fitieteeAm eet Ne? BU i kT YN lig’ 
An unpublished master’s degree thesis list 30 tree and 22 shrub and 
woody vine species for this wildlife sanctuary area (Randall, 1964). 
Two students in botany have collected and herbarium-mounted 24 herb- 
aceous plants. Among them are such prairie remnant species as Blue-eyed 
erass, Sisyrinchium albidum, Raf.; Violet Wood Sorrel, Oxalis violocea, L.; and 
Yellow Star Grass, Hypoxis hirsuta, (L.) Coville. Also included is an uncom- 
mon species, Orchis spectabilis, L., Showy Orchis. This work is being continued 
by two additional undergraduates in botany (Fenwick, 1965). 
Bird studies and collections prior to the lease arrangement and subse- 
quent observations have produced a sanctuary bird list of 132 species, 48 of 
which may be classified as summer residents and 16 as permanent, winter 
residents (Southern, 1964). Additional ornithological studies have included 
a nesting record within a prescribed area in the spring of 1964 (Pearson, 
1964), and a bird banding station operated by the author. 
FUTURE USE 
Numerous opportunities exist for further studies in the scientific fields al- 
ready mentioned. Particularly needed is a small mammal survey. Aquatic life 
in both the spring-fed pond and the section of the Kishwaukee river within 
the sanctuary boundaries would make excellent subjects for theses or term 
papers. The sandstone strata outcroppings contain a number of Trilobite fos- 
sils which are in need of classification. 
Nesting records of bird species in both natural and man-made cavities 
will be continued. A number of Wood Duck, Tree Swallow, House Wren, and 
Bluebird nest boxes have been erected. Bird banding activities will continue. 
At present, the sanctuary area has been left in its natura] state as much as 
possible. A few trails which were in existence previously have been cleared 
and are being maintained. The area is posted and designated by signs as a 
Wildlife Sanctuary. 
To date, no special plantings have been made for additional wildlife 
cover. Feeding stations were operated throughout the winter months and will 
be continued during spring, summer, and fall. Although not classifiable as an 
unusual natural area, the Kishwaukee Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary does fulfill 
the requirements for a natural area. Furthermore, it contains a diversification 
of ecological habitats, which is highly desirable as an outdoor laboratory for 
scientific research. It also provides an area for teaching where “students may 
learn to think of plants and animals as inhabitants of a natural environment” 
(Ross, 1963, p. 1). 
One obvious drawback to managing a short term, leased-land area is that 
one never is sure when the property owner may decide to sell his property 
or cancel the lease. This makes the formulation of long term research projects 
hazardous and prohibits any sizeable investment in improvements, such as the 
construction of foot bridges, buildings, and observation towers, or planting 
of wildlife cover. However, even on a short term basis, interest in such areas 
can be stimulated in the community. Those groups which make use of the 
facilities even on a semester basis can learn to appreciate their value. 
LITERATURE CITED 
Bradbury, James C. 1965. Dolomite Resources of Boone and DeKalb Counties. Cire. 379. Ill. State 
Geol. Survey. Urbana, Ill. 
Bullington, R. A. 1965. Dept. of Biology, No. Ill. Univ., DeKalb, Ill. (personal communication). 
