Bring Your Lunch and Learn about the Emiquon Restoration Project April 19

Sub-Title: Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center Brown Bag Lecture

ISM Location: Research and Collections Center

For Immediate Release:

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Bring your lunch to the Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center in Springfield on Wed., April 19 at noon and learn about the restoration of the Illinois River floodplain at the Emiquon Preserve in Fulton Co.

“The Nature Conservancy’s Emiquon: Restoring Functional Floodplain for Nature and People” is the topic for the ISM’s Brown Bag Lecture for April, presented by K. Douglas Blodgett, Director of River Conservation for the Illinois Chapter of The Nature Conservancy (TNC).

Nearly a century ago, almost half of the Illinois River’s natural floodplain was isolated by levees and drained, greatly reducing or eliminating wildlife habitat, flood storage, and nutrient processing the floodplain had provided for nature and people. In 2007, after six years of planning, TNC began restoration of functional floodplain at its 6,700-acre Emiquon Preserve. As water returned, luxuriant native plant communities were reestablished, leading to the return of wildlife including over 30 fish and 280 bird species.

Through the Emiquon Partnership, TNC works with partners, including the Illinois State Museum—Dickson Mounds, to provide opportunities for wildlife viewing, boating, fishing, hunting, education, and volunteerism that draw tens of thousands to the site annually. The restoration is being used by researchers to better understand the restoration and management of floodplains and the many benefits they provide for nature and people.

Bring your lunch and enjoy the free Brown Bag Lecture at the ISM Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., Springfield from noon until 1 p.m. on Wed., April 19. For additional information, please contact events@illinoisstatemuseum.org or phone 217-782-0061.

Contact Person: Elizabeth Bazan

Contact Email: Elizabeth.Bazan@illinois.gov

Contact Phone: 217-782-0061

Release File (pdf): ism-brownbag-april2017-1.pdf

Release File (doc): ism-brownbag-april2017.docx