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Home , Festive ecology, Rouse Simmons, Tallgrass prairie

Midewin National Tallgrass | R9-RG-001-21 | May 2021

2021 CONSERVATION EDUCATION PROGRAMS The USDA Forest Service is committed to doing its part to help halt the spread of COVID-19. Masks and physical distancing are required in all USDA Forest Service buildings and facilities and on all national forest and , especially when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Safety is a core agency value. Images in this product that do not demonstrate appropriate measures, such as wearing a mask or physical distancing, were taken before mandates were in place.

Photo Credits: USDA Forest Service photos by Veronica Hinke, unless otherwise indicated. Cover: Illustration by Lynda Wallis. Facing page: Midewin NTP 25th Anniversary sign. USDA Forest Service illustration by Cheryl Holbrook. Facing page 1: Prairie blazing star ( pycnostachya) on the Henslow Trail. Courtesy photo by U.S. Air Force veteran Michael Kardas. • Midewin NTP Tribal Liaison Joe Wheeler gives an interview for a video about the At Ease Nature Platoon in the River Road Seedbeds. • The sun sets at Midewin NTP. • Midewin NTP Restoration Technician Shannon McLaughlin weeds in the seedbeds near the south entrance to the Route 53 Trail. • Jacob Bartlett helps prune the bur “witness” that land surveyors used as a reference point in the 1820s. Courtesy photo by Penny Vanderhyden, National Public Lands Day. • A monarch butterfly pollinates goldenrod. Courtesy photo by Ron Kapala. Page 1: Armeline McCawley shows WGN-TV Executive Producer Larry Potash the ring that her father-in-law was wearing during the arsenal explosion in 1942. Page 2: False sunflowers. Courtesy photo by Mary Ann Bretzlauf, daughter of John Portegys, WWII Army Air Corps. • Two people read the information at the kiosk at Midewin NTP. Page 3: Black-necked stilt. Courtesy photo by Bill Glass. Page 4: Sunrise at Grant Creek. Courtesy photo by Bill Glass. Page 5: Canal Corridor Association Associate Director Erin Maze installs bicycles in the CCA’s bicycle-share rack at the Iron Bridge Trailhead. Page 6: with calf. USDA Forest Service photo by Rick Short. • Kildeer flying high in the air. Courtesy photo by Greg Dubois. Page 7: Owl spotters wait for the perfect photograph to capture along the Henslow Trail in November. Page 8: Members of the U.S. Coast Guard load trees from the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw at Navy Pier onto trucks for distribution to families in need in the area. Courtesy photos by U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Second Class Joseph Coach. Courtesy photo of trees on deck of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw by U.S. Coast Guard Lieutenant Junior Grade Patrick Buell. MIDEWIN NATIONAL TALLGRASS PRAIRIE

2021 CONSERVATION EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Published by:

Forest Service Eastern Region 626 East Avenue , WI 53202 https://fs.usda.gov/r9 https://fs.usda.gov/Midewin R9–RG–001–21 May 2021 Photo credits (continued): Page 9: Eastern kingbird. Courtesy photo by Greg Dubois. • A short-eared owl flies over the Henslow Trail. Courtesy photo by Mark Korosa. • Brushwood Center Executive Director Catherine Game looks for birds in the South Patrol Road Area. Courtesy photo by Mark Korosa. Page 10: Left to Right: WGN-TV Producer Mike D’Angelo, Midewin NTP Archeaologist & Tribal Liaison Joe Wheeler, WGN- TV Drone Pilot Steve Scheuer. • Journalist Matt Alderton reads an interpretive sign at the Iron Bridge Trailhead. Page 11: Horses Briar (left) Gambler out enjoying the Henslow Trail on Thanksgiving 2020. • A gray treefrog rests on rudbeckia. Courtesy photo by Penny Vanderhyden. Page 12: American bullfrog rests in water. Courtesy photo by U.S. Air Force veteran Chip Miller. • The sun sets on the Midewin NTP. Page 13: A swallowtail pollinates thistle in the River Road Seedbeds. Courtesy photo U.S. Air Force veteran Michael Kardas. Page 14: A bison stands tall in the prairie. USDA Forest Service photo by Rick Short. Page 15: A mushroom grows on a tree on Buttonbush Pond. Courtesy photo by Harold Bretzlauf, grandson of John Portegys, WWII Army Air Corps. • Compass reaches for the prairie sky. Courtesy photo by U.S. Air Force veteran Michael Kardas. • Cows graze near Prairie Creek at Boathouse Road. • Cows graze near bunkers. Courtesy photo by The Wetlands Initiative Senior Restoration Ecologist Gary Sullivan. All clipart is from Adobe Stock. Below: Two visitors to the Midewin NTP enjoy a day out on the prairie. CONTENTS:

