10 HE A U-D-Ut BON eB cbr Ee eles 
the intent of the law is to preserve the forests in their original state, with 
little disturbance for recreational activity. 
While the conservation districts also put emphasis on conserving in its 
natural state the best of the wooded areas — for wildlife habitat and 
educational enjoyment of nature trail hikers and bird watchers — boards 
of these districts are authorized to go much beyond this with parts of their 
acreage. Recreational facilities they may provide for include fishing, hunt- 
ing, swimming, camping, picnicking, hiking, boating, and almost any other 
type of outdoor sport not requiring extensive equipment. 
In providing these recreational facilities, the conservation district boards 
may develop county parks and access points on streams. 
In Iowa, after whose conservation district act the Illinois law was 
patterned, some emphasis also is given to use as outdoor classrooms of many 
of the facilities provided. Educational uses also may include development 
of a museum, a nature center, and marking or restoration of historic sites. 
These in Iowa have included a red-brick country schoolhouse, several 
covered bridges, and farm windmills. 
The Illinois conservation district law is so sufficiently versatile that 
it could be applied to almost any type of new educational or recreational 
purpose the imagination and ingenuity of the public might make 
worth while. 
EDITOR’S NOTE: Mr. Banton, retired newspaperman and IAS member in Decatur, also 
authored the major explanation of the Illinois Conservation District Act which appeared 
over four pages in the March 1967 issue of THE AUDUBON BULLETIN. Reprints of 
this important article then were prepared by the IAS and made available to civic 
and conservation organizations (at no charge) as part of the continuing educational 
service. Reprints still can be secured. That story — coupled with Mr. Banton’‘s ad- 
ditional study here — offer a formidable tool of communications for all private and 
governmental agencies which may be concerned. 
HOW TO FEED THE BIRDS IN THE WINTER | 
In winter, according to the Illinois Audubon Society, smart 
birdwatchers invite the birds to come to them. They will 
respond if proper hospitality is extended. Simple continuously 
supplied food tables with well chosen tidbits of bird diet will 
insure a surprising number and variety of feathered guests in 
all but the most congested urban areas. The worse the weather — 
the heavier the snow — the more birds will appear to gladden 
dreary winter days. 
It takes a little know-how, admittedly, to be successful 
hosts to winter birds, i.e... what kind of foods they like and 
need, how to correctly set their dining tables, and how to provide 
shelter from storms — shelter being as essential as food. I. A. S. 
is ready to supply much-needed information. It has prepared 
a booklet, “Food and Shelter for Birds,’ which will be sent for 
ten cents in coins (price five cents, plus five for mailing) to 
anyone who writes to: “Food and Shelter,’ ILLINOIS AUDU- 
BON SOCIETY, Field Museum of Natural History, Roosevelt 
Road and Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60605. 
