The Nature Conservancy announces local hiking opportunity      

A unique hiking challenge is offered at Emiquon

[SEPT. 17, 2005]  LEWISTOWN -- Outdoor enthusiasts are invited to a unique hiking experience Sept. 24. Participants can hike the Illinois River levee at the Emiquon Preserve, across the river from Havana. The Nature Conservancy is sponsoring the opportunity to witness firsthand the changes taking place at Emiquon, a 7,000-acre restoration project.

The former backwater wetland area, once the jewel of the Illinois River, is considered the linchpin in the Conservancy’s efforts to restore the health of the river. 2005 will be the inaugural year for the event, billed as "View from the Levee," and plans are to offer the hike at Emiquon annually.

Participants can register for the following options: the South Levee Trail, 2.3 miles; the North Levee Trail, 6.3 miles; or the Grand Levee Trail, 8.6 miles. Water and snacks will be available at rest stops as hikers proceed at their own pace. The easy trail is slightly uneven, consisting of mowed vegetation, and will lead hikers along the top of the levee for a great view of Emiquon. Participants should allow 30 minutes to an hour per mile, depending on personal levels of fitness.

The event will take place rain or shine, and hikers should consider bringing along extra water, a hat, sunscreen, sturdy walking shoes, field guides, binoculars and insect repellent.

Preregistration by Sept. 19 is preferred. Registration is $10 per adult and $5 per child 12 and under, with a $25 maximum per family. Each registrant will receive a 2005 T-shirt commemorating the initial "View from the Levee" hike and an Emiquon Trail Journal containing a self-guided interpretive tour for the day; checklists for birds, plants and animals; and space to record personal observations of Emiquon.

Everyone joining the event on Sept. 24 must sign in first at the Emiquon Preserve between 7 and 10 a.m. Please note that no hikers will be allowed to start after registration closes at 10 a.m.

For more information and to obtain a registration form, please call the Emiquon Preserve office at [phone], send an e-mail request to [e-mail], or visit the website at nature.org/Illinois.

The Emiquon Preserve is located in Fulton County on Route 97 and 78 approximately four miles north of U.S. Highway 136, near Dickson Mounds Museum at Lewistown.

[Nature Conservancy, Illinois news release]