Goose Lake Prairie Partners Volu

Bits and Pieces

August 20 -
The Goose Lake Prairie Partners are very proud of member Joanette Fleming who was recognized by Mark Miller, IDNR Director, at the Springfield Fair August 20th as a State Volunteer for 2011. Jo, as Joannette is called among the Partners, has worked in every job possible with the Prairie Partners for 26 years. "She has been our mentor and inspiration" says Jackie Martin.

Shown in the photo with Jo is GLPSNA Superintendent Joe Giacone (who recommended Jo be recognized), Mark Miller, Jo, Past GLPSNA Superintendent Joe Nyhoff, and Jim Modglin, Chief of the Division of Parks and Recreation. Click here for photo story of the occasion.

Jo's framed certificate is on display at the center for a short time, which Jo is visiting with her son in Germany. "It is only on loan until I return," she said.

July 20 -
Goose Lake Prairie Partners participated in a Wagon Ride At Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area. 10 members and one guest enjoyed the plant study presented by Art Rohr. We were first introduced to plants in the Flag Pole Garden and then boarded the Wagon and took the Maintenance Road out to the Sagashka trail to the new photo blind stopping to look at various plants along the way. After a quick stop there to look over the new facility we proceeded on to the pond where the walking bridge across the pond is in bad repair. It is hoped that we will see this renovation in the future. Art stopped at various plants, introducing us to many plant species, giving us description and history. Moving on along the Nature trail, and after two hours time, we returned to the center. Art is an inspiration to us all. From his lectures we are able to add to our knowledge on plants in the park, and assist at the Visitor's Center desk when our guests ask about prairie plants
. Wagon Ride Juy 30, 2011

July 8th -
I (Susie) was in the center last Friday and saw the new oak display which will house the collection of butterflies, moths and bugs. I am including a photo of what I saw while I was there. Art Rohr has already spent a good amount of time building this display. We thank him very much for the project and are looking forward to seeing how the project unfolds. It is my understanding that this exhibit will include several of the wonderful collection that was made by George Maly long ago and given to the park by his brother Robert Maley of Morris, IL and Jane Welch of Genesco, Il.

June/July Activity -
Last fall, the butterfly barn was stripped of grasses and forbs to prepare the soil for all new planting. If you have been out to the park this year, you know that through the efforts of the Global Care Day volunteers from LyondellBasell, new mulch was spread in the barn as well as around our flower gardens near the center. Shortly following that time, about 100 new prairie plants were ordered and planted in the barn. The Prairie Partners donated $100.00 toward another batch of 60 prairie plants, and another $50.00 toward new plant stakes to identify the plants. From another source another group of plants have been ordered, totaling about 300 new prairie plants in all. As you can see from the photos, the workers (staff and Partners) have worked hard to arrange the plants in rows beside signs you help our visitors identify prairie plants. Just last week, the Partners donated another $50.00 for the first shipment of American Painted Ladies, to show our visitors the birth, feeding, caterpillars and crystals that are a part of butterflies life cycle. The gentleman in charge of the arrangement of plants, planting and creating the identification signs to go in the stakes is Art Rohr

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July 6th -
The new photo blind at the park on the North end of the Sagashka Trail is the direct result of contributions to the Brenda K. Kaluzny Memorial Fund and the Goose Lake Prairie Partners. It is our hope that the photographers who visit the park will again be able to use this building to take great nature shots to use in our Nature photo contest.

The Partners greatly appreciate the assistance of Superintendent Joe Giacone and Site Tech II Will Green to set the building into place. We are hoping the new windows and interior decorations will be in place soon.

Shown setting the new building into place by the lake to use as a photo blind is Site Tech II William M. Green (Will), Conservation Worker Domenic M. Serena, Conservation Worker Randy L. Passini, and Conservation Worker Robert J. Klimczak (Bob).

June 16th -
The Prairie Partners enjoyed a lesson in Indian beading with Bev Mansfield as our instructor prior to our June monthly meeting. Our assignment was to decorate the amulet bags with seed beads and shells.