14 ILLINOIS AUDUBON BULLETIN 
shortly after the first of the year with an educational program on the bald 
eagle disseminated by the State Office of Education. “The joint project 
enabled Illinois students to learn, not only about our national symbol, the 
bald eagle, but also about all endangered species and the need for 
continuous conservation,” said Joseph Cronin, state Superintendent of 
Education. 
Tony Dean, director of the Conservation Department, praised the 
school children’s response, saying: “Students who participated took 
maximum advantage of a top conservation program to preserve the bald 
eagle and its required habitat. Not only did they help buy refuge land, 
they named it.” 
Meanwhile, at a time when the need for refuge lands is critical, the 
Illinois Aubudon Society treasury holds the $50,000 initial payment as 
Ulinois Chapter of The Nature Conservancy negotiates for parcels of 
river backwater land known to be prime habitat. 
And tax deductible donations to the land purchase fund continue to 
be accepted by the Society at PO Box 520, N aperville, Ill. 60540. 
Elton Fawks presenting $5 third prize to Diane Gailey of Rochelle. 
