University of Illinois Extension – Rock Island County is proud to announce Gretel Hengst as the inaugural recipient of the 2006 Master Naturalist of the Year Award on May 25, 2006. The Master Naturalist of the Year Award is given to a certified Master Naturalist who has gone over and above the normal expectations of participation and volunteer leadership in the Master Naturalist program, which easily describes Gretel Hengst.
Several Master Naturalists nominated Gretel for the award, so it is only appropriate to allow the wonderful words from the nominations letters tell you more about this amazing volunteer. Fellow Master Naturalists nominated Gretel Hengst for her "outstanding job with Field Notes," which is "not only professional, but informational." "She has tirelessly devoted her skills and enthusiasm to this publication and it really shows."
The design and development of the Master Naturalist logo by Gretel was also a tremendous accomplishment in 2006. "She has produced an emblem that we can be proud of – that represents what we are all about." Her logo designs reflected "her skills and ability to carefully listen to all the suggestions from the Master Naturalists."
Among her other volunteer services, Gretel Hengst also collects and enters all volunteer hours each month, which "would be a full time job in and of itself, but you only see a smile from her when you give her your service record sheets."
Plus Gretel "has demonstrated strong leadership skills and a commitment to supporting the Master Naturalist program" through her "volunteer efforts and work on various committees."
"Most of all, she is a really nice person who is always there to help!" And as a true Master Naturalist of the Year, Gretel has effectively demonstrated "that one person does make a difference."
Congratulations Gretel!
With Sincerity,
The Illinois Master Naturalists – Rock Island County, and the Rock Island County Extension staff

Editor's Note: Thank you to everyone who nominated me for this honor. This award holds great meaning for me, and I hope that I can continue to live up to the overly generous praise submitted by my fellow naturalists.
–G.H.

On June 7 and 8th, I had the pleasure of attending the Conference on River and Ocean Literacy at the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque, Iowa. Over 58 museums along the Mississippi that are members of the Great River Road Network of Museums and Interpretive Centers were invited. I attended as a representative of Nahant Marsh in Davenport, Iowa. We not only had a chance to meet and brainstorm with all the museum and interpretive centers representatives but we also had a satellite hookup with the people that were at the conference in Washington, D.C.
I had a chance to hear from speakers like Dr. Bob Ballard, the ocean explorer who discovered the wreck of the Titanic, who spoke to us from his Mediterranean Sea expedition. Also, Mr. Jean-Michel Cousteau from the Cousteau Society, Chairman James Connaughton, Council of Environmental Quality, and many more spoke over the satellite hookup.
Our main goal was to work collaboratively to create the Mississippi River/
Mississippi Valley action plan for the White House ocean action plan. The top three ranked opportunities to increase water (ocean and river) literacy were as follows: curriculum that ties into outdoor activities; connecting exhibits to local places and trails; and, finally, connect collaboratively with school administrators, policy makers and especially our biggest stakeholders – our children.
The main things I took away from the conference were that we urgently need to instill a sense of ownership of our river and to educate all age groups about what each individual can and should do to protect our precious waterways. Rivers affect all of us, and each of us in turn affects our rivers and the seas.

- Julie Werthmann

Please come and join us on a canoe trip to clean up 22 miles of the Wapsi, the majority of it in Clinton County, from Walnut Grove Park in Toronto, Iowa, to Allen's Grove Park north of Donahue, Iowa.
Base camp is at Sherman Park in Clinton County. The Friday night stay is optional. The cleanup will actually begin early Saturday morning, August 26.
The Clinton County Conservation Board naturalists will offer some interesting, fun, and free evening environmental education programs about the river and the land around it.
A limited number of canoes, paddles, and orange "keyhole" PFDs will be provided free if you don't have or don't want to use your own. PFDs will be required to be worn at all times while participants are on the river.
For more details, write to P.O. Box 333, Long Grove, IA 52756, or visit us online at: http://showcase.netins.net/web/kjr/cleanup.html
Sign up soon–space is limited! See you on the river!
A grassroots effort, sponsored by Clinton County Conservation Board.