Webinars...... 1 Tours...... 9

For Kids...... 11

REGISTRATION Unless otherwise noted in individual program descriptions, register for programs and tours by emailing SM.FS. [email protected] or calling (815) 423-6370. Please provide your name and email address. A representative will respond with information for participants.

SELF-GUIDED INTERPRETIVE HIKES Four self-guided interpretive tours are just a screen tap away on your smartphone, tablet, or computer! NEW! Two all-new tours explore native prairie at the River Road Seedbeds and through the writings of 1840s journalist Eliza Steele. Eliza’s descriptions of prairie plants and more provide us with a glimpse of what prairie might have looked like long before there were cameras and photographs. Both tours are on the west side of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway. On the east side of the byway, the Prairie Farmer Tour and the Iron Bridge Trailhead Tour have delighted visitors for years. Learn more about Midewin NTP interpretive tours! https://tinyurl.com/n3kwtyux TRAIL MAPS Trail maps are available online in English and Spanish. https://tinyurl.com/46z7rzjf. Check out the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Visitor Guide! https://tinyurl.com/6uc294pc. SHARE YOUR PHOTOS Share your photos with others around the world through the Midewin NTP library in the iNaturalist smartphone application! https://bit.ly/2HAYFiK. A Day at the Midewin NTP Midewin NTP Public Webinars April THURSDAY, 6 P.M. 22EARTH DAY Silver Anniversary Panel Discussion: “Volunteers and Partners” Over the past 25 years, volunteers and partners have been instrumental to prairie restoration. They have made a difference through projects on Earth Day, National Public Lands Day, weekly volunteer days, and so much more. This Earth Day, take a close look with us at some of the highlights of the essential involvement of volunteers and partners throughout the last quarter-century at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Moderator: Joe Wheeler, Midewin NTP Archaeologist and Tribal Liaison Panelists: • Paul Botts, President and Executive Director, The Wetlands Initiative • Allison Cisneros, Midewin NTP Project Manager, The Nature Conservancy in Illinois • Gail Pyndus, Founding Member, Midewin Heritage Association • Joe Roth, Formerly with Openlands FRIDAY, 10 A.M. 30 NATIONAL ARBOR DAY On National Arbor Day, learn something new about native Illinois prairie trees! We will partner with the Forest Preserve District of Will County to provide a LIVE feed from Midewin NTP where a bur oak tree will be planted in celebration of the Midewin NTP Silver Anniversary. Did you know that some trees are native to the ? Which trees are they? Where can you see them at Midewin NTP? The Silver Anniversary bur oak tree planting will be sponsored by the Midewin Heritage Association, the Midewin Tallgrass Prairie Alliance and the Will County Audubon Society. Midewin NTP Visitor Information Specialist Laura Lewis will present an interpretive webinar about native Illinois prairie trees. Register at https://tinyurl.com/ybjs7jmz.

1 Midewin NTP Public Webinars May SATURDAY, 10 A.M. 1ILLINOIS ROUTE 66 RED CARPET CORRIDOR : SILVER ANNIVERSARY TIME CAPSULE INSTALLATION Look for new bison calves. Explore the prairie through two all-new, self-guided hikes on the Midewin NTP smartphone application (https://tinyurl.com/33as527w): “On The Trail of Eliza Steele” and “River Road Seedbeds.” “LEND A HAND - CARE FOR THE LAND!” In Woodsy Owl’s 50th birthday year, share your “Woodsy Owl & Friends” nature photos on the iNaturalist app at https://bit.ly/2HAYFiK.

