HeartLands Conservancy Meanderings Spring 2022

HEARTLANDS C O N S E R VA N C Y

MEANDERINGS

www.HeartLandsConservancy.org

Spring 2022

HeartLandsConservancy.org

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Board of Directors E. William Reichert III Board Chair Mary Vandevord President Ronda Latina Vice Chair William Boardman Second Vice Chair Janet Haroian Treasurer Anne Werner Secretary

CONTENT

Carol Gentry Gary Huelsmann Dawnesha Johnson Nancy Larson Robert C. Nelson

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Tree Week The Benefits of Trees

Jim Pauley Cliff Schuette

Team Michael Andreas Special Projects Laura L. Lyon VP of Progam Strategy & Impact Denisha Martin Communications Manager Belinda McAllister Community & Partnerships Coordinator

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A Frog‘s ‘Song‘ Why Illinois Chorus Frogs?

Plant This! Not That!

Planting with a Plan

Kim O’Bryan Director of Development & Events John O’Donnell Water Program Manager Jenny Reiman Resilient Communities Program Manager

Message from Our President | CEO

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Brittany Schweiger Conservation Project Coordinator

Highlights & Happenings

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Mary Vandevord President & CEO Ed Weilbacher Vice President Jamie Wheeler Director of Finance & Administration

Jingle Hike Reflections

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Volunteering Works

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Steve Widowski Wildlife Biologist

Why Illinois Chorus Frogs? 20

Betsy Papin NGRREC Water Quality Intern

Spring Native Plant Sale

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Plant This! Not That

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Staff & Board

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Upcoming Events

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Jesus Sanchez Water Program Intern

HeartLands Conservancy

29 East Main Street Belleville, IL 62220 (618) 566-4451 info@HeartLandsConservancy.org www.

HeartlandsConservancy.org HLC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Contributions are tax deductible and are graciously accepted throughout the year.

2 MEANDERINGS SPRING 2022 WINTER 2021

MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT | CEO

Plant Lots of Trees

The first quarter of 2022 has been a time of significant personal loss for our staff and board members. Many of us have lost a loved one recently or had/have a loved one with a severe illness, and many of you are experiencing similar grief and loss.

Recently in a moment of pause, I reflected on a conversation I had early in my tenure as CEO of HLC. I attended the annual Prairie State Conservation Coalition (PSCC) conference for the first time.

There, I connected with a colleague experiencing grief and loss himself. As he explained his story, he ended with action and strength: He said, “Do you know what I do in times like this?

I plant a tree. I plant lots of trees.“ My colleague inspired me with his strength and method of healing. That’s why we started a Tribute Tree Grove at the Exploration Garden at Clinton Hills Conservation Park. Last year, many people purchased a tree to honor someone or celebrate an event, and we planted those trees in the Tribute Grove. When I visited the grove this past fall, baby oak trees had sprouted around the tribute trees, forming a support network. (see photo). As I stood there, I couldn’t help but feel the positive energy and love coming from the Tribute Grove. I highly recommend visiting the grove to see if you feel this energy, too.

(We will soon put up the sign honoring

the tributes in the grove, and we may locate some of the saplings to other parts of the garden).

From Earth Day to Arbor Day, we will celebrate our third annual Tree Week, with a week full of events, tree planting, and celebrations of all things trees. See page 16 to read about all the ways you can be involved in Tree Week.

Right now, our native plant sale is taking orders through our website. Get your order in by April 14, 2022, and pick it up at Clinton Hills Conservation Park in Swansea on April 30. We have a variety of flowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees to choose from that support native wildlife and look great in your landscaping. See page 26 for more information.

Audrey Hepburn once said, “To plant a tree is to believe in tomorrow.” As we collectively recover and heal from the last few years, we, too, are planting lots of trees. We invite you to believe in tomorrow with us.

See you outside,

Mary Vandevord President & CEO

HeartLandsConservancy.org

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HIGHLIGHTS & HAPPENINGS

H

eartLands Conservancy applauds Senator Richard Durbin (IL) and Senator Tammy Duckworth (IL). On November 30, 2021, the Senators sent a co-signed letter to the White House urging President Biden to use the Antiquities Act of 1906 to incorporate the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site under the National Park System and offer additional protections for the ancient mounds in St. Clair and Madison counties. In their letter, the Senators call back to Durbin’s 2014 request for the National Park Service (NPS) to conduct a reconnaissance study to determine if the site meets requirements to be a unit of the National Park System. The study, which concluded in 2016, found that Cahokia Mounds met all four of the criteria – significance, suitability, feasibility, and need for NPS management.

“We write to encourage you to use your authority under the Antiquities Act to designate the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site as a unit of the National Park System. We support elevating, protecting, and sharing this important archeological and cultural resource that represents the people and landscapes that once made up one of America’s first cities in the Western Hemisphere.”

- Senator Richard Durbin (IL) and Senator Tammy Duckworth (IL) This letter joins the 2021 legislation introduced by Rep. Bost (IL), Rep. Cori Bush (MO), and Senator Durbin to elevate Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and several surrounding mound sites as a unit of the National Park System. This legislation uses a partnership-park model with the State of Illinois and National Park Service and further seeks to provide access to Indigenous people for spiritual practices and expressions.

We would like to thank the Senators and Representatives for their leadership and persistence in ensuring Cahokia Mounds and the Mississippian Culture receive the national recognition this sacred landscape deserves. We thank the First Nations for support and guidance over the past decade, as well as the thousands of individuals, organizations, and communities who have supported this effort.

To stay up-to-date, please sign up for our email list at the bottom of our home page or follow The Mounds-America’s First Cities Initiative on Facebook.

4 MEANDERINGS SPRING 2022 4 MEANDERINGS SPRING 2022

Cahokia Mounds Photo Credit: Doug Kerr

HeartLandsConservancy.org 5 HeartLandsConservancy.org 5

April

White Oak Society members private tour of Poag Sand Prairie to celebrate Earth Day

Hiking is back in 2022!

