 The Elkhart Historical Society's 2010 Evening Dinner Lectures on
April 16 and 23 will feature Bill McClain speaking on "Elkhart Hill:
The Biological and Cultural History of a Prairie Grove."McClain
will describe the early Native American use of Elkhart Hill and
vicinity, including the old Indian trail also known as Edwards
Trace. The early use of Elkhart Hill by Europeans including James
Latham and others is an important part of the history. Finally, the
biological features of the hill will be compared to other sites in
Illinois. The hill has a unique floral assemblage compared with
other sites in Illinois.
McClain is an adjunct research associate
in botany for the Illinois State Museum in Springfield, an adjunct
research scientist for the Illinois Natural History Survey in
Champaign, and former program manager for the Illinois Department of
Natural Resources. McClain has studied the flowers and history of
Elkhart Hill for over 25 years.
The dinner lecture series is at The Wild Hare Cafe in historic
downtown Elkhart, 104 Gov. Oglesby St. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m.,
with the talks from 7 to 8 p.m. Reservations and prepayment are
required, and space is limited. Cost is $17.99. The dinner package
price includes the meal, dessert, drink, tax and gratuity. The
reservation deadline is Monday. For the online, printable
reservation form, see
www.elkharthistoricalsociety.org or call 217-947-2046.
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To complement the Friday evening lectures, McClain will lead the
popular Wildflower Nature Walks on Elkhart Hill on the following
Saturdays, April 17 and April 24. Walkers will meet in historic
downtown Elkhart at the Bluestem Bake Shop, 107 Gov. Oglesby St.,
for the 9:30 walks and at Birdsong Books & Vintage, 111 Gov. Oglesby
St., for the 1:30 walks.
Master Gardeners in Macon, Sangamon-Menard, McLean, Peoria, and
Logan Counties can obtain continuing education credit for the walk.
Contact your Master Gardener coordinator directly for credit.
Reservations are required for the walks. Tthe cost is $7.50
for adults, and $5 for children 12 and younger. Children must be
accompanied by an adult. Registration closes on Monday. Each outing
will last approximately 90 minutes, and each group is limited to 15
people. For more information and the online, printable reservation
form, go to
www.elkharthistoricalsociety.org.
[Text from file received from
Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of
Logan County]
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