News

Jelke Creek official opening set for this weekend

Posted July 15, 2010 11:00 pm

By Larissa Chinwah

A major project in Dundee Township that began with an idea five years ago will officially open this weekend with three days of education, recreation and celebrations.

The Jelke Creek Bird Sanctuary grand opening is slated for today, July 16 through Sunday, July 18. The open space is located off Boncosky Road in Sleepy Hollow.

Dundee Township received more than $1.2 million in grants to complete the project, which converted a disused mining pit into a recreational destination for both nature lovers and numerous species of wildlife. The township spent about $600,000 of bonds that were left over from the initial purchase.

The funding helped pay for improvements on about 160 acres of the 264-acre site.

A land restoration and water quality improvement project was designed to attract birds and other wildlife back to the area.

"We wanted to improve the habitat for wildlife there because it is a bird sanctuary," Dundee Township Clerk Liz Gade said. "We planted some taller grasses to encourage ground nesting birds like the ovenbird and bobolinks.

"It is also a place for the public to come and see nature. There are paths there so they can be in harmony with nature without disrupting the normal rhythms of animal life that is there."

Although some parts of the project will not be completed before today's opening ceremony, additions include fully stocked fishing ponds, multiuse trails connecting to regional bike paths, a parking area and shelters.

A pavilion will be built by the Dundee Rotary.

The ribbon cutting ceremony officially opening will take place at 6:30 p.m. today. Events throughout the weekend include bird walks, nature hikes, hay and horse rides and a fishing derby for children 12 and younger accompanied by an adult.

"We are very excited," Gade said. "We can't wait for the public to see the fruits of the labor and money.

"People were happy with the site as it was, but I think they will just be amazed by what they see now."

In conjunction with the grand opening, neighboring Frontenac Farm will host an open house on Sunday to introduce people to the horses they may see on the trail. Trainer and owner Cindi Martinovic said from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Frontenac Farm will display art, conduct tours of the stable and provide a history of the farm, including the barn that is about 100 years old.

Later on, visitors can have a hot dog lunch at the farm before heading back to Jelke Creek for an ice cream social.

One of eight open space properties in the township, Jelke Creek was purchased in April 2000 with funding assistance from the Illinois Open Lands Trust Program.

Melissa Hormann with Applied Ecological Services, Inc. and Lucas Gonyier install prairie plants at the new Jelke Creek Bird Sanctuary on Boncosky Road in Dundee Township. Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

Things to do at Jelke Creek

Today

6:30 p.m.-dark: Opening ceremony, ribbon cutting with horses and flags.

Saturday

All day: Kane DuPage Soil and Water District Information table; information for everyone about water quality issues

7-9 a.m. Bird walk accompanied by John James Audubon impersonator

9-11 a.m. "Wild Ones" nature Hike led by Sue Harney

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Hay rides tour newly restored site

10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Children's activities:

• Bird art tables - Create a color collage bird book and learn how to draw birds

• Nature bingo hike - grab a nature bingo hike card and try to get "Bingo!" by finding birds, insects and native plants on the bingo card.

• Interactive bird identification game

Noon: Lions Club sells lunches

1 to 2 p.m. Beginners Birding for Adults: attracting birds to your yard. Learn about the birds at the Jelke Creek Bird Sanctuary.

2 to 3 p.m. James Audubon presentation at 2 p.m. Archeological talk by Cathy Bird at 3 p.m.

4 to 7:30 p.m. Events over, but sanctuary remains open to public

Sunday

8 a.m. to noon: Fishing derby, open to kids 12 and younger accompanied by an adult. Children younger than 16 do not need a fishing license, but any adult who is fishing with their child must comply with the Illinois Fishing Licensing Requirements. Adults do not need a license if they are not fishing. Bring your own fishing poles. Free bait for those who preregister.

11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Frontenac Farms open house featuring an art display, tours of the stable, history, demos and kids' activities

Noon to 3 p.m. Lunch/ice cream social at Frontenac Farms

4 to 7:30 p.m. Events over, but sanctuary remains open to public

Information from <a href="http://dundeetownship.org" target="new">dundeetownship.org</a>

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