Join us on the first Wednesday of the month for a hike. Details can be found on our website under Get Involved > Hiking Club

May

“May the 4th be with you“ Night hike and star gazing at Highlands

June

Discover a Wetland! Firefly hike with SIUE Entomologist Dr. Jason Williams

July

hiking club

Water cycle bicycle tour of Chouteau Island and its natural features

August

Discover a Creek! Stream monitoring

September

Discover a River! Kayaking day trip on a river in the region

Get Involved!

HIKING CLUB If you are new to hiking, want to explore new locations, or just want to get moving, hiking club is perfect for you. Besides, sometimes hiking is better with a group!

6 MEANDERINGS SPRING 2022

October

Fall into Hiking at William C. Drda Woods and Bohm Woods Nature Preserve

November

Buds and Bark Winter Tree ID at Willoughby Farm

December

Jingle Hike Challenge (Thanksgiving Day to New Year‘s Day)

Great Egrets Photo Credit: Jeff Bryant

UPDATE ARLINGTON CHALLENGE Arlington Wetlands needs your help.

We must reach 400 volunteer hours by April.

The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation will contribute $10 for every volunteer hour (up to $4,000) for stewardship needs at the site.

There are still multiple opportunities to participate.

Are you up for the Challenge!?

Join us at Arlington Wetlands on Saturday, April 16, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for native planting and invasive species removal.

This event will happen rain or shine. We hope to see you there!

Sign up to burn!

We will be conducting a prescribed burn at Arlington Wetlands this spring. If you are interested in attending, please register so that we can provide you with updates about this burn. www.heartlandsconservancy.org/

HeartLandsConservancy.org HeartLandsConservancy.org

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HLC’s watershed planning team seeks input from residents of the Prairie du Fairview Pont and Judy’s Branch watersheds in St. Clair County. The watersheds Heights Shal stretch from Brooklyn and Fairmont City south to Columbia and Millstadt e C ree k O'Fallon and from the west end of Belleville and Swansea west to the Mississippi River. If you live in the watershed*, please share your story by filling out the Swansea Shiloh " )survey at https://heartlandsconservancy.org/pdp/ *If you are a resident of the former Centreville area, please fill out the Centreville Citizens for Change survey instead found at https://floodedandforgotten.com/ 161

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TheBelleville watershed planning team has met with many residents and community leaders to listen to their concerns about flooding, sewage, and water ) " ) " " ) and opportunities in the watershed. Meetings will continue quality issues throughout 2022, with open houses and workshops later this year. Look " ) updates on our website under What We Do > Prairie du Pont for project Watershed Project.

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VCC, a local community group in East St. Louis, is partnering with the Conservation Alliance after being selected as one of four recipients of the 2021/2022 Confluence Grant. VCC‘s founder, Lillie Douglas, created the N project, which highlights her family‘s legacy of love for vision5 Miles for the nature. The Valentine Park and Nature Trail: Nature, Conservation, Confluence project is supported by HeartLands Conservancy as VCC works toward allowing the community to have an active voice in protecting its residents from air pollution while maintaining an environment where wild turkeys, deer, and rabbits thrive.

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The Valentine Park and Nature Trail: Nature, Conservation, Confluence will present the conservation and preservation of land acquired over the last seven decades. The park will be located in an urban setting and planted with native species and a pollinator garden. As VCC enhances the landscape, residents will experience the beauty of nature’s design.

The Valentine Conservation Community project will permeate VCC as a viable minority-led conservation group, expanding opportunities for VCC to apply for more funding. HLC is happy to announce we are extending our work assisting with bringing the VCC vision to reality.

Conservation@Home Conservation happens in our backyards. Have yours certified through our Conservation@Home Program. Conservation@Home certified landscapes receive a special yard sign that shows off your achievement.

If you are interested in participating in the Conservation@Home or @Work program, we can help you get started. The initial fee of $25 Members $50 Non-Members (receive 1-year HLC membership) includes: • One home visit to assess your property based on our certification criteria checklist • Plant lists of native plants, trees, shrubs, forbs (perennial flowers), grasses, and emergent (for shoreline stabilization) • Recommendations of how to fulfill the certification criteria • Early certification for properties that already meet our criteria Contact Eric Wright (Eric.Wright@HeartLandsConservancy.org) or Brittany Schweiger (Brittany.schweiger@HeartLandsConservancy.org) or call (618) 566-4451 to get started.

8 MEANDERINGS SPRING 2022

Arlington Wetlands

HeartLandsConservancy.org HeartLandsConservancy.org 99

#JingleHikeChallenge

573+ Jingle Hike Challenge Participants

1Dog Registered

500+ Bells found

Thanksgiving weekend

2,879

Bell-finds @ 12 sites

90

Hikers found all 12 bells in

273

Hikers found 6+ bells for a chance at 2 Grand Prizes

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counties

RECAP

#JINGLEHIKE

Reflection We had so much fun putting together Jingle Hike 2021! Our staff came up with 12 extraordinary places in southwestern Illinois to explore during the holiday season.

Jingle bells were tied to 12 trees in parks throughout the region from Thanksgiving Day to New Year’s Day. Participants were encouraged to visit as many parks as possible, take selfies with the bell, and submit proof using the QR code to win prizes from our sponsors. Winners were announced in early January, and we gave away some fantastic prizes.

We enjoyed hearing about your experiences and seeing your pictures of the beautiful memories and discoveries you made over 10 MEANDERINGS SPRING 2022

the holidays. Your stories show how important it is to preserve our regional natural wonders. This challenge wouldn‘t have been so successful without YOU! Thank you for your care and love of nature in southwestern Illinois.

We can‘t wait to see you for Jingle Hike 2022!

