January 30th Stewardship Workday Reminder

Just a reminder…our Tuesday, January 30th Stewardship Workday will be at the Gudmundson Wildlife Sanctuary from 10:00 a.m.-Noon. Honeysuckle removal is the project of the day! No experience is required. Enjoy being outdoors and learn from other FOSV volunteers!

Gudmundson Wildlife Sanctuary is located at 4506 Chinquipin Road, Springfield-Just north of the Springfield Airport off of Route 29.

If you can’t make it tomorrow but would like to be added to our workday group text alerts, text 217-494-3115 with your name and phone number.

A Case For Brush Piles

A brush pile is a beautifully simple solution to the question “What do I do about this fallen branch/tree/pile of plant debris?”

While it’s common to burn brush piles (and sometimes that is necessary) leaving them alone is an easier solution and benefits all kinds of wildlife! Read on…

For detailed building advice check out the following links:
The Clifton Institute
Kentucky Fish & Wildlife
Choose Natives (.org)

Mudpuppy Festival this Saturday

Fun adventure for this Saturday (1/27/24) afternoon! This event is being hosted by The Land Conservation Foundation.

Saturday, 1/27/2024 at 1:00 PM
2024 Mudpuppy Festival
Monarch Event Center, 212 S. Independence St., Monticello, IL 61856

Click on the above link (or image) for more information.

New On-Line Donation Link

First, a big THANK YOU! to all of our new and renewing members! Your support matters to us.

As an FYI we now have new on-line options for becoming a member! Follow this link https://secure.givelively.org/donate/friends-of-the-sangamon-valley/membership. You can also text JOINFOSV to 44-321.

And finally, we would appreciate anyone using the link on their device (phone, tablet, PC, etc.) letting Angela, our executive director, know if there are any hiccups! You can email her at fosvexecutivedirector@gmail.com or call her at (217) 494-3115.

THANK YOU!!!

Herbicide Training Reminder

Whether you are a homeowner wanting to be sure that you are correctly identifying and properly treating invasive species on your own property or are an active FOSV volunteer helping at our protected sites, this is a great learning opportunity!

Arrangements have been made to hold a training session at Adams Wildlife Sanctuary about applying herbicide to invasive species so that individuals can obtain a Volunteer Herbicide License from the IL Department of Agriculture to legally spray herbicide in a safe manner.

Herbicide Training for Volunteers and Landowners will be taught by Mike Kennedy and Jim Struebing on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. at Adams Wildlife Sanctuary and should conclude before 11 a.m. The class is open to anyone and is a requirement for U of I Extension Master Naturalists to obtain hourly credit for time spent spraying on FOSV properties. The license is free and valid for one calendar year (2024).

Information to be covered includes common invasive species that are subject to be sprayed, which herbicides are normally used, reading a herbicide label, how chemicals kill plants, how to apply various herbicides, and personal protective equipment.

No pre-registration required. Register upon arrival at Adams Wildlife Sanctuary.

If you have questions email fosvexecutivedirector@gmail.com or call 217-494-3115.

Tuesday Stewardship Workday

Every Tuesday morning 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

All ages, all abilities, no experience necessary! Join us every Tuesday morning in 2024 for our Stewardship Workdays. Work with others or independently on a variety of stewardship projects at our various properties. Learn about our properties and the diversity of plants and animals. Work (play) outside with other passionate individuals. If you are interested in being added to our workday text alerts, email your name and cell phone number to fosvexecutivedirector@gmail.com. You will receive a text on Monday alerting you to workday location and any other important details.

New FOSV Logo

Check out our new logo!! What would you like to wear, use, or display your love for FOSV on? Perhaps a sweatshirt? A coffee mug? A bumper sticker? Your input would be appreciated. Email our executive director at fosvexecutivedirector@gmail.com.

FOSV Annual Meeting

Join us for our Annual Meeting, Saturday, February 10th at 11:00 a.m. at the Audubon Society’s Adams Wildlife Sanctuary and featuring Willard Clay Photography.

Former Professor of Botany, Willard Clay, has been a full-time photographer since 1982. Specializing in large format photography, Willard Clay has been the primary photographer for nine coffee table books and has been published in a myriad of calendars, magazines, books, and advertising agencies.

Following Will’s presentation, we will have a short membership meeting with Board Member elections. A review of 2023 and preview of exciting plans and projects for 2024 will be followed by snacks & beverages and an opportunity to interact with other Friends of the Sangamon Valley members.

We hope you can join us! Reservations are not required.

Need to renew your membership or join this great organization for the first time? We can take care of that at the meeting.

Adams Wildlife Sanctuary is located at 2315 E Clear Lake Avenue, Springfield, IL 62703.

FOSV Board Members will be in the parking lot to greet you and assist with parking.

Here is more great photography by Willard Clay…

Free Herbicide Training

Saturday, January 27th, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Details: A training session about applying herbicides to invasive species will be held at the Adams Wildlife Sanctuary so that individuals can obtain an Illinois Department of Agriculture Volunteer Herbicide License to safely and legally spray herbicides. The class will be taught by Mike Kennedy and Jim Struebing on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. at Adams Wildlife Sanctuary and should conclude before 11 a.m. The class is open to anyone and is a requirement for U of I Extension Master Naturalists to obtain hourly credit for time spent spraying. The license is free and valid for one calendar year (2024). Training must be done annually to obtain a license each year.

Information to be covered includes common invasive species that are subject to be sprayed, which herbicides are normally used, reading a herbicide label, how chemicals kill plants, how to apply various herbicides, and personal protective equipment.

The information covered is very educational even if volunteers don’t spray but are helping with removal of invasives.

No pre-registration required. Register upon arrival at Adams Wildlife Sanctuary.

If you have questions email fosvexecutivedirector@gmail.com or call 217-494-3115.

And for our birding friends…

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New Year Resolutions

Possibility Place Nursery

Native Plant Resolutions for a Buzzing New Year! Ready to support our pollinator friends in 2024? Here’s a great list of resolutions for you to support your local ecosystem!

I pledge to cultivate native flowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees in my garden, champion native plant usage among fellow gardeners, and share native seeds from my garden with neighbors.

I’ll provide year-round sustenance for pollinators with a diverse array of spring, summer, and fall-blooming native plants in my garden.

Embracing the cycle of life, I’ll leave leaf litter, stems, twigs, and logs in my garden as nesting havens for bees and cozy spots for butterflies to lay eggs and overwinter.

I commit to minimizing or eliminating pesticide use in areas under my care. Armed with knowledge, I’ll identify and manage invasive plants, ensuring their removal from the local landscape.

I’ll make eco-friendly choices to reduce my carbon footprint, contributing to improved pollinator health and habitat quality.

Joining the green revolution, I promise to plant a native, pollinator-friendly garden within my community and/or actively participate in local citizen initiatives.

Let’s make 2024 a year of flourishing native ecosystems!

What are your plans for the New Year?

#NativePlants #PollinatorFriendly #NewYearResolutions