THURSDAY, 6 P.M. 20 WORLD BEE DAY PANEL: “THE NEXT 25 YEARS: THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUTH” Moderator: Joe Wheeler, Midewin NTP Archaeologist and Tribal Liaison Panelists: Jerry Heinrich, President, Midewin Tallgrass Prairie Alliance and Midewin Interpretive Association; Mary Mitsos, President and CEO, the National Forest Foundation; Jerry Adelman, President and CEO, Openlands; Gary Sullivan, Senior Restoration Ecologist, The Wetlands Initiative 2 Midewin NTP Public Webinars June WEDNESDAYS, 7 TO 8 P.M. 2&9 BIRDS OF MIDEWIN NATIONAL TALLGRASS PRAIRIE WEBINARS (2-PART SERIES) Learn all about the birds that call Midewin NTP . What makes Midewin NTP a special place for birds? Will County Audubon Society Vice President and Midewin NTP volunteer Greg Dubois will present. • Part 1: June 2 • Part 2: June 9

WEDNESDAY, 6 P.M. 23NATIONAL POLLINATOR WEEK PROGRAM The USDA estimates that more than 150 food crops in the U.S. depend on pollinators, including almost all fruit and grain crops. Crops dependent on pollination are worth more than $10 billion per year. Celebrate National Pollinator Week and hear about what the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway groups are doing to help increase habitat for monarchs. How can you get involved? What can you do right at home? Find out in this informational webinar. Presenters: • Erin Holmes, Roadside Management Resource Specialist, Illinois Department of Transportation, Central Bureau of Operations • Casey Wichmann, Executive Director, Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Annual Honey-Tasting: Break out your new favorite local honey to participate in our annual National Pollinator Week honey tasting. We will spend a few moments at the beginning of this webinar sharing tasting notes.

3 Midewin NTP Public Webinars July WEDNESDAY, 6 P.M. 7“ON THE TRAIL OF ELIZA STEELE” On July 7, 1840, a prosperous New York writer was traveling through the area where Midewin NTP is located now. She wrote about her first experience in a prairie:“I started with surprise and delight. I was in the midst of a prairie! A world of grass and flowers stretched around me, rising and falling in gentle undulations, as if an enchanter had struck the ocean swell, and it was at rest forever. Acres of wildflowers of every hue glowed around me, and the sun arising from the earth where it touched the horizon, was kissing with golden face the meadows green. What a new and wondrous world of beauty! What a magnificent sight! Those glorious ranks of flowers! Oh that you could have one glance at their array! How shall I convey to you an idea of a prairie.” Expressive, illuminating, and insightful, Eliza’s words are about all that we know about what the prairies might have looked like in a world long before cameras. Her words were published the next year in a book titled “A Summer Journey in The West.” Midewin NTP Archaeologist and Tribal Liaison Joe Wheeler and Midewin NTP Botanist Michelle Pearion will present details about what Eliza saw and where she was.

4 Midewin NTP Public Webinars July/August 14 July & 11 August WEDNESDAYS, 7 TO 8 P.M. MIDEWIN NATIONAL TALLGRASS PRAIRIE 101 WEBINARS (2-PART SERIES) What exactly is Midewin NTP? Learn about the origins and geography of this very special place. We will view restored wetlands and prairie and observe wildlife. Find out why ecological restoration is so important and experience some of the best examples of restored prairie. Learn how Midewin NTP will change and what that will mean for wildlife and recreation. • Part 1: July 14 • Part 2: August 11 September SATURDAY, 9 A.M. 25NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY This webinar will present an overview of the iNaturalist smartphone application. Which of your prairie photos have you shared with others through the Midewin NTP library of photos and information on the iNaturalist application? Celebrate National Public Lands Day with us by sharing your photos and experiences. Presenters will provide an overview of the application, and nature photographers with years of experience in photography on the Midewin NTP trails will share information.

5 Midewin NTP Public Webinars November SATURDAY, 11 A.M. 6NATIONAL BISON DAY Celebrate ’s National Mammal – the bison – on National Bison Day. Look for the Midewin NTP bison herd live with us along the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway. Travel to Montana to the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center and to the First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park. Park Manager Clark Carlson-Thompson said the jump was critical to human survival for hundreds or years. “A buffalo jump is a site that was used by native peoples to harvest large numbers of buffalo, usually entire herds,” he explained. “This spot has forever been known as a place of peace and gathering. Thousands of pounds of meat, hides, bones for tools, and more were harvested. It looks just like a hill, and as we get closer and closer to the cliff, it just appears out of nowhere.”

THURSDAY, 4 P.M. 11 VETERANS DAY PROGRAM Hear the stories of U.S. Military veterans and family members who visited the Midewin NTP in 2021 through Brushwood Center’s At Ease Nature Platoon. The challenge for 2021 is “Birding & Photography.” See photos of birds of the Midewin NTP and learn something new about grassland birds.

