Out to the northeast of Fairbury there is a tract of land that has been maintained in its original serenity of trees and unbroken prairie land. It provides one of Nature’s comfort zones as regards natural beauty and the visual pleasure that these types of preservations give to those who are fortunate enough to visit. This particular site is Fugate Woods and within its borders are an assortment of trees, bushes, wild flowers and other plant life, as well as a variety of animal life, that comprise a rather magnificent display of the great outdoors.
On Saturday, April 5th, a group of 70 volunteers, responded to the organizational efforts of our Steward of the Woods, Sara Hostetter, and completed a project that will add to and enhance the visual and physical values of this natural setting. These enthusiastic folks, Naturalists, Nature Enthusiasts, and Prairie Central community Scout Troops, combined their time and efforts to plant 975 tree and shrub seedlings that will serve to ensure the quality integrity of the terrain.
This location is also seamed with the stream bed of the Vermillion South Fork (Indian Creek) which adds to the visual impact of Natures appointments. These plantings serve to enrich the plant structure of the Fugate Woods environment while providing benefits for the wild life and the quality and flow of the creeks water. The planting was made possible when Trees Forever awarded the plants to the Prairie Lands Foundation/Fugate Woods in support of a long-term program targeting the habitats natural health. Additional assistance was provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Grand Prairie Master Naturalists and we are thankful to all contributors that made a job well done possible. With an eye to the future there are similar plans in place for additional endeavors in the Fall of 2014 and the Spring of 2015.
So, Operation “Make a Difference for the future of Fugate Woods Nature Preserve” is in good hands and being guided by expert and positive planning. We encourage the public to take advantage of this outdoor display of natural beauty and make a visit to this Prairie Lands Foundation park – come see the blue bells in their blooming magnificence and stroll on through the paths and trails where you might end up wondering what mystical creatures might step out from behind that next tree (if you were to let your imagination go with the stimulation that’s provided). Fugate Woods is open to the public from dawn to dusk and you can go to www.fugatewoods.org for information concerning all aspects of the park. See you there, Pilgrim!