Located in an area void of major interstate commerce, far western Illinois remains unfamiliar to many of the state’s residents.  Some have heard of the Mormon Temple of the Sun in Nauvoo rebuilt in 2002 by the Church of Latter-day Saints (LDS) and well marketed as a tourist destination.  Waterfowl biologists know Mississippi River Pool 19 as the principal migratory stopover site for the majority of the continental population of Canvasback and Lesser Scaup.  Birders may also be familiar with the Cedar Glen Eagle Roost a historically important winter roost and feeding area which continues to hold some of the largest wintering populations of Bald Eagles found anywhere in the lower 48 states. It may not be a quick drive but the exceptional birding, historical sites and small town charm of this river town makes it definitely worth the trip.

The Western Prairie Audubon Chapter has teamed up with Western Illinois University, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Nauvoo Historical Society, LDS Church, and Lee County (Iowa) Conservation Board to offer a variety of field trips and activities to give IAS members an in-depth look into the birding, ecological research and historical and cultural heritage of the area.  Several all day trips will be offered on Saturday to allow more time to slow down the pace and enjoy some unique sites including floodplain forest and a high-quality sand prairie and savanna at Big River State Forest, oak woodlands and prairie restorations which lie between the historic Carthage and Bushnell Prairies, and an auto tour along the Mississippi River in both Iowa and Illinois.  There will be two half-day trips to the Cedar Glen Eagle Roost Area offering both an upland hike to the eagle roost and a boat ride on the Mississippi River below Lock and Dam 20.  Both Cedar Glen trips will be offered in the morning and afternoon allowing for a combined full day at Cedar Glen.    

For those who want to break the day up along with the half day options at Cedar Glen there will be another birding and geology trip to Stony Hills Nature Preserve located along the forested bluffs north to Nauvoo.  And in the afternoon there will be opportunities to see the historical and cultural sites in Nauvoo including several museums which maintain the records of the town’s history since the time of Native Americans to the present, Historic Nauvoo tour offered by the LDS Church and for an even lighter pace, a trip to a family owned vineyard and winery which also include a bakery with excellent pies and deserts.  Someone will also be available to lead participants from the Inn to Cedar Glen for the afternoon hike or boat ride.  On Sunday some of the trips will be repeated as half-day trips and a new trip added, Geissler Savanna Land and Water Reserve.      

There are also opportunities for birding on your own for Friday evening or as a substitute for the scheduled field trips.  Nauvoo State Park maintains a trail around a reservoir lake with pine plantations, grassland and oak woodland habitat good for migratory warblers and other songbirds.  Various roadside stops along the river in Nauvoo and south towards Hamilton (Rt. 96) offers excellent viewing from your car.