Shawnee Audubon is a Chapter of Illinois Audubon Society, serving members across the southernmost region of Illinois. We are dedicated to the conservation and preservation of Illinois habitat and its diversity of native birds, animals and plants. We offer bird watching and nature-related field trips, workshops and presentations in southern Illinois.
Over 30 people enjoyed hearing about the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camps Union, Pomona and Hutchins on Monday evening. Perfect weather and cozy campfire set the mood for this interesting interactive presentation by Kay Ripplemeyer-Tippy. Kay’s interest in the C’s began over 30 years ago. The more she learned the deeper she found herself digging for more information. She described her passion for the C’s as an obsession that she has loved. Getting to interview and know many of the men who served in the CCC program was an honor and a thrill for Kay.
Camp Union--Jonesboro, IL
Join us tomorrow evening, Monday, April 16th for a special interactive living history presentation by Kay Ripplemeyer, local historian and storyteller. Kay will lead audience participants in a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Living History presentation at Trail of Tears State Forest.
We will assemble at the site of a temporary overflow camp, where in 1938 about 400 W. W. I veterans were situated at CCC Camp Union. Kay will present brief histories of CCC Camps Union, Hutchins, and Pomona, and then, with everyone’s participation we will meet dozens of these men and those who lived at Camp Hutchins and at the African American camp, Camp Pomona. We will learn of their personal stories, their fun, and their work in the Shawnee National Forest, during its years of infancy and first growth.
The presentation will take place at the group campsite located behind the picnic area South of State Forest Road. Trail of Tears State Forest can be accessed from Illinois Route 127 (on the east) and Route 3 (on the west). **Turn into the picnic area across from the white barn and follow the signs. We’ll either meet under the stars, or in case of rain we’ll utilize the nearby shelter. Be sure to dress for cool spring weather and bring a flashlight! Rustic seating is provided but lawn chairs may make your experience more comfortable.
**GPS users: Lat 37°29’5.27″N, Long 89°21’32.56″W
Took an impromptu field trip to Cave Creek Glade yesterday. The wild hyacinth (Camassia scilloides) was just past its peak, but still very pretty. Here are a few pics of of some of the species we saw blooming. Also blooming (but no good photos): larkspur, bellwort, penstemon and yellow pimpernel.
