clear to me at the time, but looking back at it now, it was everything I needed to start the career path I’m in now. I graduated from SIUC in May 2021 with my Bachelor of Science.

GR: A day in the life of a Stormwater Coordinator—it’s interesting. As the County’s stormwater coordinator, I have the privilege of meeting and coordinating with many municipalities and their public works departments, for example. We coordinate with these departments on our Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) Permit to reduce non-point source pollution into the region’s waterways. I also have the opportunity to learn directly from Madison County citizens about the drainage and flooding issues they experience. I can then engage with organizations and businesses in efforts to improve water quality and maintain the integrity of the lands and structures near hazard areas.

I’m responsible for reviewing permits to make sure that the development happening is reasonably safe from flooding. I also help to organize events and meetings to attend to issues within the county. I stand as the representative for the county when it comes to any local, state, or federal correspondence pertaining to stormwater or floodplain issues.

HLC: What are some upcoming projects in Madison County?

GR: Currently, I am working alongside the County’s Resource Management Coordinator, Brandon Banks, Alton’s Sierra Club and Three Rivers Project Co-coordinator Christine Favilla, on a clean streams/trash initiative. The hope of this project is to get the residents of Madison County aware

of trash pollution and how it impacts our nation’s waterways. We hope to do minor stream clearing of organic debris such as log and leaf jams, as well as cleaning any and all trash from the creek with the organized help from volunteers. The project is in its earliest preliminary phase; and we hope to have a trial-and-error event for 2023.

HLC: What previous projects are you proud of?

GR: One of the previous projects I am proud of is the finalization of a Floodplain Ordinance with Madison County. In July of 2022, Madison County worked with Illinois NFIP Coordinator Marylin Sucoe to develop and implement the Floodplain Ordinance to further protect residents living within the Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) of the county. Residents who are under federal mortgages such as the Veterans Program or USDA Program are required to have flood insurance if they’re within the SFHA. With the implementation of this ordinance, those residents are now able to get better rates on their flood insurance. The ordinance also helps to serve as a means of protection for water quality and land equity by restricting certain activities that may cause water quality or land equity to decrease.

HLC: Do you have any tips on how people can improve the water quality in our streams?

GR: To a resident wanting to improve stormwater quality…stop fertilizing your yard, and please pick up the doggy doo-doo. Non-point source

(i.e., pollution that can’t be traced to a single source) pollution is the number one factor in poor water quality. Urbanized areas or residential areas are more prone to pollution by maintaining their lawns a little too much. This extra fertilizer runs off into our streams and rivers and can cause hazardous algae blooms. Picking up pet waste and disposing of it properly is an easy, but important, step to reduce the amount of pollution in our waterways.

Residents can implement more infiltration-friendly landscaping, such as permeable pavement or rain gardens. The more stormwater that can be soaked up by the yard, the better. Keep an eye out for native plants that have deep root systems that can soak up a lot of water, and help to percolate it into the groundwater system. Other tactics residents can take are rain barrels. Conserve water used within the home by having a rain barrel on the property to use for things like watering indoor or outdoor plants, plus it saves you the trip to refill the watering can!

GABRIELLE REED

Stormwater Coordinator

HLC Watershed Map

High Water

Wood Frog

HLC Watershed Initiatives:

Arlington Wetlands

Illinois Native Shrubs

With the HeartLands Conservancy Native Plant Sale opening online March 28th, swapping out basic, ornamental bushes for environmentally beneficial shrubs is as easy as matching your area to the right plant!

Make an impact with your garden. Provide native pollinators and wildlife with an oasis in your yard!

Full sun, moist soils:

Try:

• Wild Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) - Full sun to partial shade in rich, moist soil, can tolerate deep shade, too!

• Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) - Tolerates moist clay soil and periodic flooding!

• Ozark Witch-Hazel (Hamamelis vernalis) - Does best in moist, well-drained soils and flowers best in full sun.

Full sun, medium to dry soils:

Try:

• Chickasaw plum (Prunus angustifolia) - Will grow in almost any soil! Tolerates partial shade, but prefers sun.

• Deciduous Holly, “Possumhaw” (Ilex decidua) - Grows best in well-draining soil and partial to full sun, prefers slightly acidic soils.

• American plum (Prunus americana) - Plant in welldrained soil at a sunny site for the best fruit production.

Medium shade, medium moisture:

Try:

• Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)- Prefers medium to moist soils, will tolerate both full sun and part shade.

• New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus)- Flowers best in full sun, but does well in partial shade. Requires a welldrained site.