- HLC Staff

Natural Resources

3. Highland Silver Lake Park, Highland Site Host: City of Highland 4. Wilson Park, Granite City Site Host: Granite City Park District 5. Arlington Wetlands, Pontoon Beach Site Host: Madison County

2021 Jingle Hike Locations: 1. SIUE Nature Preserve, Edwardsville Site Host: SIUE | Sponsor: Lochmuller Group 2. Lewis & Clark State Historic Site, Hartford Site Host: Illinois Department of

6. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Collinsville Site Host: Illinois Department of Natural Resources | Sponsor: Bauerhaus Design 7. Engelmann Farm Park, Shiloh Site Host: St. Clair County

Engelmann Farm

2021 Jingle Hike Tree Answers

Engelmann Farm

Chinkapin Oak (SIUE)

Engelmann Farm is the former 1833 homestead of Friedrich Engelmann, who represented the first significant surge of German migration to Illinois. The 143-acre Engelmann Farm was purchased by HeartLands Conservancy in 2007 to eventually be

Sugar Maple (Lewis & Clark SHS) Osage Orange (Silver Lake) Willow Oak (Wilson Park) River Birch (Arlington Wetlands) Sycamore (Cahokia Mounds) Thank you to all the locations, sponsors and bell sponsors for participating in the challenge!

Hackberry (Engelmann Farm) Black Locust (Trestle Trail) Black Cherry (Bluff Park Preserve) Shagbark Hickory (Waterloo)

8. Gateway East Trestle Trail, Lebanon Site Host: Gateway East Trails

Engelmann Farm

Eastern Red Cedar (Piney Creek Ravine) American Beech (Kinkaid Lake Trail)

dedicated as a county park.

This property, which sits on one of the highest points in the region, contains two historic houses, eighty acres of high-quality woods, and the balance in farmland. A paved walking trail is available. The property is now owned and managed by St. Clair County.

2021 Jingle Hike Winners & Prizes 9. St. Clair County Greenspace Bluff Park Preserve, Belleville Site Host: St. Clair County Greenspace Foundation

$150 Alpine Shop Gift Card Leslie Lindauer $100 Alpine Shop Gift Card Mara Howitz

10. Waterloo Reservoir Trail, Waterloo Site Host: Waterloo Park District / Sponsor: Property Peddler

$50 Alpine Shop Gift Card Vicki Cocker

11. Piney Creek Ravine Nature Preserve, Ava Site Host: Illinois Department of Natural Resources

$50 Certificate to Sandy‘s Back Porch Rebecca Sabatino

12. Kinkaid Lake Trail, Ava Site Host: US Forest Service – Shawnee National Forest

Camp Ondessonk Two-Night Retreat Kim Muin

Toolen‘s Running Start Hoodie Katie Wiesehan • Janice Wiegmann Lori Blade • Grant Galle Touch of Nature Adventure Package Gina Sheridan

HeartLandsConservancy.org

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Godfrey Parks Reimagined Imagine crossing the Mississippi River between Alton and Grafton, catching the sight of pelicans swirling in the updraft of the bluffs, cycling along the Valadabene Trail in Godfrey’s River’s Edge Park on the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway, and winding through the Piasa Creek watershed on top of the bluffs through the fields of yellow wildflowers. What a view! Stop for rest at the expanded Glazebrook Park splash pad. Grab a snack and a drink. Can you see it?

In 2020, the HLC Team (HeartLands Conservancy) and MECO~Heneghan Engineers (MHE) were charged with two concurrent tasks for the Village of Godfrey: first, to develop an updated comprehensive plan for the park system; and second, to assist the Village in planning and implementing the expansion of Glazebrook Park through an

Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). As reported in Fall/Winter 2021 Meanderings, Godfrey broke ground on the expansion project and is well on the way to pickleball tournaments later this year.

Funded in part by a grant from the Metro East Park and Recreation District (MEPRD), the 2030 Comprehensive Parks and Open Space Plan was developed to address and guide the Village‘s needs and the connectivity of neighborhoods, trails, and parks based on community input.

The 2030 Plan process analyzed current conditions of the park system and served to inspire the community to envision what the park system’s future could look like. Where are the future parks for kids to play?

With this in mind, the planning process helped the Village: • Assess current recreation facilities and identify recreation needs in the community; • Predict future demand and evaluate feasibility options; • Develop a strategic plan of action; and • Identify potential costs and sources of funding.

Using information provided by HLC, residents developed a vision and goals for the park and open space system. The plan provides strategies and recommendations based on that vision.

Lastly, an action strategy links related funding opportunities. MHE developed the opinion of probable construction costs in conjunction with HeartLands Conservancy.

HeartLandsConservancy.org

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The 2030 Plan recommends: Protect natural resources. The Village is rich in active recreation (team sports) with 278 acres of parkland and the conservation of natural sites (1,205 acres, including 597 acres in private conservation).

In an area rich in natural resources with over 7,700 acres of undulating forests and over 270 acres in wetlands, protection of the tree canopy and watershed ranked high with the community.

More parks on the east side.

Increase the number of smaller parks located near or connected to neighborhoods, especially the east side.

Embrace the Village’s riverfront.

Did you know Godfrey has 4.4 miles of riverfront? What an opportunity!

Fifty-one miles of bicycle facilities and pedestrian connectivity.

There are currently 18 miles of bicycle facilities and walking trails

14 MEANDERINGS SPRING 2022

(including the Sam B. Vadalabene Great River Road Bike Trail at 4.4 miles of Godfrey River frontage).

HLC completed the Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan for Godfrey a few years ago, and it was incorporated as part of the plan.

Increase and formalize public/ private partnerships to put the plan into action, increase community vitality, and further develop Godfrey‘s regional identity. The changes and improvements outlined in the 2030 Plan require careful coordination so that the Village may successfully continue the ongoing development and expansion of the park system, programming, and human resources.

