Dec 9 Open House at War Bluff Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Date/Time
Date(s) - 12/09/2023
9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Location
Warbluff Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Categories
Sat Dec 9 – Open House at War Bluff Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Program and Hike to War Bluff Stone Fort
The public is invited to the Annual Open House at War Bluff Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (228 Bushwack Road, Golconda, IL 62938) on Saturday December 9. Sponsored by Shawnee Chapter Illinois Audubon Society, there will be activities ongoing throughout the day and into the evening. At over 500 acres, War Bluff Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Illinois Audubon Society’s largest wildlife sanctuaries.
The day will begin with the Society’s usual second Saturday Stewardship activities. At 1 PM, local historian Mark Motsinger will give a program on the War Bluff Stone Fort. Following the presentation, the group will hike to the War Bluff Stone Fort, weather permitting. The hike will be followed by a chili cook-off, hot cider and camaraderie around the campfire or woodstove.
Please join the Society for a fun day of exploration and relaxation. Come out for the entire day or just a few hours. A full belly, warm fire, stargazing, and good conversation are guaranteed. Who knows, we might even call in an owl or two. The event is free and open to the public, everyone is welcome, but please leave your pets at home.
Schedule:
9 AM – Noon: Stewardship projects at the Wildlife Sanctuary. Wear appropriate clothing & footwear, bring work gloves, drinking water and lunch. Contact John Wallace at 618-534-7870 or forestally1@gmail.com for more info.
1 PM – 4:30 PM: Mark Motsinger, local historian & Illinois State Historical Society board member will give a presentation on the War Bluff Stone Fort, followed by a hike to the War Bluff itself (weather permitting).
5 PM: Chili Cook-off, bring your offering in a crockpot or a pot to warm on the stove. All the fixings will be provided, as well as fresh local cider and a campfire. Please bring a ladle, something to drink and your own table service. * Contributions of chili is not required, but also not discouraged.
Directions to War Bluff Valley Wildlife Sanctuary: Take Route 146 north of Golconda 3.5 miles, turn left onto Bushwack Rd (look for the brown binocular sign). Follow Bushwack Rd about 2.2 miles to the Sanctuary entrance on the right – watch for the Illinois Audubon Sign. Bushwack Rd turns into a gravel road and crosses a low water ford – don’t give up – just keep going and you’ll get there! For more information, please contact featherfoil1@gmail.com or call 618-534-7870.
Shawnee Chapter Illinois Audubon Society was formed in 1995 and serves as stewards of War Bluff Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Shawnee Chapter is the local chapter of the Illinois Audubon Society, with members from across southernmost Illinois and the state. We focus on issues of environmental significance to Southern Illinois, with special emphasis on those that pertain to the conservation and preservation of our native flora and fauna.