• American Hazelnut (Corylus americana)- An all-rounder, will do well in both full sun and part shade with welldrained soil.

Deciduous Holly

New Jersey tea

Wild Hydrangea

Rudbeckia hirta | Black-Eyed Susan Salvia zaurea | Wild Bluee Sage Asclepias incarnata | Swamp Milkweed

U s i n g t h e T a b l e :

P l a n t s a r e c a t e g o r i z e d b y l i g h t a n d m o i s t u r e r e q u i r e m e n t .

G e n u s s p e c i e s a n d c o m m o n n a m e s o f n a t i v e p l a n t s a r e l i s t e d . H e i g h t a n d s p r e a d a r e l i s t e d t o m a k e i t e a s i e r t o d e t e r m i n e w h e r e t h e y w i l l f i t i n y o u r g a r d e n .

O c t

https://bit.ly/NATIVEPLANTSALE

B l o o m t i m e a n d c o l o r a r e s h o w n .

s | $ 1 0

a n

F u l l S u n | W e t t o M e d i u m S o i l $ 1 0

S e p t

A u g

J u l y

J u n e

M a y

A p r i l

A u g

J u l y

J u n e

S e p t H e i g h t ( f t , m a x ) 3 4 5 5 4 9 4 6

g r a s s

M a y

g r a s s

g r a s s

g r a s s

g r a s s

C o m m o n N a m e P r a i r i e M i l k w e e d O b e d i e n t P l a n t G r e yh e a d e d C o n e f l o w e r S w a m p M i l k w e e d B l a z i n g S t a r C o m p a s s P l a n t D w a r f I r o n w e e d N e w E n g l a n d A s t e r

G e n u s s p e c i e s A s c l e p i a s s u l l i v a n t i i P h y s o s t e g i a v i r g i n i a n a R a t i b i d a p i n n a t a A s c l e p i a s i n c a r n a t a L i a t r i s s p i c a t a S i l p h i u m l a c i n i a t u m V e r n o n i a f a s c i c u l a t a S y m p h y o t r i c h u m n o v a ea n g l i a e

g r a s s g r a s s

g r a s s

g r a s s

g r a s s

g r a s s

g r a s s g r a s s

g r a s s S c a n t h i s Q R C o d e w i t h y o u r p h o n e t o g o d i r e c t l y t o o u r s t o r e

g r a s s

g r a s s

g r a s s

S p r e a d ( f t , m a x ) 3 3 1 5 1 5 1 5 3 2 2 3 3 4 2 2 3 3

O c t F u l l S u n | M e d i u m t o D r y S o i l $ 1 0 S p r e a d ( f t , m a x ) 1 5 3 2 3 1 . 5 3 3 3 H e i g h t ( f t , m a x ) 3 1 2 1 2 . 5 5 1 5 4 3 6 5 4 4 3 6

g r a s s t

S o i l M o i s t u r e W e t t o M e d i u m M e d i u m M e d i u m W e t t o M e d i u m M e d i u m M e d i u m W e t t o M e d i u m M e d i u m S o i l M o i s t u r e M e d i u m t o D r y M e d i u m t o D r y M e d i u m t o D r y M e d i u m t o D r y M e d i u m t o D r y M e d i u m t o D r y M e d i u m t o D r y M e d i u m t o D r y M e d i u m t o D r y M e d i u m t o D r y M e d i u m t o D r y M e d i u m t o D r y M e d i u m t o D r y M e d i u m t o D r y M e d i u m t o D r y

C o m m o n N a m e P u r p l e M i l k w e e d P u r p l e P o p p y M a l l o w L a n c eL e a f C o r e o p s i s M i s s o u r i E v e n i n g P r i m r o s e B u t t e r f l y W e e d R a t t l e s n a k e M a s t e r R o s e V e r b e n a W i l d Q u i n i n e P r a i r i e D r o p s e e d P r a i r i e B l a z i n g S t a r W i l d B l u e S a g e S a v a n a B l a z i n g S t a r L i t t l e B l u e s t e m A r o m a t i c A s t e r B i g B l u e s t e m

G e n u s s p e c i e s A s c l e p i a s p u r p u r a s c e n s C a l l i r h o e i n v o l u c r a t a C o r e o p s i s l a n c e o l a t a O e n o t h e r a m a c r o c a r p a A s c l e p i a s t u b e r o s a E r y n g i u m y u c c i f o l i u m G l a n d u l a r i a c a n a d e n s i s P a r t h e n i u m i n t e g r i f o l i u m S p o r o b o l i s h e t e r o l e p i s L i a t r i s p y c n o s t a c h y a S a l v i a a z a u r e a L i a t r i s s c a r i o s a S c h i z a c h y r i u m s c o p a r i u m S y m p h y o t r i c h u m o b l o n g i f o l i u m A n d r o p o g o n g e r a r d i i

g r a s s ! P l

S c a n t o s h o p

t s | $ 1 0

n

s e d g e

O c t

g r a s s

S e p t

A u g

J u l y

J u n e

M a y

A p r i l

H e i g h t ( f t , m a x )

C o m m o n N a m e

0 .

