Illinois Audubon Society announces a partnership with Living Lands & Waters to assist with the stewardship of Plum Island Eagle Sanctuary. In celebration, a volunteer workday is planned for July 27 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. “We’re excited to partner with Chad and his crew in helping us care for this sanctuary,” stated Jo Fessett, Executive Director, Illinois Audubon Society, “since the island is closed to visitation except for workdays, this will be a chance to lend a hand and see the river from a different perspective.”
A Memorandum of Understanding between Living Lands & Waters and Illinois Audubon Society will be signed prior to transporting volunteers to the island for the workday. “We’ve been involved with cleaning up and reforesting the island since IAS bought it,” says Chad Pregracke, Living Lands & Waters Founder and President, “we’re glad to lend a hand and continue the tradition.” Headquartered in East Moline, Illinois, Living Lands & Waters is a nonprofit environmental organization established by Pregracke in 1998. Since the organization was founded, Living Lands & Waters has grown to be the only “industrial strength” river cleanup organization like it in the world.
The 40-acre island is situated in the middle of the Illinois River near Starved Rock. It was protected from development in 2004 when the Society purchased the island with funding from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation. Bald eagles use the island as a wintering site, perching in the trees and flying forth over the river to feed at the nearby lock and dam. In recent years an active nest has also been observed on the island. Registration for the volunteer workday is required. Register online here.
Congrats on the partnership – the more to look after the island the better (up to a point!!!!)
What a great new partnership! I’ve been impressed with the work of Living Lands and Waters for years. I think they will make a great partner for IAS at Plum Island.