Special thanks to the Village of Godfrey residents, Mayor Michael J. McCormick, elected officials, administrators Rich Beran, Village Engineer, Chris Logan, Director of Parks & Recreation, and Todd Schubert, Past Director of Parks & Recreation, community leaders, staff, and stakeholders, for without their insight, support and enthusiasm, HeartLands Conservancy could not have completed the plan. With gratitude to Metro East Park and Recreation District for their generous support through their grant program to assist communities.

To discuss community or park planning opportunities, contact Jenny Reiman, Resilient Communities Program Manager, at 618-566-4451 x 16 jenny.reiman@ heartlandsconservancy.org.

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Metro East Red Bud Dog Wood

We here at HeartLands Conservancy are all about trees. Why? Because trees are vitally important to our planet and our wellbeing. Find out the benefits of trees, what HeartLands is doing to raise awareness and help reforest Southern Illinois, and how you can help.

The Benefits of Trees There are many benefits to trees.

Most people are familiar with how trees produce oxygen through photosynthesis. But did you know that trees also clean our air by absorbing odors and pollutant gasses, such as carbon dioxide, through their leaves and storing it in their bark and roots? The benefits of trees don’t stop there! Trees are also crucial in…

• Cooling streets and communities by providing shade and releasing water vapor through their leaves.

16 MEANDERINGS SPRING 2022

Tree Week Trees! Trees! Trees!

• Reducing electric bills by cutting air conditioning needs in the summer.

• Lowering water bills by slowing water evaporation from the lawn.

• Reducing water pollution and soil erosion.

• Healing! Patients with trees outside of their hospital windows heal faster than those without trees. Neighborhoods that have more trees are less violent than barren ones.

• Providing important food, shelter, and cover for wildlife.

For example, the federally endangered native pollinator, the Northern Long-Eared bat roosts and forages in upland forest trees during the spring and summer.

Tree Week 2022 From Earth Day to Arbor Day, HeartLands Conservancy will celebrate trees in a BIG way! During Metro East Tree Week 2022, we will spread the message far and wide about the benefits trees provide, and there will be activities for people of all ages. Throughout the week, HeartLands Conservancy will also give over 175 trees to local communities.

Friday, April 22 at 6:30 pm: Earth Day Exclusive White Oak Society Earth Day Tour of Poag Sand Prairie. Invitations will be sent to White Oak members.

Monday, April 25: Community Tree Distribution Day Free trees for communities and community organizations for planting in public places.

Saturday, April 30: HLC Native Plant Sale Order Pickup Check out heartlandsconservancy. org/native-plant-sale/ for event registration.

Tree ID Class

Tuesday, April 26 at 6:30 pm: Tree ID Course and Walk-about at HeartLands Conservancy’s office A short course open to the public on how to identify trees and a sunset city walk around Belleville to put your skills to the test. Registration required. See our website.

Metro East Tree Week 2021 Impact The 2nd Annual Metro East Tree Week was a great success.

HeartLands Conservancy gave away over 1,000 trees to local communities and individuals throughout the week! Most trees were planted in public places in Collinsville, O’Fallon, Swansea, and Belleville.

Wednesday, April 27: Kids Experience Day with Fairmont City Schools Fairmont City schools will be involved in local and hands-on restoration efforts to improve their community through reforestation and wetland preservation.

Thursday, April 28 at 1:00 pm: Tree City USA Informational Session A one-hour virtual seminar for municipalities on how to become a Tree City USA, and how HeartLands Conservancy can help. See our website for more information.

Jamie Bossart & Students at OTHS

Friday, April 29: Tree Planting Day (Arbor Day) Tree planting in communities.

After completing the training, Tree Stewards will plant and care for a tree provided by HeartLands Conservancy. Graduates of the Tree Steward Program receive a free t-shirt and certificate of participation.

We ask that Tree Stewards provide 24 hours of volunteer service annually in community forests, parks, and HLC projects such as the Swansea Exploration Garden.

If you are interested in the Tree Steward Program or volunteering with HeartLands Conservancy, please complete the Volunteer Application located on our website at https://heartlandsconservancy. org/volunteer/.

For questions, please contact Brittany Schweiger at brittany. schweiger@heartlandsconservancy. org or call 618-566-4451 ex. 25.

How You Can Help Become a Tree Steward Are you interested in learning how to plant, monitor, and care for the trees in your community? Consider becoming a Tree Steward! No prior experience is needed.

Tree Stewards are trained volunteers who help plant, monitor, and care for new trees in southwestern Illinois communities. Tree Stewards complete a six-week virtual training program, meeting one hour a week to learn about trees, their benefits and care, and learning practical hands-on skills in six key areas: • Tree identification • Biology • Soils • Planting • Pruning • Insects & Diseases

SWANSEA EXPLORATION GARDEN Located just south of Fletcher’s Kitchen and Tap in Swansea at the Clinton Hills Conservation Park is the Swansea Exploration Garden. HeartLands Conservancy began the transformation of the front section of this former golf course into a public demonstration garden and outdoor classroom.

The 6-acre garden will feature wildflower meadows, native plant exhibits, interactive art, and rainwater demonstrations.

Transformation of the site began in 2020, and a majority should be completed by the end of the year!

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VOLUNTEERING

Invasive Species Removal

VOLUNTEERING WORKS

Volunteering is the HEART of HeartLands Conservancy There are several ways to volunteer with HeartLands Conservancy. From individual, self-paced commitments to attending large stewardship days, HLC has ways for everyone to get involved.

HLC is always seeking individuals with unique skills, interests, and expertise to help our organization with various conservation efforts. We have many volunteer opportunities that span a variety of interests, so there is something for everyone! You can apply to volunteer via the application on our website at https://heartlandsconservancy.org/volunteer/.

People with specific passions or skills interested in volunteering with HLC are encouraged to contact Brittany Schweiger, Conservation Project Coordinator, to find the best way to contribute and share their passion with others at 618-566-4451 ex. 25 or brittany.schweiger@heartlandsconservancy.org.