G o a t ' s B e a r d W i l d S t r a w b e r r y D w a r f C r e s t e d I r i s J a c o b ' s L a d d e r B l u e S t a r W i l d

G e n u s s p e c i e s A r u n c u s d i o i c u s F r a g a r i a v i r g i n i a n a I r i s c r i s t a t a P o l e m o n i u m r e p t a n s A m s o n i a i l l u s t r i s

C o l u m b i n e C r e a m F a l s e I n d i g o

A q u i l e g i a c a n a d e n s i s

s e d g e

s e d g e

s e d g e

s e d g e

s e d g e

s e d g e

s e d g e

s e d g e

s e d g e

s e d g e s e d g e

O c t S o i l M o i s t u r e W e t t o M e d i u m M e d i u m W e t t o M e d i u m M e d i u m M e d i u m M e d i u m M e d i u m t o D r y W e t M e d i u m t o D r y M e d i u m t o D r y M e d i u m t o D r y M e d i u m t o D r y M e d i u m t o D r y W e t t o M e d i u m M e d i u m t o D r y M e d i u m M e d i u m t o D r y W e t t o M e d i u m M e d i u m W e t t o M e d i u m W e t t o M e d i u m M e d i u m M e d i u m t o W e t M e d i u m

S e p t

A u g

J u l y

g r a s s

g r a s s

s e d g e

s e d g e

J u n e

g r a s s

M a y

A p r i l

g r a s s

S p r e a d ( f t , m a x ) 1 . 5 1 . 5 1 3 1 5

H e i g h t ( f t , m a x ) 1 2 1 5 3 2

S o i l M o i s t u r e W e t t o m e d i u m M e d i u m W e t t o M e d i u m W e t t o M e d i u m M e d i u m

F o x S e d g e E a s t e r n B e e b a l m W i l d P e t u n i a W h o r l e d M i l k w e e d P a l e P u r p l e C o n e f l o w e r P u r p l e C o n e f l o w e r Q u e e n o f t h e P r a i r i e A l u m R o o t O a k S e d g e P r a i r i e O n i o n P i n k T u r t l e h e a d B l u e M i s t f l o w e r J o eP y e W e e d C a r d i n a l F l o w e r W i l d B e r g a m o t R o y a l C a t c h f l y Z i g z a g G o l d e n r o d

B a p t i s i a b r a c t e a t a C a r e x v u l p i n o i d e a

M o n a r d a b r a d b u r i a n a R u e l l i a h u m i l i s

A s c l e p i a s v e r t i c i l l a t a E c h i n a c e a p a l l i d a E c h i n a c e a p u r p u r e a F i l i p e n d u l a r u b r a H e u c h e r a r i c h a r d s o n i i C a r e x a l b i c a n s A l l i u m s t e l l a t u m C h e l o n e o b l i q u a

C o n o c l i n i u m c o e l e s t i n u m

E u p a t o r i u m m a c u l a t u m L o b e l i a c a r d i n a l i s

M o n a r d a f i s t u l o s a S i l e n e r e g i a

S o l i d a g o f l e x i c a u l i s

C o m m o n N a m e W i l d

g r a s s P l a

G i n g e r V i r g i n i a B l u e b e l l s C e l a n d i n e P o p p y A m e r i c a n B e a k g r a i n I n d i a n P i n k P a r t S h a d e t o S h a d e $ 1 0

G e n u s s p e c i e s A s a r u m c a n a d e n s e M e r t e n s i a v i r g i n i c a

S t y l o p h o r u m d i p h y l l u m D i a r r h e n a o b o v a t a S p i g e l i a m a r i l a n d i c a

https://bit.ly/NATIVEPLANTSALE

S c a n t o s h o p !

