2 TH E A UD U B'O NB UG Geli i ee 
desperately need to re-establish some of the typical open big bluestem 
country as a symbol of our rich historic background. Educational benefits 
could be derived by using the preserve for research as an outdoor labora- 
tory for universities and colleges. Aesthetic appreciation of wide open 
spaces could be enjoyed by all. The Prairie Chicken, Upland Plover, Meadow- 
lark, and Bopwhite would prosper in such a restored habitat. To my know- 
ledge, there is no large tract of virgin prairie grassland remaining in the 
state, except some narrow strips along railroad right-of-ways; however, we 
might be surprised to see how rapidly some of the suitable spots would re- 
vert to native flora if properly managed. There are several areas in southern 
Illinois that have not been plowed for a number of yeas; much native vege- 
tation has already returned, and in some instances, even Prairie Chickens. 
Areas Most Suitable for Restoration 
The Prairie Chicken has selected its own reservation. Remnant flocks are 
now concentrated in three counties: The Bogota-Hunt area in Jasper coun- 
ty; the Cisne-Rinard-Ziff area in Wayne county, and the Farina-Zenia area 
in Fayette county. Much of this land is in pasture, red top, lespedeza, and 
weeds. Some lime has been added in places, but the gray soil is not too 
productive. All is level, native prairie grassland. 'The objective of the 
Prairie Chicken Foundation of Illinois is to establish a scatter pattern of 
20 to 40 acres of nesting and brood-rearing grassland cover throughout this 
area as fast as funds can be provided. 
Fund-Raising Methods 
a. Practically all the money raised to date has been through the volun- 
tary contributions of concerned individuals and groups. 
b. Foundations and industries have in many instances provided funds 
for refuge work, as for the “Tucker Prairie” area in Missouri. With proper 
approach and follow-up, this could be done in Illinois. 
ce. Pittman-Robertson Funds. Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri, and Oklaho- 
ma have made some use of matching federal excise tax monies under the 
direction of their conservation departments. By recent action of the Board, 
the Illinois Audubon Society has set the goal of requesting the use of 
$50,000 of Pittman-Robertson Funds to be used each year for Prairie 
Chicken restoration, research, land acquisition, and management. Remem- 
ber, however, that these are matching funds, to equai the donations from 
Illinois groups and individuals. 
d. Direct legislative action could set aside a stipulated amount for 
Prairie Chicken restoration as has been done for lake building and other 
land acquisition in Illinois. 
Sponsoring Organizations of the Prairie Chicken Foundation in Illinois in- 
clude: The Illinois Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, the Illinois Audubon 
Society, the Illinois Division of Izaak Walton League of America, and the 
Illinois Chapter of Nature Conservancy, Inc. Cooperating in the project 
are the Illinois Natural History Survey and the State Department of Con- 
servation. Other interested groups are invited to join in our efforts. 
The officers of the Foundation are: J. W. Galbreath, Chairman, East St. 
Louis; Ralph Smith, Vice-Chairman, Chicago; Mrs. Madeline Dorosheff, 
Secretary, Springfield; and George B. Fell, Treasurer, Rockford. 
Committees Include: Finance: Elton Fawks, Chairman; Publicity: Royal 
McClelland, Chairman; Land Acquisition and Advisory: Thomas G. Scott 
and R. E. Yeatter, Co-Chairmen; Legal: Lewis Stannard, Chairman (also 
Liaison and Purchasing Agent). 
