tidbits learned along the trail

tidbits learned
along the trail

For additional information, please click on the statement.

The Rock Island Trail was designated as a National Recreation Trail in 2003.

The Illinois River (south of Hennepin) follows the ancient Mississippi River bed.

Glen Oak Park, home to the Peoria Zoo, has been instrumental in its work with
the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in reintroducing
the endangered Alligator Snapping Turtle.

Bike Peoria Co-op is a local group offering help, tools and classes
to empower, educate and advocate for bikes in Peoria.

National Geographic Adventure magazine chose
the Greater Peoria area as one of the 50 next great adventure towns.

With over 9000 acres of land, the Peoria Park District
is the largest park district in Illinois.

With over 2500 acres of land, the Pekin Park District
is the fifth largest park district in Illinois.

More than 44 million people
visit Illinois State Parks each year.

At over 7200 acres, Sand Ridge State Forest
near Manito and Forest City is Illinois' largest state forest.

Sand Ridge State Forest includes the historic Clear Lake archaeological site,
which was occupied from about 500 B.C. to 1500 A.D.

The Illinois River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge Complex
includes 11354 acres providing vital habitat for a variety of species
in the wildlife refuges of Chautauqua, Meredosia, Emiquon & Cameron/Bilsbach.

Mason State Tree Nursery is Illinois' only state nursery. It is the largest producer of Illinois native wildflower seed east of the Mississippi and produces about 1,000,000 native trees and shrubs each year.

Regarded as hero and legend, world-renowned scientist Frank Bellrose was known for his work on North American waterfowl. "With its fertility and diversity, the Illinois River Valley is one of the most unique in the world. The only thing close to it would be the Nile," said Bellrose. Havana's Bellrose Island is named for him.

Illinois is home to several national champion big trees as well as its own big tree register.

One of the highest concentrations of conservation agencies in the nation is located in the Havana and Lewistown area and includes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, the University of Illinois' Therkildsen Field Station, Dickson Mounds Museum, the Illinois River Biological Station, Forbes Biological Station and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. ~ Mitchell Baalman, Wildlife Refuge Specialist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge is home to one of only two remaining refuge towers built in the 1930's for wildlife observation. It is 100 feet tall, offers expansive views of the area and is occassionally open for public tours. ~ Mitchell Baalman, Wildlife Refuge Specialist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

In August 2019, Kiplinger Magazine named Peoria one of the nation's top fifty cities in which to retire.
Among their reasons was the extensive park system.

tidbits learnedalong the trail

tidbits learned
along the trail