B l o o m P e r i o d A p r i l t o J u n e M a y M a y t o J u n e J u n e M a y t o J u n e A p r i l t o M a y M a r c h t o A p r i l J a n u a r y t o M a r c h O c t o b e r t o D e c e m b e r J u n e t o S e p t e m b e r J u n e t o A u g u s t M a y M a y t o J u n e M a r c h t o A p r i l M a r c h t o A p r i l J u n e t o J u l y

B l o o m C o l o r P u r p l e W h i t e W h i t e W h i t e W h i t e W h i t e B r o w n t o R e d Y e l l o w w i t h R e d Y e l l o w W h i t e Y e l l o w D u l l W h i t e W h i t e W h i t e W h i t e W h i t e

M o i s t u r e R e q M e d i u m t o w e t M e d i u m M e d i u m t o d r y M e d i u m t o w e t M e d i u m t o w e t M e d i u m M e d i u m M e d i u m M e d i u m M e d i u m M e d i u m M e d i u m M e d i u m M e d i u m t o d r y M e d i u m M e d i u m t o w e t

i g h t R e q F u l l S u n F u l l S u n t o P a r t S h a d e F u l l S u n t o P a r t S h a d e

F

u l l S u n t o P a r t S h a d e F u l l S u n t o P a r t S h a d e F u l l S u n t o P a r t S h a d e

F

G e n u s s p e c i e s A m o r p h a f r u t i c o s a A r o n i a m e l a n c a r p a

C e a n o t h u s a m e r i c a n u s * *

C e p h a l a n t h u s o c c i d e n t a l i s C o r n u s a m o m u m C o r n u s f l o r i d a

J o h n ' s w o r t D e c i d u o u s H o l l y N i n e b a r k A m e r i c a n P l u m C h i c k a s a w p l u m E l d e r b e r r y

C o r y l u s a m e r i c a n a H a m a m e l i s v e r n a l i s H a m a m e l i s v i r g i n i a n a H y d r a n g e a a r b o r e s c e n s H y p e r i c u m p r o l i f i c u m I l e x d e c i d u a P h y s o c a r p u s o p u l i f o l i u s P r u n u s a m e r i c a n a P r u n u s a n g u s t i f o l i a S a m b u c u s c a n a d e n s i s

* * N e w J e r s e y T e a w i l l o n l y b e s o l d a s a 1 g a l l o n c o n t a i n e r a t $ 2 5 / s h r u b

N a t i v e P l a n t S a l eY o u r S u p p o r t M a t t e r s !

Y o u r p u r c h a s e a t t h e N a t i v e P l a n t S a l e s u p p o r t s t h e c o n s e r v a t i o n e f f o r t s i n s o u t h w e s t e r n

I l l i n o i s ! T h a n k y o u !

I m p o r t a n t D a t e s

M a r c h 2 8 t h | O n l i n e P l a n t S a l e O p e n s

2 3 r d | O n l i n e P l a n t S a l e C l o s e s

A p r i l

M a y 6 t h | I nP e r s o n P i c k U pS w a n s e a C l i n t o n H i l l s C o n s e r v a t i o n P a r k

SHIPPING NOT AVAILABLE

BOARD UPDATES

Welcome to the Board, Kimberly!

HeartLands Conservancy is proud to welcome Kimberly D. Huth as our newest HLC Board Member!

Kimberly has extensive experience in leadership, military strategy, project management and logistics. She is currently the liaison between the military organizations located at Scott Air Force Base, and elsewhere within the county, and the government departments and agencies of St. Clair County.

She directly supports the County Board Chairman in an advisory capacity, on legislative issues, public policy and public support agreements, advocating for, and advancing issues of mutual concern.

We are thrilled to have her heart of service and expertise on our board!

Thank You, Bill Reichert: Leadership & Service

A huge THANK YOU to Bill Reichert who has served as our board chair since 2018 and will be transitioning to serve as the Immediate Past Chair in 2023! Under Bill’s leadership, HeartLands Conservancy experienced tremendous growth.

During Bill’s four-year tenure, HeartLands Conservancy preserved over 1,100 acres of land, representing more than 11% of the organization’s total land protected in its 33-year history. Because of this, the organization reached a milestone of over 10,000 acres preserved in southern Illinois!

In addition, we doubled our staff team to keep up with the demand for our services. We expanded our services and initiatives to include community forestry, a stormwater partnership with Scott Air Force Base, habitat restoration for the Illinois Chorus Frog and Black Crowned Night Herons, advancing Cahokia Mounds Mississippian Culture National Park in Congress, and much more!

Bill’s leadership and support has truly advanced the organization toward greater impact, creating a better place for all of us to live in southwestern Illinois.

Bill, we can’t thank you enough for your time, energy, mentorship, and support.