Some specific volunteer areas that HLC is seeking include: Chainsaw Operators • Licensed Pesticide Applicators • Prescribed Fire Experience Arborists • Birders • Botanists • Entomologists • Horticulturists • Wildlife Biologists Conservation Easement Monitoring Experience

The overall goal of HeartLands Conservancy’s Volunteer Program is to engage people with nature while restoring our natural areas to a healthy, resilient state. In 2022, the program‘s goal is to complete 1,000 volunteer hours in southwestern Illinois. If you want to do something nice for nature in 2022, please consider volunteering for HLC! Visit https://heartlandsconservancy.org/volunteer/ for a complete list of volunteer opportunities.

18 MEANDERINGS SPRING 2022

Steward The most common way to volunteer is

by attending volunteer days. These events are held at least monthly and are located throughout the region on public lands and HLC properties. Anyone can attend these events, and they are published on the events calendar online, in newsletters, and sent to the volunteers list. Anyone interested in outdoor stewardship activities such as invasive removal, planting, seeding, litter clean up, and trail maintenance can participate. Stewards preserve and improve the physical and biological components of HLC‘s properties or community nature preserves.

Centennial Part Honeysuckle Popper

Lead Site Steward Assist in the stewardship of HLC properties by walking the trails and boundaries of our preserves, doing light maintenance during these walks, and reporting on conditions to HLC‘s staff. Volunteers must be willing to submit to a background check.

Hiking Club Leader This position is for the

sociable outdoor enthusiast. The bulk of this position includes planning and leading monthly hikes on our preserves. Volunteers must be willing to submit to a background check.

Bluebird Monitor People in this position check on assigned bluebird houses weekly, February through August.

Tree Steward Work with local parks and public

works departments to help care for community trees. Must be trained in proper tree planting and care. We ask that Tree Stewards attend six weekly webinars, plant and care for a tree, and 24 hours of volunteer service annually in community forests, parks, and HLC projects such as at the Swansea Exploration Garden.

Master Naturalist or Master Gardener

Assist HLC staff with programs and educational outreach events. Help create educational materials for programs. Events may be indoors or outdoors and involve adults, children, or a mixture of both.

Some events are group-oriented, while others involve working with individuals one-on-one, providing extra help to children needing assistance to complete a task. May also lead guided nature hikes. Assists with set-up and clean-up depending on the type of activity. Volunteers must have a certificate of completion for either Master Naturalist or Master Gardener coursework.

Invasive Species Removal

Jingle Hike Liaison Help plan the annual Jingle Hike Challenge (Thanksgiving Day - New Year‘s Day).

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Why Illinois Chorus Frogs?

A FROG‘S ‘SONG‘ By Mark Alessi Stan McTaggart Mark Phipps

Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Photo Credit: Peter Paplanus

20 MEANDERINGS SPRING 2022

purrrreeeek. purrrreeeek. purrrreeeek. the sound of a illinois chorus frog The Illinois chorus frog is considered a Threatened species in Illinois and is a unique amphibian, but it is one that has been able to survive in a predominantly agricultural landscape.

R

are species and rare habitats are one in the same. Rare species are typically rare because their habitat requirements and/or community types are very specific.

Most of the time, very specific habitat requirements by animals and fish requires constant management by land managers/ biologists. When you think about the species that are flourishing in Illinois, you think about species that are very adaptable to habitat fragmentation and people; resident Canada geese, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and red-winged blackbirds are the first that come to my mind and for the most part, are doing very well from a population perspective. Most anyone can do some good in their yards or on their farms to help Monarch butterflies and other insect pollinators.

On the contrary, landowners need to be in the right place where Illinois chorus frogs exist to have an opportunity to help them survive.

The Illinois chorus frog is considered a Threatened species in Illinois and is a unique amphibian, but it is one that has been able to survive in a predominantly agricultural landscape. One reason we hypothesize why they’ve been able to survive in this landscape is that they are only above ground for a very short period (for a few weeks between February and May) and spend the rest of the year (about 10-11 months) underground. This frog relies on very specific habitat types to both breed and overwinter in: ephemeral wetlands with sandy soils nearby. To be specific, it seems that the most productive wetlands are ones that have water in the spring but then completely dry up mid summer. This reduces the probability of predators being in the water in future years (fish, salamanders, and bullfrogs). Only limited areas associated with the Illinois and Mississippi River basins have the necessary habitats the frogs require. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) conducts annual surveys from the roadway in areas where we know the right habitat exists. A significant portion of this habitat type is found in agricultural fields, and every year, we come across calling and breeding frogs in these areas. There are more frogs out there than we originally thought, but there are still some serious concerns about their population status and long-term persistence.

This little frog has some cool adaptations for making it’s living. For example, it burrows in the sand with its “front feet,” not its back feet – which is atypical for most burrowing frogs/toads. Their front limbs are thicker and their “fingers” have different adaptations to permit this burrowing behavior. In general, when they burrow underground, they burrow just a few inches below the surface. However, the depth often varies depending upon annual temperature fluctuations. Recent research has identified that this frog consumes prey while underground.

During the breeding season, it tends to burrow in the sand during the day and then come out at sunset to call and breed. This critter is full of intriguing adaptations for this ephemeral lifestyle. The eating underground thing makes me happy I am not a frog.

Due to the rarity of ephemeral wetlands associated with sandy soils, there are only a few localized places in Illinois that this species can be found and one of these places is just a stone’s throw from SIU-Edwardsville in Madison County. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and HeartLandsConservancy.org

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Heartlands Conservancy have teamed up to protect and manage Illinois chorus frog habitat in the area. For example, Heartlands and the IDNR are collaborating on installing wetlands on IDNR and Heartlands Property. In addition, SIUE scientists and graduate students are studying the life history of this frog so that we can better understand how to manage for it. Since it is found primarily on private lands in Illinois, we also work with private landowners to conserve chorus frog habitat.

Conservation of ephemeral wetlands and sand prairies benefit so much more than just the frog.

