WELCOME

Activities at Autumn on the Prairie

Events Schedule of the Day

Autumn on the Prairie Tours Schedule

Autumn in the Grove Information

Schedule for Monthly Hikes at Nachusa Grasslands

How to Find Nachusa Grasslands

Thank you

The Nature Conservancy in Illinois

Activities at Autumn on the Prairie 2008

The Nature Conservancy's Nachusa Grasslands preserve presents its
19th annual AUTUMN ON THE PRAIRIE festival on the third Saturday of September from 10 AM to 5 PM. Read the Autumn in the Grove posting below for three other local events also occurring on September 20, 2008.





Nachusa Grasslands consists of 2800 acres of prairie remnants, restorations, and reconstructions. Enjoy the following events through out the day.

For more information about Nachusa Grasslands

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Local artists at work

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Live Music

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Atlatl

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Self–guided plant tour

Family Scavenger Hunt

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International Crane Foundation (ICF) in Baraboo, WI
Cranes of the Tallgrass Prairie - Alyssa Rod
at 11:15 AM & 1:15 PM

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Alan Harrison ....Frontier Life

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Guided tours will go to wetlands, prairies, and savannas. Conservation professionals and prairie expert volunteers will lead riding or walking tours beginning every twenty minutes throughout the day.

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Ride through the prairie on a horse-drawn wagon.

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Live birds of prey from Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab & Education

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Raffle

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Children's tent

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Lunch and refreshments will be available for purchase.

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This free event is open to the public.

There is no rain date.

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Events Schedule of the Day

10:00 Walking Tour - Self-Guided Walk with Plant Description Signs ...(until 5 p.m.)

10:00 Silent Auction Begins in Raffle Tent ...(until 1 p.m.)

10:00 Atlatl Spear Throwing Begins

10:00 Walking Tour – Mike Crowe to East Heinkel Hilltop Prairie

10:15 Face Painting - Children's Tent ...(until 11:15 a.m.)

10:25 Walking Tour – Larry Creekmur to Doug's Knob

10:30 Tractor-Drawn Wagon Rides (15 minutes) through the Prairie ...(until 11 a.m.)

10:30 - 11:15 Family Scavenger Hunt - Susan Kleiman

10:40 Walking Tour – Dean Weidman to Hammill Winter Unit and Coneflower Unit

11:00 Riding Tour - John & Cindy Schmadeke

11:00 Food Service Begins - ...(until 3 p.m.)

11:00 Raffle Drawing #1

11:00 Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides (15 minutes) ...(until 2 p.m.)

11:05 Barn Tour (Nachusa Headquarters) – Mike Adolph

11:15 Cranes of the Tallgrass Prairie- Alyssa Rod
International Crane Foundation Program

11:20 Walking Tour - Mike Saxton

11:40 Walking Tour - Al Meier High Quality Prairie Remnants

12:00 Sláinte and Friends – Irish Traditional Music ...(until 3 p.m.)

12:00 Walking Tour Bob Shone to Low Oaks Savanna

12:00 Face Painting - Children's Tent ...(until 1:15 a.m.)

12:20 Walking Tour Janet Guffey - Schaefer Knob

12:30 Raffle Drawing #2

12:30 - 1:15 Family Scavenger Hunt - Mike Adolph

12:40 Walking Tour – Dave Derwent to Hamill Winter Knobs and Wetlands
1:00 Silent Auction Ends

1:00 Ryan Klopf Prairie Soils

1:15 Cranes of the Tallgrass Prairie- Alyssa Rod
International Crane Foundation Program

1:20 Walking Tour – Kevin Kaltenbach to Fen Unit

1:40 Riding Tour – Cindy & John Schmadeke

2:00 Raffle Drawing #3

2:00 Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides End

2:00 Walking Tour – Jan Grainger - Butterfly Hike

2:20 Walking Tour – Bernie Buchholz Restoration in Progress

2:30 Tractor-Drawn Wagon Rides (15 minutes) through the Prairie ...(until 4 p.m.)

2:30 Face Painting - Children's Tent ...(until 3:45 p.m.)