As urban areas continue to grow and the need for agriculture land remains strong, many forest landowners are feeling the pressure of encroaching development and, in Illinois, a future with increased taxation on forest lands. The future of Illinois and Iowa forestland lies in the hands of its private landowners. Unfortunately, most forest landowners lack the technical knowledge to properly manage their forestland, and to develop an approved forest management plan to reduce future tax assessment.
To help address these landowner concerns, a Forestry Management Workshop will be held on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 from 9:00am – 4:00pm at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve in Illinois City, Illinois. Landowners will have the opportunity to learn strategies for managing their forest land using best management practices and learn techniques that landowners can use to develop a forest management plan. Breakout sessions and demonstrations include: tree identification/invasive species control; forest resource inventory; mock timber sale; tree pruning/planting; crop tree release; and woodland wildlife management. Vendors and service agencies will also be on hand with various demonstrations, booths, displays, and knowledgeable staff to answer your questions.
To learn more about the Forestry Management Workshop or to register in advance, contact Interstate Resource Conservation & Development at (309) 764-1486, ext. 4. Advanced registration is required. Cost is $10/person before August 11th and includes lunch, handouts, and attendance to all workshops and demonstrations. After August 11th, registration will be $15/person. The Expo will provide excellent opportunities for landowners to become aware of the wide range of forestry management resources available within our community, so register early!
The Forestry Management Expo is sponsored by Interstate Resource Conservation & Development, Blackhawk Hills Resource Conservation & Development, University of Illinois Extension – Rock Island County, Rock Island County Soil & Water Conservation District, Mercer County Soil & Water Conservation District, Henry County Soil & Water Conservation District, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and Loud Thunder Forest Preserve. Funding for the Forestry Management Expo was provided by grants from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the US Forest Service.
Volunteers will be needed from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the workshop at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve. Volunteers are needed for the following:

• Set-Up (tents, booths, displays, signs, etc.)
• Parking
• Tractor Hosts (help people onto hay racks)
• Registration
• Introduction of Speakers
• Tear-Down

For more information, or to sign up for a volunteer opportunity, please contact Liz Haynes at (309) 796-0512 or email ehaynes@uiuc.edu.

The use of land in the United States has been changing the looks of America. The National Resources Inventory gives an idea on what is happening. Of the land available, approximately 71% is non-Federal land, that means it is owned or controlled by private citizens, or state and local government. This non-Federal land amounts to about 1.5 billion acres, which is divided into rangeland (27%), forestland (27%), cropland (25%), pastureland (8%), and developed land (urban 7%).
The big concern is the changing use of this land. From 1982-2002, the amount of rural land converted to urban uses increased by 34.5 million acres, or about 1.7 million acres each year was changed to houses and concrete. The rate of land conversion to urban uses has increased about 300%. It would appear that the growth and prosperity in the non-agricultural economy has fueled the need for more land to expand.
The concern about the loss of prime agricultural land and the fragmentation of rural areas by developing urban areas has some states passing legislation in order to ensure more undeveloped areas, green space and open areas. Illinois has a program to ensure open green spaces. Local governments can buy areas for parks and recreation and can purchase the development rights from farmers to allow them to get the benefits of development land prices, yet still keep the farm in operation and improve open spaces. This program has greatly benefited land use in some areas.
–Mike Plumer,
Extension Educator,
Natural Resources

The August Master Naturalist meeting, organized by Jeanette Sendry, will be held at the Scott County Recycling Center on August 8th at 6:00 p.m.
Directions:
Going north on Brady, take a right onto 53rd Street. Continue heading east for about 1/2 mile. Take a left onto Carey Avenue. (Across the street from Hamilton Technical College.) The Recycling Center is located at the dead end of Carey Avenue.
Coming in from I-74, take the 53rd Street exit. Take a left onto 53rd Street. Go west on 53rd for
a couple miles. (You'll cross an intersection/stoplight at Eastern Avenue. You'll proceed down a small hill and see railroad tracks.) Carey Avenue is to the right immediately after the railroad tracks.
This should be a very interesting tour. Hope to see everyone there

For the home gardener who wants to know everything about home composting, we have the perfect website – Composting for the Homeowner. Developed by Martha Smith, Extension Educator, Horticulture and Duane Friend, Extension Educator, Natural Resources Management, this site gives an excellent indepth discussion of the science of composting, why it is important to compost, how to build a compost pile, and materials needed for composting.
You may visit the the site at: http://www.web.extension.uiuc.edu/
homecompost/.

