6 THE AUDUBON BULLI ESN 
COMMUNITY PROJECTS — Many possibilities exist for communities to 
beautify the areas through which the Path runs and to make the Path a 
beauty spot through all communities. Parking lots will undoubtedly be 
necessary in some locations, but it is hoped that a section of the right-of- 
way might be reserved for hikers, riders, and cyclists passing through the 
villages. Some provision must be made in communities for parking bicycles, 
tying up horses, and permitting access to the shopping areas through which 
the path will undoubtedly travel. 
OUTDOOR EDUCATION POSSIBILITIES — The trail can be widely used 
by schools and groups seeking an opportunity to study some of the native 
flora and fauna. The path will lead logically to various Forest Preserves and 
parks, and to the area along the Fox River. Teachers and classes may be 
using the path extensively. Guide books to the area may be written. Mimeo- 
graphed descriptions of things to look for, historical sites, and natural 
phenomena, can be developed. There may be places in the future for group 
camp sites off the Prairie Path on private property but accessible to it. 
There may be connecting paths along the Prairie Path to extend hiking, 
riding and cycling opportunities to an even more extensive route. Con- 
sideration is being given to possible links between Elgin and Aurora 
along the Fox River, perhaps even a water route. 
SUPERVISION AND MAINTENANCE — This would be up to various 
counties and communities to decide. Perhaps the Forest Preserve could act 
as the coordinator. 
FILM STRIP — A ten-minute film strip, with recorded commentary, has 
been produced by the Open Lands Project, written by Mrs. Watts and 
narrated by TV announcer Clint Youle to call attention to the possibilities 
of the Illinois Prairie Path. Arrangements are being made to have the film 
shown at meetings throughout the area. For bookings of film speakers 
bureau, contact Mrs. Samuel S. Holmes, Jr.. Dunham Road, Wayne, Illinois. 
For data on trip routes. write to Miss Helen Turner, 125 South Brainard, 
Naperville, Illinois. 
FINANCES — Contributions to defray the expenses of the film strip, for 
mailings and printing costs, will be gratefully received. Many contributions 
have already made possible the work done to date. Contributions (tax 
deductible) should be made to the Welfare Council of Metropolitan Chicago 
and identified for the Prairie Path. 
SUPPORT — The proposed path has received the enthusiastic endorsement 
of many groups and individuals who see the project as one which they can 
utilize for their own programs, which can provide a good community service, 
which can establish the green ribbon of beauty from Cook and Kane 
Counties through DuPage County. United States Senators Paul Douglas 
and Everett Dirksen have written of their approval of the project. The 
DuPage County Board of Supervisors sees no conflict between the footpath 
idea and their own long-range plans for use of the right-of-way for 
utilitarian purposes. 
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to establish an Illinois Prairie 
Path — like the public paths in England, and on smaller scale like the 
Appalachian Trail in the East. This would be a prairie path to capture 
some of the beauty of the plains. 
Welfare Council of Metropolitan Chicago, 123.W. Madison St,. Chicago, III. 60602 
ft Et gc Ft 