2:40 Walking Tour – Cody Considine to Pottawatomie, Big Woods, and Kittentail Savannas

2:45 - 3:30 Family Scavenger Hunt - Susan Kleiman

3:00 Food Service Ends

3:00 Walking Tour - Jason Johnson

3:05 Barn Tour (Nachusa Headquarters) – Mike Adolph

3:20 Walking Tour – Katie Schoenfeldt to Hamill Winter Unit

3:30 Raffle Drawing #4

3:40 Hunters' Tour – Damian Considine to Big Woods

4:00 Walking Tour – Dave Crites & John Hennigan

4:30 Unclaimed Raffle Items for Sale

Tours Schedule - Autumn on the Prairie

10:00 Mike Crowe 1.5 hours
Theme: East Heinkel - hilltop prairie
Exertion: moderate to strenuous

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10:25 Larry Creekmur 1.5 hours
Theme: Short grass species ( grasses and forbs ) on Doug's Knob, overlooking savanna and sandstone outcroppings, so the diversity of this ecosystem will be a focus.
Exertion: moderate with inclines and we walk slowwww!

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10:30 - 11:00 Tractor-Drawn Wagon Rides 15 minutes
Theme: Short ride in the prairie; good for small kids
Exertion: Easy

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10:40 Dean Weidman 1.5 hours
Theme: Hamill Winter unit & circle back thru Coneflower unit
Exertion: Moderate

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11:00 John & Cindy Schmadeke 2 hours
Theme: For those who prefer riding: The long view of Nachusa will be a tour by vehicle with stops for very short walks to see examples of prairie focusing on what the original prairie once was and what restoration is doing today.
Exertion: Easy

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11:05 Mike Adolph 45 minutes
Theme: Headquarters Barn; how we moved the 1868 barn
Exertion: Easy

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11:20 Mike Saxton 1.5+ hours
Theme: The natural history of Nachusa Grasslands
Exertion: Moderate to strenuous

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11:40 Al Meier 1.25 hours
Theme: Walking Tour of Leopold & Doug’s Knobs – High Quality Prairie Remnants
Exertion: Moderate

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12:00 Bob Shone 1.5 hours
Theme: Tour to Low Oaks to explore the distribution of Hazelnut shrubs in a Burr Oak/Black Oak savanna.
Side light: look for bottle and fringed gentians in a moist prairie habitat.
Exertion: Moderate to strenuous.

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12:20 Janet Guffey 1+ hours
Theme: Walking at Schaefer's Knob.
Exertion: easy

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12:40 Dave Derwent 1.5+ hours
Theme: Hamill Winter Knobs and Wetlands
Exertion: Moderate to strenuous

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1:00 Ryan Klopf
Theme: Prairie Soils
Exertion: Moderate

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1:20 Kevin Kaltenbach 1.5+ hours
Theme: Fen unit; see wet prairie
Exertion: Moderate

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1:40 Cindy & John Schmadeke 2 hours
Theme: For those who prefer riding: The long view of Nachusa will be a tour by vehicle with stops for very short walks to see examples of prairie focusing on what the original prairie once was and what restoration is doing today.
Exertion: Easy

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2:00 Jan Grainger 1 hour
Theme: Butterflies and Children
Exertion: Easy

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2:20 Bernie Buchholz 1+ hour
Theme: Restoration in Progress.
Exertion: Moderate

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2:30 - 4:00 Tractor-Drawn Wagon Rides 15 minutes
Theme: Short ride in the prairie; good for small kids
Exertion: Easy

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2:40 Cody Considine 2 hours
Theme: Report on Savanna research;
Walk through Pottawatomie Savanna, Big Woods and Kittentail Knob
Exertion: Moderate to strenuous

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3:00 Jason Johnson 1 hour
Theme: Loop from the Festival site.
Exertion: Easy

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3:05 Mike Adolph 45 minutes
Theme: Headquarters Barn; how we moved the 1868 barn
Exertion: Easy

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3:20 Katie Schoenfeldt
Theme: Hamill Winter main knobs.
Talk about restoring an area, as well as plant identification
Exertion: Easy

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3:40 Damian Considine 1.5 hours
Theme: Hunter's tour - north end of Big Woods
Exertion: Moderate

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4:00 Dave Crites & John Hennigan
Theme: Birds
Exertion: Moderate

Autumn in the Grove Information

A day long adventure to four of Franklin Grove's scenic & historic destinations

"Autumn in the Grove” is a day-long adventure providing tours of Franklin Grove’s scenic and historic destinations. The event occurs on Saturday, September 20, 2008 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM in Franklin Grove, IL located on Illinois Route 38, nine (9) miles east of Dixon, IL and seventeen (17) miles west of Rochelle, IL.


Nachusa Grasslands - Autumn on the Prairie Tour prairie and savanna on foot or by wagon to enjoy the flowers and wildlife.
See www.nature.org/Illinois.

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Franklin Creek Grist Mill - Situated in the Franklin Creek State Natural Area, this is a re-constructed timber framed grist mill. Tour the Mill or take a hike along Franklin Creek.

