Community Involved in Wapello Land & Water Reserve 

Thanks to the involvement of many individuals and organizations, a unique Native American settlement unearthed on the Apple River in Hanover will forever be protected and next year opened to the public.  As we announced earlier this year, the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission registered the 79 acres in Hanover that we purchased in March with a grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation as “Wapello Land & Water Reserve.” It is the first registered property in the state to contain significant natural and archaeological resources. 

The University of Illinois in 2003 excavated significant artifacts from two American Indian cultures – the Mississippians and the Woodland people -- dating back to 1050 A.D. at this property.  The site is unique, according to local archaeologist Phil Millhouse, “because it illustrates a 10- to 15-year period in which two very different Native American societies converged, intermarried, and assimilated.  We caught this moment when there’s this transformation. You never see that in archaeology.” 

The land also contains important natural communities, including one-half mile of the lower Apple River, and provides habitat for a variety of plants, birds, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and mussels, including some threatened and endangered mussels.  Protecting this property is a wonderful opportunity to enhance natural habitat and create an environment where even more wildlife—in particular, grassland birds—can thrive.  At the same time, we’re preserving history.  And, we want to provide public education and recreation opportunities.   

We are working with the Hanover Township Park District and all interested people in opening the property to the public as a place to learn about both nature and history.  Two public input meetings have been held this year at the Hanover Township Park District Building.  At the first meeting, in April, attendees split into small groups where they brainstormed and ranked activities they’d like to see at Wapello Land & Water Reserve.  Receiving an overwhelming amount of support were interpretive trails, having archaeological artifacts on display, and planting a prairie to attract birds and butterflies. 

Showing off the official state “Registered Reserve sign are Chris Kirkpatrick of the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation (left) and Nellie Bainbridge of the Hanover Township Park District. 

During the second meeting, in May, attendees heard from Tom Emerson of the University of Illinois, who discussed the challenges and opportunities involved in displaying historical artifacts.  The activities discussed in April were reviewed and the group determined next steps. Everyone agreed that it’s important to immediately start an educational display at the park district building.  We need to create a list and budget for the “basics” needed at the property itself.  And there was interest expressed in hearing from folks involved in Albany Mounds near Dixon. 

The Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation and Hanover Township Park District want--and need--as much community involvement as possible in this project.  Anyone interested in lending their creative ideas to the display room at the park district building is invited to attend a meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 20, at the park district (old River Ridge school) on IL Route 84 on the south edge of downtown Hanover.   

Ferrel Anderson, the archaeologist instrumental in developing Albany Mounds, will share his experiences at a public meeting in September, date to be announced. 

Update on Buehler Preserve Prairie 

A prairie is emerging at the Buehler Preserve!  Last year we prepared and planted six and a half acres and the plants are coming up nicely.  Now the other six and a half acres of the old field are being prepared for planting to occur this fall. In a year or two it will be a beautiful, blooming place!

Many may not realize that prairie seed is quite expensive.  The local chapter of The Prairie Enthusiasts donated an estimated $20,000+ worth of seed to us last year.  They will do that again if we can help them pick seed around the county. 

If you’ve never done it…why not give it a try!  You’ll be helping us save a tremendous amount of money!  For anyone interested in helping pick prairie seed, we are looking for volunteers to: 

• Enjoy leisurely walks in beautiful natural areas where we pick seed.
• Learn the native wildflowers and grasses that are observed and gathered.
• Use a bucket, gloves, and clippers to collect seed for a couple of hours once or twice a week—whatever time you can spare.

Seed picking usually begins in August and goes through October.  Even one half day of your time would mean a lot!  Call Chris Kirkpatrick at 815-858-9100 to find out how, when, and where you can help.