Waterfowl, deer, quail, butterflies, and salamanders are some examples of other species that reside in this habitat type. Due to their small size and home range, even small acres of suitable habitat protected and managed for this species can have outsized benefits.

Lastly, the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act (IESPA) is a tool to provide additional protections to rare species, and to increase the amount of eligible resources that can be used for species’ management and recovery. One of the goals of the IESPA is to facilitate recovery of species that are classified as threatened or endangered. Since there are greater than 400 species on Illinois’ List of Endangered and Threatened species, the IDNR prioritized species based on the best available science and other variables. The Illinois chorus frog is considered a “recovery priority species” and the IDNR is taking a strategic approach to both management and recovery actions that can be implemented across the landscape. So why is it so important for Illinoisans to preserve and protect rare species like the Illinois chorus frog? Think about the world as a giant jigsaw puzzle. Every piece has its place, and without some of the pieces, the puzzle would be incomplete. In the wild, the continued reduction in “puzzle pieces” will likely someday have devasting consequences to us. It is hard for us to fathom what losing a few species means in our single lifetime, or what losing a little frog means, but the continued reduction, particularly at a fast rate, will certainly negatively impact humans at some point.

In addition, frog management includes managing for wetlands. Wetlands have been shown to have very beneficial processes to humans (think clean water, storm storage, etc). Helping the frogs helps us.

22 MEANDERINGS SPRING 2022

Conservation of Breeding Habitat

Flooded Depressions in Agricultural Fields Provide Habitat for Breeding

Sand Prairie Microhabitats

Milkweed at Poag Sand Prairie

HeartLandsConservancy.org 23 23 HeartLandsConservancy.org

SPRING NATIVE PLANT SALE

Prickly pear

Native Plants are more than pretty flowers.

Native plants are more than pretty flowers. The nutritious pollen and nectar of native wildflowers attract butterflies and pollinators. The leafy green growth of native plants is a snack for insect herbivores. Songbirds flutter about native plants as they feed on insects and seeds. Native plants reconnect your yard to the ecosystem as evidenced by the flurry of activity surrounding them.

Whether adding a new wildflower to your pollinator garden or trying to incorporate native plants into your yard for the first time, HeartLands Conservancy’s 2022 Online Native Plant Sale has the plant for you. This year, we are offering over 50 native wildflower species, 11 native shrubs, and 5 native trees. Our 2022 Online Native Plant Sale brochure (on page 26) has detailed information about light and soil requirements, bloom color, and period of each plant. For more information visit the Native Plant Sale page under the news and events tab at HeartLandsConservancy.org Important dates: • Mar 20, 2022 - Online sale starts • April 14, 2022 - Online sale closes • April 30, 2022 - Pick up plants at Swansea Clinton Hills Conservation Park

SPRING NATIVE PLANT SALE OPEN NOW

ORDER NOW | Scan the QR CODE to go directly to our store!

24 MEANDERINGS SPRING 2022

HeartLandsConservancy.org

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Botanical Names Demystified Let’s face it; scientific names are hard to remember. Professional botanists smushed together words from ancient languages, proper nouns, and plant descriptions to create a name unique to a plant species. While common names can vary across regions, scientific names are distinct to a given plant species.

For example, Coreopsis palmata is called prairie coreopsis in Illinois but is called tickseed in Missouri. So like it or not, scientific names are here to stay. Here are five explanations of scientific names to help make botanical names easier to remember (and a little fun).

swamp milkweed

prairie coreopsis

Common Name: prairie coreopsis or tickseed Scientific Name: Coreopsis palmata Definitions: Coreopsis is ancient Greek for resembling a tick in reference to the tick-like appearance of the mature seeds.

Palmata is a reference to the leaves resembling an outstretched hand.

Missouri evening primrose

Common Name: swamp or rose flower-visiting insects in history milkweed and remain essential pollinators Scientific Name: today.

Beetles are Asclepias attracted mostly incarnata to flowers that emit musky, yeasty, Definitions: Asclepias is spicy, rotten, or fermented odors. derived from an ancient Greek, They can be clumsy so known they prefer Aesculapius, who was for his knowledge of the medicinal sturdy, large flowers, clusters of properties of plants. flowers, and large cup shaped Incarnata flowers thatdescribes are easyflesh-colored for them to flowers. access. Magnolias and spicebush are a couple of the most common beetle-pollinated plants, they also like pond lilies and goldenrods.

Moths

wild columbine

Common Name: wild columbine Scientific Name: Aquilegia canadensis Definitions: Aquilegia means eagle’s claw and refers to the spur on the back of the flowers.

Canadensis means the species was originally described in Canada.

Columbine refers to the spur of the flower resembling the silhouette of a dove.

Common Name: Missouri evening primrose Scientific Name: Oenothera macrocarpa Definitions: Oenothera refers to the wine-scented flowers.

Macrocarpa describes the two- to three-inch seed pods produced by this species.

In the state of Illinois alone there are more than 1,850 known species of moths—more than ten times the diversity of butterflies. Recent research from University College London, shows that moths are likely major players in many pollination purple coneflower networks. UCL researchers determined moths transported Common Name: purple coneflower pollen, mostly on their hairy bellies, Scientific Name: Echinacea from many different plant species, purpurea including flowers that picky bees skip Definitions: Echinacea translates over.

It is important to note that not to “hedgehog” in reference to the all prickly mothsflower are nocturnal. head.

AsPurpurea, the frigidbelieve winteritwinds pass and or not, means purple. the unpredictable temperature

HeartLandsConservancy.org

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Asclepias tuberosa | butterfly weed

WWW.HEARTLANDSCONSERVANCY.ORG

NATIVE PLANT SALE MARCH 20 - APRIL 14

ORDER PICKUP APRIL 30

26 MEANDERINGS SPRING 2022

Spigelia marilandica | Indian pink

Mertensia virginica | Virginia bluebells

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO GO DIRECTLY TO OUR STORE!