November 7-9, 2006
Woodlands Radisson, Flagstaff Arizona

This dynamic conference will benefit professionals involved in coordinating or administering training and volunteer programs in natural resource conservation, education, and outreach, and those interested in developing a program. Participants will learn from diverse Master Naturalist programs, network with colleagues to enhance existing programs, and obtain resources needed to develop new programs. Plus, Arizona Master Naturalists and Arizona Master Watershed Stewards will show us what Master Naturalist-type programs can accomplish, on a day of off-site program sessions in some of the most beautiful natural areas in the United States.
National Alliance: The national alliance is a network of natural resource and extension professionals who administer community-based natural resource education programs. The mission of the alliance is to promote awareness and citizen stewardship of natural resources through science-based education and community service, with the goal of providing a network of resources and information exchange to develop and improve citizen-based environmental programs across the United States.
Registration: Registration deadline is October 1, 2006. There is a $100 registration fee for this conference, which includes opening social, continental breakfasts, off-site field sessions with lunch, morning and afternoon breaks, Program Marketplace social, and post-meeting CD-ROM of Conference Proceedings. Presenters may apply for small grants to help offset travel and lodging costs.
Schedule:

• Monday November 6: check-in and evening social; national alliance steering committee meeting
• Tuesday November 7: keynote speaker; joint plenary session; concurrent breakout sessions for developing and established programs
• Wednesday November 8: concurrent off site field sessions; "Program Marketplace" resource exchange and networking with colleagues; port-Marketplace social
• Thursday November 9: concurrent breakout sessions; facilitated Open Space Technology discussion groups; Master Naturalist class in session; formalizing the National Alliance; optional evening field trip to Lowell Observatory (separate fee)
• Friday November 10: check-out and evaluations; optional all-day Grand Canyon field trip (separate fee)
  Session topics: Include – recruitment & marketing, curriculum development & delivery, liability issues, creating & working effectively in partnerships, group dynamics & conflict resolution, grant writing, volunteer retention, and program evaluation.
  Accommodations: Radisson Woodlands (www. radisson.com/flagstaffaz/) has everything needed for a memorable conference. The hotel has two restaurants, a swimming pool, fitness center, complimentary high-speed wireless internet access, and easy access to restaurants, hiking and cycling trails, and sightseeing. A standard deluxe room with two queen beds is $87/night (includes tax). Mention "National Master Naturalist Conference" when making reservations; reservations must be made no later than October 15th.
  Travel: Flagstaff is serviced by a commercial connector flight via America West from Phoenix, but many people choose to fly into Phoenix and take ground transport for the
  3-hour drive to Flagstaff. Open Road Tours (www.openroadtours.com/default.htm ) provides shuttle service five times daily between Phoenix and the Flagstaff Amtrak station; reservations are required. Greyhound Bus ( www.greyhound.com/home.asp) provides shuttle service six times daily between Phoenix and Flagstaff; advance tickets are required. The Woodlands Radisson provides a complimentary shuttle from the airport or train station to the hotel.
  For more information: A draft schedule, call for presentations, registration form, and additional information regarding off site sessions, travel, lodging, and local attractions
  will be available soon on the conference website at http://extension.missouri.edu/ masternaturalist/nationalconference
  For more details about the conference or the national alliance, contact Dr. Celeste Mazzacano, Project Coordinator, at cmazzacano@gmail.com or (573) 239-4267.

Southeastern Illinois Regional Planning and Development Commission – Contractual Position Announcement

Position Title:Southeastern Illinois Prescribed Burn Coordinator
Contract:$26,000 per year
Location:Golconda, IL
Opening Date:June 20, 2006
Closing Date:July 20, 2006
Anticipated Start Date: August 15, 2006
Essential Functions:
The Southeastern Illinois Prescribed Burn Coordinator (SIPBC) is a two-year contractual position. The SIBC's schedule is flexible, but should include a minimum of 3 days per week, 8 months per year or as negotiated. The SIPBC works to develop a Prescribed Burn Association with the goal of promoting the safe and effective use of prescribed fire on state and private land in southeastern Illinois. The SIPBC coordinates the implementation of an Illinois Department of Natural Resources, C2000 grant that provides funds for organization, training, and equipment to support four prescribed burn crews in the area. The SIPBC works with colleges, universities, public agencies, conservation groups, and landowners to gain support for this project.
Desirable Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in natural resource management.
• At least 2 years experience in wildland fire including prescribed burning.
• Proven effectiveness in working with public agencies, conservation organizations and private landowners.
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Working knowledge of the ecology and use of fire in natural resource management.
• Individual must be physically fit and be able to meet NWCG Moderate Fitness Requirement (2 mile hike with 25-pounds in 30 minutes).