- The HeartLands Conservancy Staff

Save the date for “Jam & Toast“ - an exclusive educational event for members of the White Oak Society, hosted by HeartLands Conservancy at the picturesque Willoughby Heritage Farm on Sunday, June 4th, 2023. The event‘s featured speaker will be Carol Frerker the Willoughby Farm Superintendent sharing innovative functional exhibits designed in partnership with HLC.

As a member of the White Oak Society, you will have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy special updates and stewardship throughout the year. As a major donor, you receive exclusive benefits, including one-on-one meetings with our board members and CEO, access to special tours, and invite only events.

Don‘t miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for the environment and contribute to the preservation of our region. Join the White Oak Society today by making a donation of $500 or more in one year.

For more information

Contact Kim O’Bryan at 618-566-4451 x 10 or email kim.obryan@heartlandsconservancy.org

DONATE TODAY!

heartlandsconservancy.org/support/donate/

UPCOMING EVENTS

MARCH

Native Plant Sale Opens

Tuesday, March 28, 9am heartlandsconservancy.org/nativeplant-sale/

Frog Walk at Poag Sand

Prairie

Friday, March 31, 6:30pm

4860 Street Car Rd

Edwardsville, IL 62025

APRIL

Tour of Canteen Creek Green Infrastructure

Thursday, April 13

Tour starts and ends at Willoughby Heritage Farm

631 Willoughby Ln, Collinsville, IL 62234

Tree Stewards Saturday

Training at Fairmont City Library

Saturday, April 15 & 22, 12 - 3pm

Martinis in the Meadow

Friday, April 21, 7pm

Swansea Fletchers Kitchen & Tap

1524 Clinton Hills Pkwy, Swansea, IL 62226

MAY VOLUNTEER DATES

Native Plant Sale Closes

Sunday, April 23, 5pm heartlandsconservancy.org/nativeplant-sale/

Full Moon Hike at Stemler Cave Woods

Nature Preserve

Friday, May 5, 8 - 9:30pm 2200 Stemler Rd, Millstadt, IL 62260

Native Plant Order Pick Up

Saturday, May 6, 1 - 3pm 3700 Old Collinsville Rd, Swansea, IL 62226

Spring Wildflower Walk at Knobeloch Woods

Saturday, May 13, 10am 3018 Rentchler Rd, Belleville, IL 62221

JUNE

White Oak Society Jam & Toast at Willoughby Heritage Farm

Sunday, June 4, 10:30am

631 Willoughby Ln, Collinsville, IL 62234

Creatures of the Night Hike at Arlington

Wetlands

Thursday, June 29, 8:30pm

84 Arlington Drive, Pontoon Beach, IL

Tuesdays, 6pm - 8pm

March 21 - April 11

Tree Stewards Sessions 3 - 6

4th Saturdays, 9am-12pm

Starting in March

Arlington Wetlands Volunteer Day

2nd Thursdays, 9am-12pm

Starting in May

Exploration Garden Volunteer Day

3rd Fridays, 9am-12pm

Starting in April

Signal Hill Volunteer Day

UPCOMING EVENTS & VOLUNTEER DATES

Please note that these events & volunteer dates are subject to change. To receive notifications and sign up for these events, please visit our website at heartlandsconservancy.org/ events-calendar/. Registration is required for all events.

Use your phone‘s camera to scan the QR code below.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Sponsors as of February 1, 2023

Bur Oak

Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery

Ashland Storage Centers East

Prairie State Generating Company

Twin Lake Trucking

Post Oak

Heneghan & Associates

Wetlands Forever, Inc.

Red Oak

Clinton County Farm Bureau

DJM Ecological Services, Inc.

Forrest Keeling Nursery

Kaskaskia Regional Port District

Nelson & Nelson Attorneys at Law, P.C.

Pufalt-Pauley Insurance Agency, Inc.

Studio Archaeos

Pin Oak

Atkins‘ Acres Educational Farm

Bauerhaus Design, Inc.

Belleville Optometry, Ltd

Clinton County Soil and Water Conservation District

Farm Credit Illinois

Lochmueller Group

Patrick Prindable Insurance Agency

Southwestern Illinois Board of REALTORS

Walker & Williams P.C.

Sapling

Madison County Building & Zoning

Madison County Farm Bureau

Randolph County Soil & Water Conservation District

St. Clair County Farm Bureau

Village of Swansea

To learn more about becoming a sponsor please contact Kim O’Bryan at 618-566-4451 x 10 or email kim. obryan@heartlandsconservancy.org.

Join us in our mission to conserve and protect the natural resources that we all rely on!

Black Crowned Night Heron

Glandularia canadensis | Rose Verbena