6 Midewin NTP Public Webinars

AT EASE NATURE PLATOON 2021 CHALLENGE: BIRDING & PHOTOGRAPHY

The At Ease Nature Platoon program is for U.S. Military veterans and families. The program includes virtual photography, nature classes, and independent visits to Midewin NTP. Veterans and family members help others connect with nature through their photos, which are featured online and in a date planner. March 20, 11 A.M. Introduction to Photography: Learn the basics of photography, including learning about the aperture, shutter speed, and exposure of cameras. March 27, 11 A.M. Intermediate Bird Photography: If you have prior experience in photography, join us to learn more about advanced techniques. April 3, 11 A.M. Bird Identification: Learn about the appearance, behavior, and habitats of the most common Midwest birds. April 17, 11 A.M. Bird Identification (Visual and Audio) and Smartphone Applications: Learn how to identify birds through Merlin and Audubon Society applications. April 24, 11 A.M. Bird Monitoring (Visual and Audio) and Smartphone Applications: Learn about helpful birding applications like eBird and iNaturalist and how you can contribute to the birding and science monitoring communities. The At Ease program is free of charge, but registration is required. You can register and read more details at https://tinyurl.com/3fkd8wkx. For more information about the At Ease Nature Platoon at Midewin NTP, visit https://tinyurl.com/tnd4jmzv. To learn more, send an email to SM.FS.Midewin_RSVP@ usda.gov or call 815-423-6370.

7 Midewin NTP Public Webinars December WEDNESDAY, 6 P.M. 1CHRISTMAS TREE SHIP Loaded down heavily with Christmas trees harvested from Manistee, Michigan, Chicago’s beloved “ Ship” – the – sunk off the shore of near Two Rivers, Wisconsin, 109 years ago, on November 22, 1912. She was headed for the Clark Street Bridge on the Chicago River. For years, Captain Herman E. Schuenemann and his crew docked the Rouse Simmons on the south end of the bridge and sold Christmas trees from the ship to Chicagoans. Schuenemann became widely known for his generosity in giving many of the trees away to Chicago families that could not afford a Christmas tree. On the first weekend in December each year, the U.S. Coast Guard honors Captain Schuenemann and his crew by coordinating the distribution of Christmas trees to families in need from Navy Pier. This virtual program is in support of our Federal partners. USDA Forest Service specialists will provide information to the public about the importance of tree harvesting for the environment. Find out why tree harvesting is as essential to forest health as it is to spreading joy and hope during this magical time of year. A panel discussion will celebrate the legacy of the historic Christmas Tree Ship, focusing on renewable resources and sustainable forestry and the importance of tree harvesting.

8 Midewin NTP Tours June SATURDAYS, 8:30 TO 10:30 5&19 A.M. BIRDS OF MIDEWIN NATIONAL TALLGRASS PRAIRIE (WEST SIDE HIKING TOURS) You might see loggerhead shrikes, Henslow's sparrows, bobolinks, grasshopper sparrows, meadowlarks, blue grosbeaks, orioles, warblers, vireos, and more! Find out why Midewin NTP has been called “a haven for birdwatchers!”

SATURDAYS, 8:30 TO 10:30 A.M. 12&26 BIRDS OF MIDEWIN NATIONAL TALLGRASS PRAIRIE (EAST SIDE HIKING TOURS) You might see blue grosbeaks, loggerhead shrikes, bobolinks, grasshopper sparrows, black-billed cuckoos, mockingbirds, and brown thrashers. Bring your binoculars! This 2-hour East Side walking tour will begin at the Welcome Center. Participants will follow tour guides to the Iron Bridge Trailhead to start the hike.

9 Midewin NTP Tours July/August

10&24 July

7&21 August SATURDAYS, 10 A.M. TO 12:30 P.M. MIDEWIN PRAIRIE 101 (IN PERSON) What exactly is Midewin NTP? Learn about the origins and geography of this very special place. We will observe wildlife and view restored wetlands and prairie. Find out why ecological restoration is so important and experience some of the best examples of restored prairie. Learn how Midewin NTP will change and what that will mean for wildlife and recreation.