Specific Duties:

• Oversee the formation of a Not-for-Profit Corporation.
• Coordinate the purchase and distribution of prescribed burning equipment.
• Work with a Technical Advisory and Steering Committee to develop a burn policy for the Association.
• Coordinate meetings of the Association and Technical Advisory Committee.
• Solicit support from agencies and organizations including, but not limited to Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Shawnee National Forest, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southern Illinois University, Volunteer Fire Departments, Quail Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, and The Nature Conservancy. Execute a MOU with all participating agencies and organizations.
• Effectively represent the Association to the general public, elected and other governmental officials, industry, donors, media and other individuals and organizations.
• Coordinate and/or conduct fire training in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Shawnee National Forest, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Southern Illinois University.
• Work with landowners and others to ensure that all preparations are made prior to burns
• Explain program to landowners and encourage their active participation.
• Develop news articles regarding prescribed burning and the activities of the Association.
• Develop grant proposals to enhance safety and effectiveness of program and extend the life of the project.
  

Desirable Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of current trends in fire ecology and use in natural resource management.
• Successful experience in developing and managing multiple projects, and implementing strategic project goals.
• Management and administration experience, including ability to motivate, lead, meet objectives, and manage performance of a partnership.
• Demonstrated experience in MS Office, Word, Excel or similar software.

Communications/Interpersonal Contacts:

• Communication and presentation skills; ability to persuasively convey the mission of Association to diverse groups including elected officials, donors, board members, the public and others. Communicate strategic project goals and objectives.
• Work in partnership with other organizations in a collaborative or advisory role.
• Prepare and present project proposals, including negotiating with federal and state agencies to achieve project goals.

Working Conditions/Physical Effort:

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work an irregular schedule including weekends and unpredicted schedule change, travel on short notice.

To Apply, Send Cover Letter and Resume To:
Julie Patera, Southeastern Illinois Regional Planning and Development Commission, 230 West Poplar, P.O. Box 606, Harrisburg, IL 62946; Phone: (618) 252-7463.
The Southeastern Illinois Regional Planning and Development Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The 2007 SeaWorld/Busch Gardens/Fujifilm Environmental Excellence Awards will recognize the outstanding efforts of students, teachers, and community groups across the United States who are working at the grassroots level to protect and preserve the environment. All schools (grades K-12) in the U.S. are eligible to apply. Projects must be sponsored by a formally recognized school group, such as a grade level, classroom, or club. Public, private, and licensed home schools are all eligible to apply. Individual students (i.e., science fair projects) and previous award-winning projects are not eligible to apply. Community-based projects, such as those managed and operated by community service organizations, public recreation centers, 4-H clubs, and other public, non-profit groups working to protect the environment at the grassroots level are also eligible to apply. Eight projects will be selected. Each winning group will receive $10,000 to benefit the award-winning project; an all-expenses paid trip for three students and one adult leader to an Anheuser-Busch theme park for a special awards event; a Fujifilm digital camera for use by award-winning group; a hundred T-shirts to share with school and community partners; and award trophy and certificates for every student/group leader participant. From the eight projects, one outstanding environmental educator/leader will be recognized. That educator will receive $5,000; an all-expenses-paid trip for themselves and one guest to an Anheuser-Busch theme park for a special awards event; a Fujifilm digital camera; an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2007 National Science Teachers Association (http://www.nsta.org) national conference; and an award trophy and certificate. Visit the program's web site for complete application information and examples of previous award winners. Deadline to apply is November 30, 2006. http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10002937/swbg-animals.

Healthy watersheds lead to healthy communities. There are many simple, low-cost techniques that individuals can use to improve the health of their watershed.
Clean drinking water is quickly becoming a precious, and expensive, commodity in nearly any watershed. Conserving water within a household reduces water bills and prevents water pollution caused by septic system overflows.
When considering water conservation, the bathroom is an excellent place to start. Bathrooms account for over 60% of the water used in an average U.S. family household. That translates into over 27 gallons of water used per individual, per day in the bathroom alone!
Leaky faucets and toilets are common sources of excess water use. To check a faucet for leaks, place a small cup or container under the faucet during a time when the faucet is not in use (at night when everyone is sleeping or during the day if everyone is out of the house).
A leaky faucet can waste over 20 gallons a day and can usually be easily fixed by replacing an inexpensive washer.
Leaky toilets are even greater water-wasters. They can waste over 100 gallons of water per day! Toilets can be checked for leaks by placing a small amount of food coloring in the tank. If, without flushing, the color appears in the bowl, the toilet has a leak.
Another great way to conserve water is to place rock-filled containers in the tank. Do not place bricks in toilet tanks as particles may break off and harm the plumbing.
This activity can save over half a gallon of water per flush. With each flush of the toilet using 5 to 7 gallons of water, resist the urge to use the toilet as a trash can. Place facial tissue and other similar products in a wastebasket.
Individuals who take showers often use an excess of water. A great way to determine how much water is used during a shower is to plug the drain while showering. At the end of the shower if there is more water in the tub than you would use to take a bath, water is being wasted. Consider shortening the length of the shower or shutting water off while lathering.
Baths, although relaxing, can be a source of excess water use. Instead of allowing the water to run until it reaches the desired temperature and then plugging the drain, plug the drain first and then turn the water on. Water temperature can be adjusted as the tub fills.
Turning the water off while brushing your teeth can save a household over 3,650 gallons of water per year.
Finally, consider installing water-saving devices on existing faucets and showerheads. When building a new home or replacing an old toilet, use "low volume" toilets that use nearly 80% less water.
For more healthy watershed ideas, contact your local University of Illinois Extension office or visit the Illinois Watershed Management Clearinghouse web site at www.watershed.uiuc.edu.
Information for this publication was taken from the 57 Ways To Protect Your Home Environment (and Yourself) book published by the North Central Illinois Extension Region.