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Chaplin Creek Village - – An evolving, full-scale historical restoration project depicting a prairie settlement village typical of the middle 19th century.

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Historic H. I. Lincoln Building - The historic structure was built by the cousin of Abraham Lincoln in 1861 and is the National Tourism headquarters of the Lincoln Highway Association.

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Saturday September 20th 10 AM to 5 PM

For more information on Autumn in the Grove please contact
Jim Tanquary at 815-990-5090 or jtanquary@chaplincreek.com.

Donations at each of the event facilities will be sincerely appreciated.

Franklin Grove Area Historical Society, Post Office Box 20, Franklin Grove, IL 61031

For area lodging
http://www.encounterleecounty.com/
http://www.rochelletourism.com/

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Schedule for Monthly Hikes

Take A Walk in the Nachusa Grasslands . . . with a Nachusa Volunteer

Nachusa Grasslands, located between Oregon and Franklin Grove, is owned by The Nature Conservancy. Its 2800 acres feature large stretches of native prairie. The preserve is open to the public; volunteer stewards will lead monthly hikes on the following dates in 2008 & 2009. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes, not sandals. Please RSVP so we know how many people to expect. Meet at the Headquarters Barn before 2 P.M.

For information: Call Becky Hartman 630.309.2110
or Email bhhartman2001@hotmail.com


August 30, 2008 Saturday 2:00 PM
Depending on the weather, we will see all four gentians blooming.
Cream Gentian, Prairie Gentian, Bottle Gentian, Fringed Gentian
2 hour hike - easy

September 20, 2008 Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Autumn on the Prairie Celebration
Imagine 1800 Illinois!
Wild walks, different expert leaders, hikes leaving every 20 minutes all day.

October 18, 2008 Saturday 2:00 PM
Introduction to seed picking on the prairie.
Tools and containers provided.
The prairie always needs more seed collected; come help us and have fun too.
Ride in the pickup truck; see several different areas of the preserve.
2 hours - easy

November 15, 2008 Saturday 2:00 PM
It's the end of seed picking for another year.
Seed celebration potluck 12:00 PM & preserve tour 2:00 PM
Tour Leader: Bill Kleiman, Nachusa Grasslands Preserve Manager

December 6, 2008 Saturday 2:00 PM
Thelma Carpenter Views
Remnant dry hill prairie; not flat Illinois!
2 hour hike - 2 miles - hilly - off trail

January 4, 2009 Sunday 2:00 PM
Woodpeckers and the Big Woods.
Red Headed Woodpeckers were here all year in 2008.
2 hour hike - 2 miles Easy.

February 22, 2009 Sunday 2:00 PM
Rocks and Icicles
Tellabs Savanna
2 hour hike - 2 miles - hilly - off trail

March 15, 2009 Sunday 2:00 PM
Geology of Nachusa Grasslands - Tom Mitchell
See interesting physical features of the area.
2 hour hike - 2 miles - hilly - off trail

April 19, 2009 Sunday 2:00 PM
Visit the fen area; tussock sedges, seeps, and possibly a beaver dam.
The beavers come and go, so NO guarantees!
2 hour hike - 2 miles - hilly - off trail

May 10, 2009 Sunday 2:00 PM
Gobbler Ridge prairie reconstruction. Bernie & Cindy Buchholz
Visit the 3 year sequence of plantings along beautiful Clear Creek.
See the difference a year makes in a prairie planting.
Visit the adjacent remnant restorations of Talinum Knob and the Clear Creek hillside.
2 hour hike - 2 miles - hilly - off trail

June 14, 2009 Sunday 2:00 PM
Johnny's Creek to the high East Heinkle
Great views of the south wetland from the top of the rocks.
2 hour hike - 2 miles - hilly - off trail

July 12, 2009 Sunday 2:00 PM
Savanna walk; it's cooler in the shade.
2 hour hike - 2 miles - hilly - off trail

August 15, 2009 SATURDAY EVENING! 6:45 PM
Hike Until the Fat Coyote Howls
Sunset and Perseid Meteors. Bring a flashlight.
6 hour hike - i.e. stay to watch the meteors if you wish.

September 19, 2009 Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
20th Annual Autumn on the Prairie Celebration
Imagine 1800 Illinois!
Wild walks, different expert leaders, hikes leaving every 20 minutes all day.

