[BCNnet] Visit an Important Bird Area this spring

[Judy Pollock]

Here is an invitation from the IDNR and Audubon to attend an IBA dedication 
this spring - there are a number planned throughout the state.  Typically, 
these are fun events with lots of interesting people who are making great 
things happen for birds, as well as reporters, politicians, etc.   The idea 
is to make the point that we need to take care of our bird habitat.  So 
come on out to a beautiful place with great birds and great people, and 
show your support for birds and habitat in Illinois!

The first one is tomorrow, as part of the Birding Blitz weekend activities 
- details below.

IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS DEDICATIONS PLANNED THIS SPRING AT A NUMBER OF BIRD 
CONSERVATION SITES IN ILLINOIS

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. - Bird lovers and other outdoor enthusiasts are invited 
to participate in a number of events this spring dedicating newly 
identified Important Bird Areas in Illinois.

The Important Bird Areas (IBA) program, developed by the National Audubon 
Society, designates key habitats critical to bird conservation 
efforts.  Nationally, there are more than 1,800 IBAs in 48 states.  Many of 
the nearly 50 Important Bird Areas in Illinois are sites managed by the 
Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

“The Important Bird Areas program helps us focus our efforts on those 
places in which protecting bird habitat will have the most long term 
benefits,” said IDNR Director Joel Brunsvold.  “The program provides a list 
of priority areas that need conservation in order to sustain healthy and 
diverse bird populations and helps guide our planning and action to protect 
and enhance that habitat.”

The first of the IBA dedications planned for this spring Illinois will be 
held on Friday, April 29 at 1 p.m. at the Henry Barkhausen Cache River 
Wetlands Center, located just south of Whitehill on Illinois Rt. 37 in 
Johnson County.

The Cache River Basin Important Bird Areas include the Cache River State 
Natural Area, the Grassy Slough Preserve, and the Cypress Creek National 
Wildlife Refuge.

The IBA dedication at the Cache River Wetlands Center is being held in 
conjunction with the Birding Fest 2005 of Southernmost Illinois, scheduled 
for April 29-May 1.  Birding Fest 2005 includes birding programs, hikes, 
tours and a birding blitz competition.  For more information on the Cache 
River Basin IBA dedication and Birding Fest 2005, contact Liz Jones at the 
Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge at 618/634-2231 or by e-mail at 
Liz_Jones at fws.gov

Other IBA dedications this spring include:

·                The International Migratory Bird Day Open House and 
Dedication Ceremony for nine Illinois River Important Bird Areas at Dickson 
Mounds Museum near Lewiston in Fulton County on Saturday, May 14 at 1 
p.m.  The event includes a program and reception from 1-3 p.m., followed by 
birding tours of the Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge from 3-4:30 p.m.  For 
more information, phone 309/547-3721 or by e-mail at jbarr at 
museum.state.il.us

·                Wild Neighbors Festival and Dedication at the Cook County 
Forest Preserve District’s Bartel Grassland IBA near Matteson on Saturday, 
May 21 from 1 – 3:30 p.m. Trail tromp and dedication ceremony.  www. 
habitatproject.org For more information phone Dick Riner, 708/720-5683

·                Summer Breeding Birds of Illinois Grasslands and IBA 
Dedication at Prairie Ridge State Natural Area near Newton in Jasper 
County, June 4-5.  The dedication will be conducted at 3 p.m. on Saturday 
as part of the two-day birding tour hosted by the Illinois Audubon 
Society.  For more information, phone 217/446-5085 or www. illinoisaudubon.org

·                IBA Dedication and National Trails Day event at Midewin 
National Tallgrass Prairie near Wilmington in Will County on Saturday, June 
4 from 8-10 a.m.  Includes early bird walk. For more information, phone 
815/423-6370 or e-mail Marta Witt at mlwitt at fs.fed.us

Designation as an Important Bird Area recognizes a site’s abundance or 
diversity of birds.  Illinois provides critical habitat for many declining 
species of birds, particularly grassland and shrubland birds. The 
designation also encourages the IDNR,  Audubon and other birding groups, 
landowners and land managers, as well as bird enthusiasts and other 
interested citizens to work together on bird conservation efforts.

For more information on Important Bird Areas in Illinois, visit  www. 
habitatproject.org or contact Judy Pollock, Illinois IBA coordinator, 
Audubon - Chicago Region, 5225 Old Orchard Road, Suite 37, Skokie, 
IL  60077, phone 847 965-1150 or Jeff Walk, IDNR, One Natural Resources 
Way, Springfield, IL 62702, phone 217/557-9251.


Judy Pollock
bobolnk at ix dot netcom dot com
Evanston (Cook)