10 Midewin NTP for Kids

Midewin NTP will provide virtual 15- to 20-minute informational sessions tailored especially to children on select dates from June 15 to August 5, 2021. Each session will feature a different natural resources or conservation topic and be led by a National Association of Interpretation-certified interpreter.

Time for all sessions: 11 a.m. Central

To Register: Send an email to SM.FS.Midewin_RSVP@ usda.gov or call 815-423-6370. Please provide your name and email address so we can send you information about how to connect virtually. Please indicate if closed captioning or other accommodations would be helpful for you so we can make arrangements.

11 Midewin NTP for Kids June TUESDAY 15 BIRD’S THE WORD Birds abound at Midewin NTP! They are in the prairies, wetlands, and woods. Do all birds live in the same habitats? Do they eat the same foods? Come learn about the birds that live at Midewin NTP. THURSDAY 17 CROAKIN’ AROUND What’s that sound? Is it a frog or toad? Where are their ears? How long can they hold their breath? Learn this and more!

TUESDAY 22FUN WITH FOSSILS Discover how they were formed and where you might find some! Become a fossil expert! THURSDAY 24 POND LIFE Uncover an amazing underwater world. Learn about the insects, amphibians, and mammals that call the pond their home.

12 Midewin NTP for Kids

TUESDAY 29CRAYFISH CORNER What are crayfish? Learn all about these little crustaceans. Where do they like to live? Discover if they live near you. July THURSDAY 1JUST BATTY They are creatures of the night. They are gentle and shy. They help us, but do you know how? Come learn with us and find out how bats are some of your most helpful neighbors. TUESDAY 6BUZZING ABOUT THE PRAIRIE Buzz with the bees and learn their dance. Just what is pollination? Why is it important to us? Come discover why. THURSDAY 8THE LIFE OF A BUTTERFLY Discover the amazing superhero of the prairie that can METAMORPHOSIZE! What do butterflies do for us? When is the best time to find them? Find this and more out. TUESDAY 13 PRAIRIE DETECTIVES Pull out your magnifying glass and sharpen your detective skills. Discover the amazing animals and plants hidden in plain sight on the prairie. What do you think you can find?

13 Midewin NTP for Kids

July (continued) THURSDAY 15 DRAGONFLIES A.K.A. MOSQUITO HAWKS Discover where these fearless super-fliers spend most of their life. Learn the best place to find them and how they love mosquitos.

TUESDAY 20MOTH QUEST How beautiful are these amazing creatures of the night? Come find out the best way to see these shy creatures. THURSDAY 22COYOTE CALL These canines live all around us, but have you ever seen one? Discover why theses wily coyotes howl at the moon and more! TUESDAY 27BISON OR BUFFALO? Do you say bison or do you say buffalo? Which is correct? How much do they weigh? Do they need glass? Come find out about these things and more!

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THURSDAY 29PRAIRIE ROOTS Uncover just what makes prairie plants so special. Are their roots taller than you? Come learn how plants adapt to survive the weather of the Illinois prairie.

August TUESDAY 3BEAVER TALES Discover cool facts about these water mammals. Learn about their unique tails, too! THURSDAY 5THE SKINNY ON MAMMALS Learn about the mammals of Illinois that live at Midewin NTP.

15 The art on the cover of this booklet is by artist Lynda Wallis. Free posters sponsored by the Midewin Interpretive Association are available at these visitor centers: • Indiana Dunes National Park, 1100 North Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304 • Lock 16 Café & Visitor Center, 754 1st St., Lasalle, IL 61301 • Pullman National Monument, 11141 South Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60628 • Illinois Waterway Visitor Center, 950 N 27th Rd., Ottawa, IL 61350 Midewin NTP Displays in Wilmington • “The Roaring 20s” Farm History display features items that were essential to life every day to hundreds of families who farmed here over 100 years ago: Wilmington Island Park District Community Center, 315 N Water St., Wilmington, IL 60481 • Joliet Army Ammunition Plant items are part of a Wilmington Historical Society display: 1165 S Water St., Wilmington, IL 60481 To learn more, send an email to SM.FS.Midewin_RSVP@usda. gov or call 815-423-6370.

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie 30239 S. State Route 53 Wilmington, IL 60481 815–423–6370

Stay Connected https://www.fs.usda.gov/midewin

Facebook.com/Midewin

Twitter.com/MidewinNatTP The sun sets behind prairie grass at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Courtesy photo by Ron Kapala.

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