October 11, 2009 Sunday 2:00 PM
Introduction to seed picking on the prairie.
Tools and containers provided.
The prairie always needs more seed collected; come help us and have fun too.
Ride in the pickup truck; see several different areas of the preserve.
2 hours - easy

November 15, 2009 Saturday 12:00 PM
It's the end of seed picking for another year.
Seed celebration potluck and preserve tour.
Tour Leader: Bill Kleiman, Mananger Nachusa Grasslands Preserve

December 13, 2009 Sunday 12:00 PM
Holiday High Calorie Long Hike
Walk the western boundary from Naylor Road to Stone Barn Road.
2 hour hike - 2 miles - hilly

How to Find Nachusa Grasslands

NACHUSA GRASSLANDS
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY
8772 S. Lowden Road
Franklin Grove, IL 61031

Click on map to enlarge

The short version:
Nachusa Grasslands is 4 miles northwest of Franklin Grove on Lowden Road, between Naylor and Stonebarn Roads. The Main Trail Head to the preserve is at the Visitor Entrance with the kiosk.


From Chicago (2 hours ) and Parts East:

Option 1) Go west on I-88 (East-West Tollway): Exit at Route251 North, (Rochelle) to Route 38 West. Travel through Ashton and into Franklin Grove (approx. 16 miles), go 2 blocks past Casey’s and turn right (North) on Daysville Rd./1700E (brown sign: Franklin Creek Natural Area). Travel 1.5 miles north to Naylor Rd./1950N, turn left (West) and go 2.2 miles to Lowden Rd./1500E. Turn right (North) and go 1 mile to Visitor Entrance (on left with the kiosk).
Option 2) Take I-88 West and then follow directions from Parts South taking Option 2: Route 39 North to Route 38 West.

From Rockford (1 hour plus), IL and Parts North:

Take Route 39 South, exit at Route 64 West towards Oregon, IL for 16 miles to the light at Daysville Rd./1700E, which is just before Oregon. Go left (south) on Daysville Rd. for 2.5 miles to Lowden Rd./1500E (just past LaVigna Restaurant). Note brown sign for Lowden-Miller State Forest. Turn right and continue southwards on Lowden Rd. for 7 miles (you will pass Flagg and Stonebarn Roads) to the Visitor Entrance (on right with kiosk).

From the Mississippi River, Dixon, IL and Parts West:

Exit from I-88 Tollway at Route 26 North towards Dixon then in town:
Option 1) Take Route 38 East for approx. 9 miles into Franklin Grove, turn left (North) on Daysville Rd./1700E (brown sign Franklin Creek Natural Area). Travel 1.5 miles north to Naylor Rd./1950N, turn left (West) and go 2.2 miles to Lowden Rd./1500E, turn right (North) and go 1 mile to Visitor Entrance (on left with kiosk).
Option 2) Take Route 2 North out of Dixon, and in approx. 2 miles, turn right (East) on Lost Nation Rd./1950N. Go one mile to Maples Rd./1150E, turn right and then immediately left on Naylor Rd./1950N. Go east for 3.5 miles to Lowden Rd./1500E. Turn left (North) and go 1 mile to Visitor Entrance (on left with kiosk).

From: La Salle, IL and Parts South:

Option 1) Take Route 39 North to Route 30 West, go 16 miles to Franklin Rd./1650E. Turn right (North) go 6 1/3 miles to the town of Franklin Grove turn left (North) on to Elm St. go to Route 38 and turn left (West) and go two blocks, turn right (North) on Daysville Rd./1700E, (Franklin Creek Natural Area). Travel 1.5 miles to Naylor Rd./1950N, turn left (West) and go 2.2 miles to Lowden Rd./1500E. Turn right (North) and go 1 mile to Visitor Entrance (on left with kiosk).
Option 2) Take Route 39 North exit at Route 38 West (left) to Rochelle. Go through several traffic lights for approx. 2 miles to Caron Rd. Turn right (North) and follow the curve to Flagg Rd. Turn left (West) and go 14 miles to Lowden Rd./1500E. Turn left (South) for 1.8 miles to the Visitor Entrance (on right with kiosk).
Option 3) Take 39 North to Route 38 West and follow directions under Option 1 from Chicago and Parts East (second sentence through Ashton).

From: Peoria, IL (2 hours plus):

Take Route 29 North, go past Chillicothe and Henry, IL. Route 29 merges into 180 North, take this to Route 80 West. Take Route 80 west for a few miles to Route 26 North. Take Rt. 26 past Rt. 92, in Ohio, IL and past Green River Conservation Area (3,000 acres owned by IDNR), past Route 30, past I-88 Tollway and into Dixon, IL. At the first traffic light in Dixon follow Option 1 under Mississippi and Parts West.