8 Foot 4 Inch Plant Measured at Flint Creek

On July 13, a small group enjoyed an afternoon of “Botany on the Prairie” at Citizens for Conservation-owned Flint Creek Savanna. This class was developed and taught by the four Citizens for Conservation (CFC) summer interns: Stephanie, Mitch, Joel and Kathryn. Although the mosquitoes were daunting, we had a wonderful afternoon with the help of our volunteer photographer Jean-Marc Monteiro and 9 year-old student, Chloe.

As we looked for our favorite flowers and grasses, we discussed how Flint Creek Savanna was created from a farm field. We admired the wetlands and floating islands, discussing how and why they were created. As we listened to the interns explain these concepts, one could tell how proud they were to be maintaining and improving such a special restoration. From the gravel hill prairies located near CFC’s headquarters to the south floodplain, hard work created every bit of CFC’s largest property (except the oak grove) by returning native plants to rich Illinois prairie soil.

Participants heard about many flowers and grasses. Probably the favorite activity was measuring the height of the gigantic compass plants. The tallest they located was 8 feet, 4 inches tall - almost twice as tall as Chloe. Participants viewed huge patches of lavender-colored bee balm and felt the large cool and rough leaves of the prairie dock. Mitch explained how their extremely deep roots bring up the coolness of the water from deep underground making the leaves cool to the touch. When we walked nearer to our wetlands, we saw purple spikes of pickerel weed and many water lilies in bloom.

Two things about this class were extra satisfying. One was listening to the interns’ perspective on the numerous varieties of plants and on CFC’s philosophy. They articulated their understanding of what CFC is accomplishing with restoration as they spend eight hours per day in the heat of the summer, doing some of CFC’s most important restoration tasks. They obviously understand their purpose! Secondly, the participants conveyed a deep appreciation for these special prairie surroundings.

The entire two hours were spent outside roaming the 131-acre preserve, which culminated in a “mosquito run” to the bank of Flint Creek to see turk’s cap lily. Kathryn spotted the twelve blossoms, which are not often seen at Flint Creek Savanna, resulting in another awesome photo.

To learn more about CFC’s Youth Education classes such as the upcoming “The Metamorphosis of Butterflies” on August 24, reach us at 847-382-SAVE (7283) or visit http://www.citizensforconservation.org/youth-education. We hope many young people will join us for our next outdoor learning experience! 

Submitted by Citizens for Conservation