10 THE A U:DU BOW (BU) Lei Evie 
A LEWIS AND CLARK PARK FOR ILLINOIS 
By Clarence Sparks 
The “fight” to establish a Lewis and Clark Park at the winter quarters of the 
famed expedition in Illinois is going into a second year. Seemingly, the issue 
is no closer to being resolved than it was in the first few weeks. Since last 
June, the Illinois Audubon Society has been the leading conservation group 
in the promotion of the park project. But we must do more — at local levels 
and as individuals. 
The Lewis and Clark Trail gained special recognition after Congress 
passed a bill in October, 1964, that established a Trail Commission to study 
the route and make recommendations for preserving historical, scenic, and 
recreational areas along the trail followed by Lewis and Clark. Illinois is 
fortunate in that the trail begins at the Mississippi River. The Wood River 
area was not only the beginning of the trail; it was also here that these hardy 
men spent most of the winter. Captain Clark’s notes on his winter experiences 
while encamped in Illinois make exciting reading. It should be pointed out 
that Clark’s notes were not found and published until a little more than ten 
years ago! 
In addition to the historical aspects, the proposed park area gives us- 
public access to the magnificent Mississippi and a splendid view of the Mis- 
souri River as its strong current sweeps across to wash the Illinois shoreline. 
Nearly two hundred acres of flood-plain timber remain to furnish a haven 
for the birds that use the two great river valleys for flyways. A local “birder” 
wrote that six wood ducks were counted there last spring, and later in the 
year he reported his first woodcock. One’s list must surely grow after a few 
trips to these woods at the right seasons. 
