2 THE AUDUBON BU OT eee 
pine and 12 native orchids. 
Parcels totaling 1,158 acres will 
make up the Heron Pond preserve, 
which was purchased by the depart- 
ment for the Illinois Nature Pre- 
serves Commission under a_ land 
acquisition partnership now in its 
second year. Sellers included three 
individuals, a lumber company, and 
the Natural Land Institute of 
Rockford. 
John Schwegman, preserves com- 
mission field representative who was 
active in negotiations at all three 
sites, said Heron pond is distinctive 
as an example of rapidly-vanishing 
swamp and wetlands environment. 
Wildlife residents include the great 
blue heron, American egret, bird- 
voiced tree frog and cottonmouth 
water moccasin. 
Also placed under the commis- 
sion’s aegis for master-planning is 
the Fults Hills Prairie site and its 
associated Kidd Lake marsh. Lo- 
cated a mile east of Fults southwes’ 
of Waterloo, it is noted by natural. 
ists for several locally uncommor 
amphibians and reptiles — like the 
coachwhip snake, narrowmouth toac 
and flatheaded snake — as well a: 
the plains scorpion and what maj 
be Illincis’ largest nesting colony o. 
Florida gallinules. Corrigan said botl 
the bluffs and marsh areas cove 
590 acres. Two land-owners wer: 
involved in the sale to Illinois, 
All three areas were threatenec 
to varying degrees by intervenin; 
forces that would have destroyec 
their environmental integrity. A 
Lusk Creek, it was a dam. At Heror 
pond it was the possibility of timbe 
cutting or drainage for development 
At Fults the problem could hav 
been from rock quarrying. 
Plans aren’t complete for all o 
the Lusk Creek canyon, but that it 
40-acre heart — the Lusk Creel 
gorge — will be made a preserve. 
families. 
level of 2,400 members. 
On behalf of the Officers and the Board of Directors, 
I extend seasonal greetings to all J.A.S. members and their 
We are now starting our 74th year. The threat to our 
environment, while not as massive as it is today, was re- 
cognized by a handful of people. For the past three-quarters 
of a century your Society has marshalled the talents of a 
growing number of people to protect and preserve our natural 
beauties and resources. We all can take pride in its accom- 
plishments and also in its growth—from a few to our present 
So, on the eve of the New Year, which I hope will bring 
you the fulfillment of your hopes and aspirations, please 
include in your resolutions the determination to become more 
involved in the programs of the Illinois Audubon Society. 
Charles Lappen, President 