ORDER NOW

Asclepias incarnata | Swamp milkweed

retsam ekanselttar | muiloficcuy muignyrE

knip naidnI | acidnaliram ailegipS

revolc eiriarp elprup | aerepup aelaD

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HeartLandsConservancy.org

rats gnizalb eiriarp | ayhcatsoncyp sirtaiL

raep-ylkcirp | sufimuh ainutpO

wollam esor | sopracoisal sucsibiH

28 MEANDERINGS SPRING 2022

Support

MEMBERSHIP

Land. Water. Communities.

As a member of HeartLands Conservancy, you provide support for the preservation of open spaces and special places where people live and work in southwestern Illinois.

Most importantly, you’ll become part of a diverse community of people, businesses, and organizations who treasure southwestern Illinois and who are working together so that our region will always be a place of beauty and natural life.

The benefits of membership include: Subscription to our quarterly member magazine, Meanderings Special invitations to hikes, treks, trail and preserve openings, and other events Discounts on classes, plant sales, and events Discounts on Conservation@Home Certification Ability to borrow tools from our conservation tool library Opportunities to meet with other individuals from throughout Southwestern Illinois who share a passion for conservation and our region’s special places

Donation membership levels from $50 (Acorn) to $10,000+ (Bur Oak). Show your support today.

TO DONATE | www.heartlandsconservancy.org/support/membership/ HeartLandsConservancy.org

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Plant This!

As the frigid winter winds pass and the unpredictable temperature swings of spring force people indoors, many gardeners daydream about improving their native plant projects in the upcoming growing season. Reflection on last year’s successes and failures leads to ideas and ambitions for 2022.

But before ordering native plants from HeartLands Conservancy’s 2022 Online Native Plant Sale, it is time to plan.

As the native plant landscaping movement has grown in the region, many people have begun incorporating native plants into existing landscaping.

Often, native plants serve as replacements to horticultural varieties or are placed in open spaces in existing landscaping. Over time, the spacing, location, and size of plants could draw negative attention to your native plant project. By creating a plan, a native plant enthusiast can become an amateur landscape designer and maximize the aesthetic and wildlife value of a native plant project.

Planting w

Step 2 Sketch your garden. Measure the size of your garden bed and sketch it on paper. Identify plants within the garden bed and draw them on the paper with their proximity to the edge of the garden bed and other plants. Label as many plants as possible, and don’t be afraid to have too many measurements on the sketch.

Step 3 Transfer your sketch to the graph paper.

Create a scale on graph paper appropriate to the size of your garden bed. For example, two squares on the graph paper can equal one foot in real life. Draw the garden bed first. Then, use your measurements and scale to draw the plants in the garden bed. Online resources can be used to find the spread (i.e., the surface area that a plant occupies) of most native plants.

Step 1 Gather supplies. Printer paper, graph paper,

Step 4 Analyze the design. Looking at the example

a pencil, a tape measure, and a ruler are all you need to create your project plan.

for this article, the homeowner may want to fill the space between the front and back rows or add an early-blooming yellow flower to the bed. The most central wild quinine could be moved to the gap between the rows to create a triangular cluster of plants and open space for another plant. Similarly, purple coneflowers could be added between the two rows next to the existing purple coneflower. The rose bush could also be moved to another bed, and then the planting would be exclusively native plants. Any and every idea can be explored before a shovel ever hits the dirt.

Step 2. Measuring the size of the garden bed.

30 MEANDERINGS SPRING 2022

! Not That!

with a Plan

Next Level Professional landscape designers use this same process to design and plan projects.

However, the professionals have access to expensive software to create formal designs. These conceptual plans are then used to install or improve native plant projects.

Step 3. Transfered at scale sketch on graph paper

The 2022 Online Native Plant Sale brochure is an excellent resource for your existing plants and plants purchased in 2022. The brochure groups plants by light and moisture requirements to help the amateur landscape designer install plants correctly. Further, plant height and spread and bloom color and period are provided. The amateur landscaping designer can use this resource to create a continuum of blooms throughout the growing season. Putting in work on the front end will always pay off in the long run. Mistakes will still be made, but having a plan on paper will help the amateur landscape designer continue to improve native plant landscaping projects.

Next Level. Completed Designed and Planned Native Plant Landscape

New England Asters

Interested in participating in the Conservation@Home program, we can help you get started. Contact Eric Wright (eric.wright@heartlandsconservancy.org) or Brittany Schweiger@HeartlandsConservancy.org) or call (618) 566-4451 to get started.

31 MEANDERINGS FALL | WINTER 2021

HeartLandsConservancy.org

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STAFF & BOARD

We‘re Growing Our Team!

Brittany Schweiger has joined the team as the Conservation Project Coordinator! Brittany graduated from New Mexico State University with a Master‘s degree in Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Ecology. She also received her Bachelor‘s degree in Biology and Environmental Studies from Lake Forest College in northern IL. Brittany will be working with communities, landowners, and volunteers on conservation projects, including planning, stewardship, urban forestry, and monitoring. We’re so excited to have her on our team.

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” - Dr. Jane Goodall

Denisha Martin has joined the team as the Communications Manager!

Denisha‘s Bachelor‘s degree is from Christopher Newport University in southeastern VA, where she majored in Business & Nonprofit Management.

She is an MBA candidate and received a Social Media Marketing Specialization certification from Northwestern. Denisha will engage with our communities, landowners, members, donors, and volunteers through external communications, including digital/print communication, social media marketing, and brand management. We’re so excited to have her on our team.

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” — Lao Tzu

Eric Wright has joined the team as the Land Conservation Program Manager!

Through multiple positions with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and local not-for-profit organizations, Eric has gained a wealth of experience with invasive species management, habitat project planting, native plant landscaping, and prescribed fire. Eric’s passion is conserving, preserving, and managing natural resources. Eric will oversee land stewardship, restoration, and acquisition projects. We’re so excited to have him on our team.

“We live within nature, not outside of it.”

