Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves launches Illinois Beach volunteer community Sept. 16

The beauty of Illinois Beach Nature Preserve in Zion is undeniable, and as a home to over 50 endangered and threatened species, so too is its ecological importance.

But these species and the health of the preserve are under threat. Thoughtful, dedicated people are needed to help rescue the ecosystem at Illinois Beach. All are invited to be a Friend to Illinois Beach and help kick off a new volunteer community there on Saturday, Sept. 16.

Illinois Beach is one of the largest, highest quality, and most important Nature Preserves in the Midwest.

True nature is rare. Many counties have not a single acre of prairie or woodland biodiversity. But Illinois Beach has 2,082 acres.

It was once thought that "leave it alone" was the best management. But invasive species, lack of needed fire, and climate change have taken a toll.

The new volunteer community launching on Sept. 16 will help ensure that rare nature at Illinois Beach won't be lost.

What is so rare there?

As experienced Friends volunteer Eriko Kojima put it, "Grade A prairie, savanna, and wetland stretch away to the horizon. Uncountable rare orchids, gentians, birds, and pollinators live side by side with other obscurities. But they're beset with malignant invasives."

Such Grade A ecosystems represent just 1/100th of 1% of Illinois. They are irreplaceable. "These precious remnants need community-minded people who are interested in learning by doing and working collaboratively to restore the ecological health of the site," Kojima said. "If this sounds like you or someone you know, please spread the word and join in on the 16th."

"Volunteer stewardship efforts, like the one at Illinois Beach, give people a way to make a globally significant impact by helping the environment and biodiversity in our own backyards," said Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves field representative Jonathan Sabath. "Most people know that we have to save the rainforest, but fewer people know that even rarer temperate prairies, savannas, and woodlands are equally important. And they're our responsibility, here, where we live."

The kick-off event is sponsored by the Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves and supported by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and many other regional partners.

All are invited to join on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 9 a.m. to noon. Meet in the Illinois Beach State Park Nature Center parking lot; enter the park from Wadsworth Road in Zion. Wear sturdy shoes and clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Come help plan and lead, or just pitch in.

To RSVP, visit friendsofillinoisnaturepreserves.org/event/illinois-beach-kickoff-lake-county/

To learn more visit www.friendsofillinoisnaturepreserves.org or www.facebook.com/friendsilnature.