Volunteer Opportunities -- Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve

JDCF

Volunteer at Casper Bluff

Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation

A resource for conserving private land
in Jo Daviess County, Illinois

Casper Bluff Site Steward Program
Help JDCF manage this spectacular property, while enhancing important habitat for wildlife.

2011-2012 Overview
2012 Schedule
Work Units

The Casper Bluff site stewardship program is underway. It's exciting to see volunteers step forward and take on their units!

In 2011 we had a volunteer training session that highlighted the different units on the site, its fire breaks and trails, and invasive plants found there. We also had several work days to prepare for the fall prescribed burn.

In the fall of 2011 the Prairie Enthusiasts seeded down an additional section of Casper Bluff (Unit C). That prairie will be something to see, as it comes to life.

In 2012 we will have a regular work schedule (see tab above). Although we have stewards lined up, we will need more. You are welcome to come and join us on a workday. Or you can contact one of the site stewards and join them, when they plan on working in their unit. Each work day we will meet at the parking lot and go to the units from there.

All work days are subject to change due to weather.

Date	Activity	Unit(s)	Time
Mon Feb 13	Work with Dave on downed trees	Throughout	9:00 AM
Fri Mar 2	Fire breaks	Throughout	9:00 AM
Mon Mar 26	Prescribed fire	A	1:00 PM
Fri Apr 6	Garlic mustard	Throughout	9:00 AM
Sat Apr 28	Garlic mustard	Throughout	9:00 AM
Mon May 7	Invasive control	Throughout	9:00 AM
Fri Jun 8	Invasive control	Throughout	9:00 AM
Mon Aug 20	Invasive control	Throughout	9:00 AM
Fri Sep 7	Seed collection	Throughout	9:00 AM
Mon Oct 1	Spray new restoration		9:00 AM
Fri Oct 12	Seed collection	Throughout	9:00 AM
Fri Nov 2	Fire breaks	Throughout	9:00 AM
Mon Dec 3	Interseeding	A, B, C	9:00 AM
Fri Dec 14	Work with Dave on downed trees	Throughout	9:00 AM

Unit A — a second-year prairie restoration totaling about six acres.

The prairie, which contains over 60 native species, is coming along very well thanks to abundant rain in recent growing seasons. Yet, the prairie needs attention; invasive plants threaten its progress. Site steward duties would include managing invasive species, collecting seed of native species, assisting with prescribed burns, maintaining fire breaks, and monitoring plant and wildlife populations.

Unit B — hickory grove, prairie, and the thunderbird effigy mound. What Casper Bluff is known for!

Site duties in this 4.5 acre unit would include helping maintain trails and mounds, assisting with prescribed fires, putting in fire breaks, interseeding, collecting seed of native species, and monitoring plant and wildlife populations.

Unit B — hickory grove, prairie, and the thunderbird effigy mound. What Casper Bluff is known for!

Unit C — three acres in the preparation stage for prairie restoration, from the parking lot to the Pat Caine memorial bench.

This site was scheduled in the fall of 2011 for seeding with native prairie plants. Site duties here would include managing invasive species, collecting seed of native species, assisting with prescribed burns, maintaining fire breaks, and monitoring plant and wildlife populations.

Unit D — a quarter-acre remnant hill prairie overlooking the Mississippi River. One of the jewels of Jo Daviess County!

Site stewardship here would maintain the remnant hill prairie, while working to expand its range. Other duties: managing invasive species, collecting seed of native species, assisting with prescribed burns, maintaining fire breaks, and monitoring plant and wildlife populations. Note: this area is on the bluff top, where the terrain is very rough.

Conservation Guardians of Northwest Illinois

A Division of JDCF

This stewardship program offers unique opportunities to make an enduring contribution to conservation in Jo Daviess County.

The effort put into each unit at the reserve determines program success. A long term commitment is needed to get the best results.

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