As individuals, we often feel that there is little that we can do to help our environment. In reality, if we all work together to do the little things – they add up to an enormous step toward a cleaner, healthier environment. Use the following list as a guide to help you set your priorities for a cleaner environment:
Consider native plants, which are adapted to your area. They can withstand temperature as well as drought extremes. Native plants are also disease and insect resistant.
Water plants and the lawn only when needed. Using the right plants for your climate reduces watering and the time needed for tending to these special plants.
Mulching conserves moisture in the soil, acts as a weed barrier and helps build organic soil content. Apply mulch around trees and shrubs in addition to your vegetable and flower gardens.
Read and follow fertilizer and pesticide labels. Leave grass clippings on your lawn after mowing. This is nature's well balanced fertilizer for the lawn, and it's free. Whether it's fertilizer or pesticides, remember that if a little is good, a lot is not better! Only apply what is suggested. Fertilizers and pesticides have an adverse affect on humans as well.
Do not flush any chemical down the drain. What goes down the drain may come out the faucet. Biological waste degrades, chemical waste often does not. Use it for its intended purpose, give it away or recycle it at the next hazardous waste collection.
Following these simple steps brings us closer to a cleaner, healthier and safer environment and makes us more environmentally responsible.
–Brenda Roedl,
Extension Educator,
Natural Resources

We are used to hearing tales about how recycling is so new that there is no market for what we have to recycle. The fact is that the recycling industry has come a long way in the last fifteen years and now the recycling industries that have developed are dependent on a steady supply of recyclable materials sufficient to keep them in business.
Post-consumer plastic bottle recycling increased dramatically from 234 million pounds in 1989 to over 1.5 billion pounds in 1999. Even so the recycling rate of plastic bottles of any type was not more than 24 percent. The plastics recycling infrastructure includes 2015 companies growing 81% from 1990 to 1999 and employing 53,000 persons. The Midwestern U.S. has the highest concentration of plastics recycling facilities with 593.
A healthy recycling industry requires a steady supply of materials to recycle. For example, "Domestic capacity to reclaim PET (#1) and HDPE (#2) bottles significantly exceeds recycled quantities, stressing the need to reinvigorate community collection programs." (http://www.plasticsresource.com). In some states, a deposit on plastic bottles is used to increase the supply of recyclable bottles.
Plastic packaging material is marked with a number code standardized to serve the needs of the recycling industry. Recycling centers usually receive the materials, sort them, bale them, and send them on to be made into flakes or pellets which can be used by manufacturers as raw material. The American Plastics Council lists the uses for these coded products:
#1 – Clean, recycled PET or PETE (Polyethyline Terephthalate) flakes are in great demand for spinning fiber for carpet yarns and clothing, producing fiberfill and geotextiles using the nickname "polyester".
#2 – HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) is recycled into bottles for liquid laundry detergent, shampoo, and motor oil or made into pipe, buckets, flower pots, garden edging, recycling bins, benches, dog houses, plastic lumber, floor tiles, picnic tables, and fencing.
#3 – PVC/Vinyl (Polyvinyl Chloride) is recycled for packaging, loose-leaf binders, decking, paneling, gutters, mud flaps, floor tiles and mats, resilient flooring, cassette trays, electrical boxes, cables, traffic cones, garden hose, and mobile home skirting.
#4 – LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) becomes shipping envelopes, garbage can liners, floor tile, furniture, compost bins, paneling, trash cans, landscape timber, and lumber.
#5 – PP (Polypropylene) becomes the raw material for automobile battery cases, signal lights, battery cables, brooms, brushes, ice scrapers, oil funnels, bicycle racks, rakes, bins, pallets, sheeting, and trays.
#6 – PS (Polystyrene) gets used for thermometers, lights switch plates, thermal insulation, egg cartons, vents, desk trays, rulers, license plate frames, foam packing, foam plates, cups, and utensils.
#7 – OTHER (meaning that they are made with other resins or a combination of resins) can be made into bottles, and plastic lumber applications.
–Della Moen, Earth Team Volunteer,
NRCS/Stephenson Soil and Water Conservation District
(Published in The Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois.)
Della can be reached at info@stephensonswcd.org

