Fulton—Mason—Peoria—Tazewell Unit Extension Snapshot December 2015

Master Volunteers Enjoy Learning at Starved Rock with Dr. Michael Wiant

University of Illinois Extension, Fulton-Mason-Peoria- Tazewell Unit Master Naturalist volunteers worked with Dr. Michael Wiant, director of Dickson Mounds Museum, to plan a one-day bus trip to Starved Rock State Park and other local attractions. The purpose of the trip was to serve as continuing education hours for Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists while having an enjoyable day of learning. One of the requirements to remain an active Master Naturalist or Master Gardener is to have 10 continuing education hours every year. Dr. Wiant narrated the trip to Starved Rock State Park by explaining how and why Illinois’ landscape looks as it does today. At the park the group hiked 150 steps to the summit of Starved Rock. Dr. Wiant discussed both the geological and Dr. Michael Wiant, director of Dickson human history of the area. Mounds Museum, shared his expertise of the Upon descending from Starved Rock the group enjoyed area’s geological and human history with a a ride on the Belle of the Rock, an authentic paddle wheel boat. group of Master Gardeners and Master Master Volunteers experienced the river up close as they saw Naturalists on a day trip to Starved Rock Starved Rock, Lover’s Leap, Starved Rock Lock and Dam, and State Park. Plum Island Eagle Sanctuary, as well as some wildlife. In addition to the scenery, volunteers heard a historical narration covering the Native American population that once thrived there, the Illinois River’s function, and Starved Rock legends. After lunch the group traveled to the Illinois River Waterway Museum at the Starved Rock Lock & Dam. The Illinois Waterway Visitor’s Center is owned and operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps maintains the lock and dam system along the entire Illinois Waterway from Lake Michigan to Grafton, Illinois, where the Illinois River empties into the Mississippi River. The visitor’s center interprets the building and maintenance of this system, as well as the history of water transportation in Illinois, beginning with the Native American canoe and ending with modern transportation. The final stop was Buffalo Rock State Park located on a bluff which once was an island in the Illinois River. The area of Buffalo Rock was the home of the Illinois Indians when Louis Jolliet, the French explorer, and the Jesuit missionary priest Father Jacques Marquette made their trip up the Illinois River in 1673. The mission of the University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist program is to provide science- based educational opportunities that connect people with nature and help them become engaged environmental stewards. To find out more about becoming a Master Naturalist, contact Christine Belless, program coordinator, at 309-547-3711 or email [email protected] . The next Master Naturalist training is scheduled for June 13- 24, 2016. University of Illinois—US Dept of Agriculture—Local Extension Councils Cooperating University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.