[BCNnet] EXPERIENCED BIRDERS SOUGHT FOR IN-DEPTH BIRD SURVEY AT ROLLINS SAVANNA FOREST PRESERVE

[DRD]

NEWS RELEASE						
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	
MAY 23, 2006

CONTACT: Tom Smith, Volunteer Stewardship Coordinator, 847-968-3329,
tasmith at co.lake.il.us 

EXPERIENCED BIRDERS SOUGHT FOR IN-DEPTH BIRD SURVEY AT ROLLINS SAVANNA
FOREST PRESERVE

Experienced birders and local ornithologists are needed to help collect
data on the birds of Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve near Grayslake. The
year-long survey kicks-off Thursday, June 1. 

Knowledgeable birders are asked to share their observations while at
that site with Forest Preserve natural resource staff. Data forms and
detailed instructions are available online at www.LCFPD.org/birdsurvey 
or by calling Tom Smith, project coordinator, at 847-968-3329.

This comprehensive study will take a look at the various species that
use the site for breeding, foraging or migration. Data from the survey
will be used to create a site-specific bird checklist. Data may also
help identify conservation and habitat issues which warrant further
research. 

In recent years, Rollins Savanna has become known as a premier birding
destination. The site was named an Important Birding Area (IBA) in 2005
by the National Audubon Society. Its high-quality habitat supports the
endangered Yellow-headed Blackbird. 

Rollins Savanna, Lake County's second-largest Forest Preserve, spans
1,225 acres, uninterrupted by roads and development. Rich black soils
found at this Preserve once dominated Midwestern landscape in the 1800s.
The Preserve protects the south fork of Mill Creek, frontage on Third
Lake and large interior wetland complexes that provide needed food
sources and rest stops for Ruddy Ducks, Blue-winged Teal, Great Blue
Herons, Egrets and a variety of other waterfowl species. Grassland
birds, waterfowl and other wildlife are drawn to the site's oak
savannas and expansive prairies and wetlands.

Over the last five years, Forest Preserve natural resource crews and
project partners have been working to restore this unique Preserve to
enhance its valuable ecosystems. More than 450 acres of former farmland
have been restored as part of a massive habitat restoration and
preservation project at the Preserve, representing the largest
restoration effort ever undertaken by the Lake County Forest Preserves.

The main entrance to Rollins Savanna is located on Washington Street
across from Atkinson Road near Grayslake. A second, smaller parking area
is located on Drury Lane south of Rollins Road near Round Lake Beach.

For more information about the Rollins Savanna Bird Survey, please
contact Tom Smith, Volunteer Stewardship Coordinator, at 847-968-3329.
Or visit the Lake County Forest Preserves website to download a Bird
Survey data form and detailed instructions at www.LCFPD.org/birdsurvey 

Thanks in advance for helping out on this.  Remember your data is sought for
any amount of time you visit the preserve and at any season of the year.

It's either good or great birding whenever you go!  

Donnie Dann
Highland Park, Lake County
donniebird at yahoo.com