32 MEANDERINGS SPRING 2022

Betsy Papin Carol Gentry

We are excited to welcome Betsy Papin as our 2022 NGRREC Water Quality Intern.

Betsy is from Godfrey IL and will be starting at SIUE in the fall as a transfer student for criminal justice from Lewis and Clark Community College.

Betsy has a love for animals of all kinds. She currently has an assortment of pets, including a Hermann‘s tortoise, bearded dragon, leopard gecko, and two dogs. She enjoys being out in nature and reading books.

She loves trying new things and is excited and grateful to see where this internship takes her. Welcome, Betsy!

Brenda Chandler

Welcome to the Board, Thank You for Your Carol!

Service, Brenda!

HeartLands Conservancy is excited to welcome Carol Gentry to the Board of Directors.

Carol is a long-time resident of Godfrey. She recently retired from SIU-Edwardsville and has a strong interest in community resiliency and smart growth in southwestern Illinois. “We are so glad Carol decided to join the HeartLands Conservancy board! She brings a wealth of experience in strategic management and event coordination and a passion for smart community growth,” said President & CEO Mary Vandevord. Welcome to the team, Carol!

This year we say farewell to board member, Brenda Chandler. Brenda has served on the board of directors since 2016, participating in the Land Conservation Committee.

“Brenda was instrumental in helping HeartLands evaluate land transactions and property donations.

We thank her immensely for her service to the organization and greater region,” said President & CEO Mary Vandevord. Brenda and her husband Brad own Property Peddler, Inc, a real estate and auction company based in Monroe County. Thank you, Brenda!

Join Us! If you are interested in volunteering or joining our team, watch our web page for opportunities throughout the year. Follow us on Facebook and Linkedin.

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter to have up to date information and

We are excited to welcome Jesus Sanchez as our 2022 Water Program Intern. Jesus is currently a student in Environmental Science at SIUE. He will be working with our Resilient Communities and Water Programs on a variety of projects this spring and summer.

Jesus has volunteered at many natural areas in our region, and he is pictured using a brush cutter at one of them! Welcome, Jesus!

Jesus Sanchez

HeartLandsConservancy.org

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MARCH

APRIL

Native Plant Sale Opens

Tree Week

Sunday, March 20

Friday, April 22 - Earth Day Exclusive Poag Sand Prairie Tour for White Oak Society members.

Arlington Wetlands Workday Saturday, March 26, 9am-12pm Volunteer: Remove invasive honeysuckle and bradford pear.

UPCOMING EVENTS APRIL Native Plant Sale Closes Thursday, April 14 - Spring Native Plant Sale Closes.

Hiking Club Wednesday, May 4 - Hiking Club “May the 4th“ Stargazing Night Hike at Highland Silver Lake.

Monday, April 25 - Community Tree Distribution Day Free trees for communities and community organizations for planting in public places. Registration open at www.heartlandsconservancy.org/treeweek from March 2 - April 11.

Tuesday, April 26, 6:30pm-7:30pm Tree ID Class at HLC A short course open to the public on how to identify trees and a sunset city walk around Belleville to put your skills to the test. Registration open on our website from March 21 - April 18.

Wednesday, April 27 - Kids Experience Day at Fairmont City Fairmont City area schools will be involved in local and hands-on restoration efforts to improve their community through reforestation and wetlands preservation.

UPCOMING EVENTS & VOLUNTEER DATES Use your phone to scan the QR code below.

Thursday, April 28 - Tree City USA Informational Session A one-hour virtual seminar for municipalities on becoming a Tree City USA and how HeartLands Conservancy can help. Register to attend on our website.

https://heartlandsconservancy. org/events-calendar/

Friday, April 29 - Tree Planting Day Tree planting in communities that received community trees.

Saturday, April 30 - Spring Native Plant Sale Order Pick Up

34 MEANDERINGS SPRING 2022

MAY

JUNE Hiking Club/WADE Wednesday, JUNE 17 - Hiking Club/ WADE: Discover a Wetland! Firefly Hike with SIUE Entomogist Dr. Jason Williams. Location TBA.

VOLUNTEER DATES Saturday, April 16, 9am-12pm Arlington Wetlands Planting Day. Save the Date: Prescribed Burn preparation at Arlington Wetlands.

3rd Fridays at 9am - 12pm Stewardship Volunteer Day Signal Hill Outdoor Classroom.

4th Saturdays at 9am-12pm Stewardship Volunteer Day Arlington Wetlands.

Sign up to be an HLC Volunteer on our website under Get Involved.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Pin Oak Bauerhaus Design, Inc. Clinton County SWCD Farm Credit Illinois Fulford Homes Lochmueller Group Madison County Soil & Water Conservation District Patrick Prindable Insurance Agency Property Peddler, Inc. Pufalt-Pauley Insurance Agency, Inc. Volkert, Inc.

Sponsors as of February 8, 2022

Walker & Williams P.C.

Sapling

Bur Oak

Ameren Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery

Post Oak Prairie State Generating Company, LLC Wetlands Forever, Inc.

Madison County Building & Zoning Madison County Farm Bureau Memorial Hospitals Belleville - Shiloh Randolph County Soil & Water

Conservation District

St. Clair County Farm Bureau Village of Swansea

Red Oak Clinton County Farm Bureau Forrest Keeling Nursery Nelson & Nelson Attorneys at Law, P.C. Studio Archaeos

HeartLandsConservancy.org

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HEARTLANDS C O N S E R VA N C Y

29 E. Maint Street, Belleville, IL 62220

www.HeartlandConservancy.org

LAND. WATER. COMMUNITIES.

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CLOCKWISE | Fungi SIUE Nature Preserve • Volunteers at Exploration Garden • Exploration Garden • Hike at Englemann Farm

Gifts of Nature Your support helps us to ensure people and nature prosper and thrive, together.

Because of your generosity, southwestern Illinois and our world will be better for generations to come.