State expands holdings around Volo Bog

From the March 5, 2009 Daily Herald:

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois officials have purchased 32 acres in northwest Lake County that they say contain one the state's natural wonders: a bog.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources says it bought the land for nearly $1.1 million. The Illinois Conservation Foundation provided a private donation of $125,000 toward the cost.

Officials say the new state property offers access to the existing Volo Bog State Natural Area, while also buffering it from encroaching development. The bog transformed over thousands of years from a deep lake to a floating mat of moss and cattails, providing a home for rare plant and animal species.

The Volo Bog is a National Natural Landmark. IDNR Director Marc Miller says the purchase helps protect of the state's most unique landscapes.

Volo Bog Nature Photo Contest

Volo Bog State Natural Area is seeking entries for its 22nd Annual Nature Photo Contest. The contest is open to all amateur nature photographers.

Entries will be accepted in seven categories: Color Plant, Color Animal - Invertebrate, Color Animal - Vertebrate, Color Landscape, Black & White (combined plant/animal/landscape), Alteration of Reality and People In Nature. Deadline is Friday, Oct. 17. Prizes will be chosen by the popular vote of Volo Bog visitors from Oct. 25 to Jan. 9 and also by a panel of judges. Awards will be given at Winterfest on Jan. 11. Visit FriendsofVoloBog.org, e-mail dnr.volobog@illinois.gov, or call (815) 344-1294.

Sunday is Bog Day!

Volo Bog State Natural Area will host an open house for International Bog Day from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 27.

The day includes a Summer Bog Art Show with artists reception from noon to 1 p.m.; "Stories from the Land," a multi-media presentation with Joel Greenberg with Musicians Chris & Tom Kastle from 1 to 4 p.m.; "Bodhran Fun with Irish Drums" with John Seaton & the New Students from 2 to 3 p.m., plus bog tours, kids bog crafts and bog dogs.

No reservations are needed to this free event, held at the reserve, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside. Call (815) 344-1294 or see www.FriendsofVoloBog.org.

Don't get bogged down...

Here's what's happening this weekend at Volo Bog State Natural Area:

Volo Bog State Natural Area presents: Summer Wetland Botany
Saturday, July 7th 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Bring along your favorite field guides and a magnifying glass. We’ll discover rose pogonia orchids, skullcaps, arrowhead, boneset, willow herbs and perhaps some smartweeds too. The ever-present carnivorous pitcher plants, poison sumac, ferns and tamarack trees all add interest to this workshop that includes both a classroom and field session. Dress for the weather! Geared to adults but interested youth are encouraged to attend. Ages 12 - Adult
Please make reservations at dnr.volobog@illinois.gov or 815-344-1294.

Bird Walks at Volo Bog State Natural Area Saturdays & Sundays
July 8th at 8:00 am - open

Enjoy the many resident bird species at Volo Bog State Natural Area. From brown thrashers and red-headed woodpeckers to sandhill cranes and red-tailed hawks, this diverse site is full of surprises. Dress for the weather; bring binoculars and field guides or borrow ours. Walk length and time varies from 1 - 3+ hours with weather & luck in birding! Ages 7 - Adult.
Co-sponsored by McHenry County Audubon

Please make reservations at dnr.volobog@illinois.gov or 815-344-1294.