The goal of this workshop is to give environmental educators the tools to help students develop responsible environmental values on their own. Through the essays of Aldo Leopold and the accompanying teacher-created lesson plans, presenters will learn how to integrate Leopold's writing in their science, language arts and/or social studies curricula. The Leopold Education Project (LEP) uses the classic writings of Aldo Leopold, a renowned conservationist. Leopold's writings are both sound science and excellent literature, and they can be used as a springboard for meaningful environmental education. Each participant will receive Leopold's "A Sand County Almanac", "Lessons in Land Ethic Teacher's Guide", student Task Cards and supplemental support materials. Activities in the "Lessons" curricula are correlated to the Illinois Learning Standards.
Philosophy of the Leopold Education Project: Modern learning theory supports an experimental approach that allows students to construct meanings from their activities and to develop concepts and skills based on their past knowledge. In order to promote critical thinking, teachers should provide students with opportunities to explore the world directly. Even in heavily populated suburban and urban areas, a wide array of useful resources can be found outside. Leopold believed that "...the weeds in a city lot convey the same lesson as the redwoods". The LEP encourages teachers to adapt lessons to suit not only particular students and settings. We encourage creativity and experimentation in using these lessons in a variety of subject matter areas.
When and Where: Saturday, September 23rd, 2006, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Andress' Prairie Rose Farm, 31501 113th Avenue West, Illinois City, Illinois. Andress' Prairie Rose Farm is on the beautiful Mississippi River Bluff and is an example of Leopold's Conservation Ethic at work.
(Take Rt. 92 west from the Quad Cities to Illinois City. Go 4 miles west of Illinois City on Rt. 92 and turn right (north) onto 294th Street West. Go 1.6 miles to the dead end and the driveway is on the right (294th St. W. becomes 113th Ave. W. at the curve). Phone 309/292-0690.
Instructors: Marilyn Andress, Education Coordinator, Rock Island County Soil and Water Conservation District (Phone 309/292-0690) and Liz Haynes, Extension Educator, University of Illinois Extension (Phone 309/796-0512). Marilyn and Liz are both experienced environmental educators and are Project Specialists for the LEP.
Cost: Is $30 which includes lunch, all materials, and CPDU's if requested. Attendance is limited to 20. Please contact either instructor for more information or to register.

The Patagonia Environmental Grant Program supports the environmental work of small, grassroots activist organizations with direct-action agendas, working on multi-pronged campaigns to preserve and protect our environment. Patagonia primarily funds local groups working to protect local habitat. The company's philosophy is that the individual battles to protect a specific stand of forest, stretch of river, or indigenous wild species are the most effective in raising more complicated issues – particularly those of biodiversity and ecosystem protection – in the public mind. Funded programs should be quantifiable, with specific goals, objectives, and action plans, and should include measures for evaluating success. Applications are accepted during the months of April and August of each year. The upcoming deadline is August 31, 2006. Most grants are in the range of $3,000 to $8,000. Visit their website for detailed funding guidelines: http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/patagonia.go?assetid=2927.

Have fun with environmental education this summer!
Who should attend: Master Naturalists, Master Conservationists, volunteers, teachers, educators, and youth organization leaders.
What: Project WET is a national environmental education curricula, with fun and interdisciplinary hands-on activities for youth grades K-12.
When: Tuesday, August 8, 2006, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Nahant Marsh, Davenport, Iowa (off Hwy. 22, on Wapello Avenue).
Cost: $15 per person, which includes lunch, handouts, posters and curricula.
How to participate: To register in advance, contact the Rock Island County Extension Office at (309) 796-0512. Participation is limited to 25 people, so
pre-registration is advised.

