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FIGHT TO SAVE THORN CREEK WOODS FROM HOUSING DEVELOPMENT 
Thorn Creek Woods - 800 acres of forestland and an equal amount of meadows - lies just south of Park Forest in the 
northeast portion of Will County. Six hundred acres of this woodland lie within the development boundaries of Park 
Forest South, a planned community with a projected population of 40,000. 
Park Forest South Developers, Inc. is now asking the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for a $33 
million loan guarantee to build a community of over 16,000 dwelling units, which have sub-standard amounts of open 
space. 
The 1.A.S. has asked HUD to reject or delay the loan guarantee until the open space problem is resolved. Preserving 
Thorn Creek Woods through a change in planning could enhance rather than jeopardize the concept of the New 
Communities proposal. 
Of the five northeastern counties with forest preserve districts, Will County has the smallest amount of acreage per 
1,000 population. Not only are Will County residents short of open space for outdoor recreation but a new college, 
Governors State University, will be built on land adjacent to the woods. When the college is completed, Thorn Creek 
Woods might provide a natural area of great value for outdoor research and recreation. 
The Will County Forest Preserve District has unanimously voted in favor of a resolution to acquire the woods; and has 
also voted to issue $1,500.00 in bonds with the intention of using some of the money to purchase part of the woods. 
However, the county will also need state and federal aid to do this. 
The Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission has decided to adopt Thorn Creek Woods as part of their regional open 
space plan to be published in 1970. They described it as a significant area, fitting all the criteria for a state park. 
If you can help in any way, write to: Marvin Harr, Chairman Thorn Creek Preservation Assoc., Box 704, Richton Park, 
Il. 60471. 
Richard Wilson 
38 S. Stone 
La Grange, Ill. 60525 
NEW 1.A.S. CHAPTER ORGANIZED IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS 
The newly organized Kaskaskia Chapter of the |.A.S. has 24 members, most of them living in the Centralia-Salem area. 
|.A.S. board member, J. W. Galbreath, was instrumental in organizing the group and enrolling members. 
The Club had its first Christmas census on December 27th, with nine members participating in the count. The group 
saw 40 species, including a Cooper’s hawk and 4 bluebirds. Biggest surprise of the day was that not a single grackle or 
red-winged blackbird was tallied. 
Members of the group are working with the Ridgeway Club in Olney and the Southwestern Chapter to plan the I.A.S. 
spring meeting in Edwardsville. The president of the Chapter is Miss Winifred Jones of Salem, who is an excellent birder 
and a retired Latin and Spanish teacher. 
WILDLIFE FILMS 
March 8, 1970 — THE WATER’S EDGE — Wally Rentsch 
If man is to live in harmony with his natural environment, he must deal with the problem of water conservation, the 
theme of this film. Floods and polluted rivers point up the consequences of indifference. Contrasting scenes show 
untouched natural areas and successful sanctuaries. 
April 26, 1970 — VILLAGE BENEATH THE SEA — Harry Pederson 
This village is a small isolated coral formation, inhabited by many bizarre citizens who live in a cooperative aquatic 
community. Here comes the flying gurnard, with wings like an airliner; neon gobies, who operate a scale-cleaning 
service; the barking jawfish, and many other odd creatures, mingling in a colorful undersea adventure. 
Films begin at 2:30 p.m. at the Field Museum, in Chicago. Doors open at 2:00 P.M. 

