News from Gregg Starr, Prairie Steward

[Nicko]

Santa Fe Prairie Report for I&MCNHCCCA meeting 2/24/2011

We had over 95 visitors and Volunteers since last meeting. Don & Big
Doug were nominated for Top Voluteer Award in the Palos Restoration
Project. There are hundreds of Robins along the Des Plaines River.

Tom Schuetter from Bridgeview, friend and early volunteers, passed
away.

Chili Day had a dozen people, the BLIZZARD was also a success, we had
snow everywhere. Now we are flooding. Part of the Prairie was burned
on 2/19/2011, burning will continue into April. Spring & Fall
Cleanups were registered on National Public Lands Day website.

We renegotiated our porta-john contract saving over $100. Submitted
our information to U.S. Fish & Wildlife (Stew-Map) program. Gregg
completed
I-100 certification, "Incident Command System", a step closer to Burn
Leader. Official sponsorship contract with Miller Beer. Karen's
Federal Wildlife Rehab license was renewed for 5 years.

Other contacts since last meeting: National Park Service, Rock Island
Soil & Water District, Mississippi Valley Conservancy, National
Association of State Foresters, Nature Conservancy, IEPA, and CCFPD.

Easter BEER Hunt is Saturday, April 23, 12noon