Do you love the outdoors but can't find the time to get out and enjoy it? Here's your chance to dust off those outdoor skills and interests and share them with your family and friends. The Family Outdoors Adventure Program allows adults to share an outdoor experience in a beautiful environment with your children, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren.
The Family Outdoor Adventures program will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2006 from 8:00am – 5:00pm at the Izaak Walton League's Giant Goose Conservation Area in Atkinson, Illinois. Overnight camping and Sunday morning fishing is available. Youth and adults will learn various outdoor skills and explore a variety of hands-on experiences such as: basic fishing; dutch oven cooking; beginning camping & backpacking; interactive nature games; backyard conservation; basic first aid/survival; outdoor photography; beginning fly fishing and fly tying; ID & using herbs; and nature crafts.
To learn more about the Family Outdoor Adventures program, overnight camping, or to register in advance, contact Marsha Johnson at (309) 797-8255 or email: marjon@mchsi.com. Space is limited, therefore pre-registration is required. Cost is $25/person – age 16 and older, and $10/person – age 10-15. Registration fees include snacks, drinks, lunch, handouts, an evening campfire with treats, and participation in three workshops. A fishing license is required for any fishing other than the class session; one-day licenses will be available. The program and workshop activities are designed for persons aged 10 years old or older. Please do not bring children under 10 years of age. Reduced pricing is available for current Izaak Walton members.
The Family Outdoor Adventures program is sponsored by the Illinois Division Izaak Walton League of America, Henry County Soil & Water Conservation District, Whiteside County Soil & Water Conservation District, and University of Illinois Extension – Rock Island County.

The Green Earth Institute in Naperville is sometimes referred to as "a vegetable farm in the suburbs." It's the location of the fourth tour sponsored by the University of Illinois Agroecology/Sustainable Agriculture Program (ASAP). The program promotes research and provides outreach opportunities of a wide spectrum of alternative farming practices as well as ways to provide an adequate and dependable farm income.
Visitors on the tour of the Green Earth Institute will take a walking tour of the organic vegetable farm and learn about cropping systems, organic herbicide tests, greenhouses, equipment used in organic farming, harvest and post-harvest handling, community-supported agriculture and about the educational programs available at the Green Earth Institute.
The tour of the Green Earth Institute is scheduled for Wednesday, August 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The farm is located in Naperville, 30 miles west of downtown Chicago. A map and directions may be found at www.greenearthinstitute.org.
The remaining sustainable agriculture tour schedule is as follows:
4 September 13 – Prairie Fruits Farm in Champaign
4 October 5 – Blue Sky Winery
in Makanda (www.blueskyvineyard.com),
Darn Hot Peppers in Cobden (www.darnhotpeppers.com), and
Great Boars of Fire in Anna (www.greatboarsoffire.com)
A fee of $20 per person will be charged for each tour, which includes lunch. Registration at least one week in advance is required.
Visit www.aces.uiuc.edu/asap/
topics/tours.html to register and
for more details about each of the tours, including a map and agenda,
or contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant at (217) 968-5512 or cvnghgrn@uiuc.edu.

"Advancing the Restoration of an Internationally Significant Wetland Ecosystem" will be held August
10-12, 2006 at John A. Logan College in Carterville, Illinois. This is the fifth in a series of public symposiums on river issues. The conference is FREE; the only charges are for luncheons and tours.

• Hear from experts about the Cache River
• Participate in workshops
• Help develop the Cache River restoration plan
• Network with practitioners, researchers and government officials

Conference program information and registration may be found at: http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/illinois/events/
events3619.html.
Program details are found at:
http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/illinois/files/
program_for_web_v4.pdf.

Professionals, agency staff, volunteers and landowners interested in prescribed burning as a management tool for natural area restoration should consider participating in the National Wildfire Coordinating Group training. Participants completing the National Wildfire Coordinating Group training will receive a certification of completion for S-130 Firefighter Training and S-190 Introduction to Fire Behavior. During the training, information from the S-234 Firing Methods – Firing Equipment and RX-300 Prescribed Fire for Burn Bosses will be shared. Training materials will be customized for prescribed burning of Midwestern natural areas, and include examples from the local area. This course will cover the required curriculum for awarding a National Wildfire Coordinating Group S-130 Firefighter Training and S-190 Introduction to Fire Behavior Certificate of Completion. In addition to the required S-130/190 curriculum it will cover some information from the S-234 Firing Methods-Firing Equipment and RX-300 Prescribed Fire for Burn Bosses courses. Additional material about prescribed burning in the Midwest will be added, with local slides and video showing examples of the principles taught.
Topics covered will include: Fire Triangles, Basic Fire Physics, Personnel Protective Equipment, Fire Tools, Incident Command System, Firing Devices, Suppression Activities, Fire Planning, Snag Identification and Preparation, Firing Patterns, Fire Ecology and Post Fire Restorations.
Who should take this course:

