2021 CONSERVATION EDUCATION PROGRAMS
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Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie | 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 grasslands, 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 (Liatris 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 oak “witness” tree 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: Bison 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 Christmas trees from the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw at Navy Pier onto trucks for distribution to families in need in the Chicago 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 Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, 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 Prairie Restoration 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 plant 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.
Midewin_RSVP@usda.gov 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 Illinois prairie
plants 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
22 THURSDAY, 6 P.M.
EARTH 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
30 FRIDAY, 10 A.M.
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 prairies? 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
1 SATURDAY, 10 A.M.
ILLINOIS ROUTE 66 RED CARPET
CORRIDOR FESTIVAL: 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.
20 THURSDAY, 6 P.M.
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
2&9 WEDNESDAYS, 7 TO 8 P.M.
BIRDS OF MIDEWIN NATIONAL
TALLGRASS PRAIRIE WEBINARS (2-PART
SERIES)
Learn all about the birds that call Midewin NTP home. What
makes Midewin NTP a special place for grassland birds? Will
County Audubon Society Vice President and Midewin NTP
volunteer Greg Dubois will present.
• Part 1: June 2
• Part 2: June 9
23 WEDNESDAY, 6 P.M.
NATIONAL 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
7 WEDNESDAY, 6 P.M.
“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.
4Midewin 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
25 SATURDAY, 9 A.M.
NATIONAL 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.
5Midewin NTP Public Webinars
November
6 SATURDAY, 11 A.M.
NATIONAL BISON DAY
Celebrate America’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.”
11 THURSDAY, 4 P.M.
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.
6Midewin 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.
7Midewin NTP Public Webinars
December
1 WEDNESDAY, 6 P.M.
CHRISTMAS TREE SHIP
Loaded down heavily with Christmas trees harvested from
Manistee, Michigan, Chicago’s beloved “Christmas Tree
Ship” – the Rouse Simmons – sunk off the shore of Lake
Michigan 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.
8Midewin NTP Tours
June
5&19 SATURDAYS, 8:30 TO 10:30
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!”
12&26 SATURDAYS, 8:30 TO 10:30 A.M.
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.
9Midewin 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.
10Midewin 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.
11Midewin NTP for Kids
June
15 TUESDAY
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.
17 THURSDAY
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!
22 TUESDAY
FUN WITH FOSSILS
Discover how they were formed and
where you might find some! Become a fossil expert!
24 THURSDAY
POND LIFE
Uncover an amazing underwater world. Learn about the
insects, amphibians, and mammals that call the pond their
home.
12Midewin NTP for Kids
29 TUESDAY
CRAYFISH
CORNER
What are crayfish? Learn all
about these little crustaceans.
Where do they like to live?
Discover if they live near you.
July
1 THURSDAY
JUST 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.
6 TUESDAY
BUZZING ABOUT THE PRAIRIE
Buzz with the bees and learn their dance. Just what is
pollination? Why is it important to us? Come discover why.
8 THURSDAY
THE 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.
13 TUESDAY
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?
13Midewin NTP for Kids
July (continued)
15 THURSDAY
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.
20 TUESDAY
MOTH QUEST
How beautiful are these amazing creatures of the night?
Come find out the best way to see these shy creatures.
22 THURSDAY
COYOTE CALL
These canines live all around us, but have you ever seen
one? Discover why theses wily coyotes howl at the moon
and more!
27 TUESDAY
BISON 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!
14Midewin NTP for Kids
29 THURSDAY
PRAIRIE 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
3 TUESDAY
BEAVER TALES
Discover cool facts about these water
mammals. Learn about their unique
tails, too!
5 THURSDAY
THE SKINNY ON MAMMALS
Learn about the mammals of Illinois that live at
Midewin NTP.
15The 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/MidewinNatTPThe sun sets behind prairie grass at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Courtesy photo by Ron Kapala. In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@ usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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