• Firefighters – Learn how to fight fire with fire while earning nationally recognized certifications.
• Natural Land Managers and Restorationists – Learn how to use the natural process of fire to restore prairie, woodland and wetland areas

When and Where: This four day course will be held October 23rd – 26th, 2006, at Black Hawk State Historical Site in Rock Island, Illinois. The four day training will consist of 3½ days of classroom instruction and a half day of field experience. Weather permitting, a woodland prescribed burn will be conducted at Black Hawk State Historic Site. Directions: From I-74 take the John Deere Road west exit to Black Hawk State Historical Site. The course will be presented in the Watch Tower Lodge on the south side of the road.
Instructor: Jack Pizzo of Pizzo and Associates, Ltd. will be teaching this course. Mr. Pizzo is a founding partner of Pizzo & Associates, Ltd., a firm dedicated to protection, restoration and creation of natural areas. In 15 years with Pizzo & Associates, Ltd., Jack Pizzo has been involved in teams to restore, design, construct and steward a number of ecological restorations throughout the Midwest.
Cost & Registration: Registration is limited and must be submitted by August 16th. The $75 per person registration fee covers program costs, which include the course workbook, handouts, and meals for the four days. Funding for the prescribed fire training was provided by grants from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Foundation and the U.S. Forest Service.
For More Information, Contact: Marilyn Andress, Rock Island County Soil and Water Conservation District, 309/764-1486, ext. 3.

What: Master Naturalist Dutch Oven Cook-Off
When: September 9
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Preparation and cooking
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Judging (Judges to be announced), awards, EATING
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Master Naturalist meeting and fun???
Where: Andress Prairie Rose Farm
Why: Because Naturalists love to eat!
Come strut your stuff at the first ever Master Naturalist Dutch Oven Cook-Off! The Andress family, once again, is generously opening their home to the Master Naturalists to provide the perfect setting for this exciting competition and we want YOU. Feel free to gather a team of other Master Naturalists with culinary prowess and design a dish!
The official rules are as follows: Team members and recipes must be submitted by August 18th at 4:00 p.m. and should include a complete list of all ingredients in order of use and complete instructions on how to prepare them. All copyright recipes must include the source. Each attendee will receive a cookbook from this event.
This will be a one-pot cook off.
Ingredients cannot be precooked and must be combined, chopped, sliced, or diced during the competition–on site including garnishes.
Teams will need to provide all ingredients for their dish.
Desert, beverages, and place settings will be provided by the University of Illinois Extension Office.
Following the tasting of these delectable treats we will have some time to unwind and digest. To cap off the day we will take some time to get your feedback about your experience as a Master Naturalist, the program, as well as discuss what the future holds!

Prepared by The Izaak Walton League, this newly released handbook provides a consolidation of much otherwise dispersed information into a well organized and clearly written single volume. This handbook is a basic resource for individuals, classes organizations, volunteer groups, or communities – and for those who mentor them – wishing to carry out environmentally sound, cost-effective stream corridor assessment, enhancement, and stewardship programs. This resource is of great value to readers who want to acquire a solid grasp of the fundamentals of assessing the physical condition and ecological well-being of streams, of what might be done to improve the stability and ecological health of stream corridors, and of implementing effective stream enhancement and stewardship programs in their communities. For more information or for ordering information, visit the following website: www.mwpubco.com/stream.htm.

Acres for America, a partnership between Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (http://www.nfwf.org), was established to provide funding for projects that conserve important habitat for fish, wildlife, and plants through acquisition of interest in real property. Endorsement by appropriate federal, state, and local government agencies that the acquisition is of high conservation value is a primary onsideration. Preference will be given to acquisitions that are part of published conservation plans, State Wildlife Action Plans, or Endangered Species Act Recovery Plans. Applicants are strongly urged to contact the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation regional director in their area to discuss project ideas prior to submitting pre-proposals. The deadline is September 1, 2006 (pre-proposal). Complete program and application information available at http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10003235/nfwf.

American Trails is pleased to announce that the 18th National Trails Symposium will be held October 19-22, 2006 in the Quad Cities of Iowa and Illinois. The National Trails Symposium is held every other year and is sponsoredby American Trails with state and local sponsors.
The Symposium provides an opportunity for greenways and trails advocates, managers, planners, and users, outdoor product providers, as well as conservationists, private landowners, and tourism and business interests to come together for an inspirational and educational conference. The Symposium addresses both non-motorized and motorized issues and our vision for trails and greenways nationwide.
Visit www.americantrails.org for details and to register.