Creekside celebrates Earth Day/Arbor Day with Tulip Poplar grove dedication in memory of Herschel "Herb" Campbell

 

[May 08, 2019]  LINCOLN - Saturday, April 27th, was not the best of days for outdoor activities, but those who truly love the outdoors didn't mind.

A number of individuals braved the rains and many got their hands dirty while observing both Earth Day and Arbor Day doing spring chores at Lincoln College's Creekside Environmental Learning Center.

The research center gives access to Sugar Creek, forests, farm land, and prairie for a plentitude of environmental learning opportunities. LC students gain hands on biology, ecology, archeology and other science based studies. Other groups have conducted a variety of research studies. And, the center serves the surrounding community as a place to truly observe and enjoy nature.

One of the highlights this year has been the addition of a Tulip Poplar grove and it was celebrated with a dedication ceremony.

Dean Campbell visited in early fall of 2018 and was impressed with Creekside's mission. Dean donated $10,000 in support of establishing the Tulip Poplar Grove as a memorial to his deceased father Herschel "Herb" Campbell, a farmer from Olive Branch, Illinois.



Dean and his lovely family were out on Saturday dodging the rain drops and enjoying this momentous day.

Tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipfera), also called yellow poplar and tulip tree, is in the Magnolia family. It is a sprawling shade tree that grows from 60 to 90 feet high with a crown spreading from 30 to 50 feet.



Several of the sizeable trees were mechanically transplanted at the site last fall and were leafing out just in time for the dedication.

The grove is accessible by a new board walk that skirts the forested area and is located at a high point above the creek.

One day this will be a grove of magnificent towering trees to be enjoyed for generations.

Dean Campbell's first trip to Creekside was made with members of the Central Chapter of Illinois Native Plant Society just a year ago. The Native Plant Society has made a tremendous impact on the surrounding acres naturalizing the area with prairie grasses and wild flowers.

It is another unrelated Campbell that was the developer and continued driving force behind Creekside. Dr. G. Dennis Campbell was formerly Chairman of the Lincoln College Department of Science, Math, Business, and PE when he brought forth his dream of a hands on outdoor learning laboratory. He has since retired from teaching duties as a professor and now dedicates his time as Creekside's director.

The Volunteer Day at Creekside was organized by Dr. Campbell, and an Earth Day Marketplace was organized by LC Professor Dr. Julia Ossler and her student Eco-Lynx Club members on LC Campus, each simultaneously took place.

Despite the threat of bad weather, Dr. Campbell said, "We still had great work contributions from some members of LC faculty, staff, administrators and students (especially the Eco-Lynx students), and their families; local community members; a Master Naturalist, Dr. Pam Moriearty and students in the LEAF environmental organization of Lincoln Community High School."

He said, "Among the tasks they worked on included transplanting wildflowers into the plots at the Ethnobotanical Garden along the Peoples of the Past Boardwalk, barking the forest trails, planting vegetables in the Rotary Insectarium for caterpillar food, pulling invasive garlic mustard from the forest, and improving the nature trails."

But there was some fun to be had too. Dr. Campbell said, "When the rain started in earnest at noon we retired to having a hot dog roast under the Pavilion."

At 1:30 p.m., even with a strong wind and light rain, Dean Campbell and his extended family, and Lincoln College administrators - President Dr. David Gerlach, VP Deb Ackerman, Development Officer Tom McLaughlin - joined the volunteers and we had a brief dedication ceremony at the Tulip Poplar Grove along the Peoples of the Past Boardwalk with the unveiling of the memorial stone in honor of Herschel "Herb" Campbell.

Hands-on volunteer opportunities this spring include:

• Barking and improving forest trails

• Removing dead vegetation from the parking lot pond

• Pulling weeds and removing dead stems from flowerbeds

• Planting wildflower seeds in seedling trays

• Potting seedlings

• Transplanting plants to the forest garden and pollinator habitat

• Planting vegetable garden in Insectarium

• Clearing and making brush piles in woodland garden

• Cutting streambank stairs for creek access

• Cleaning out Log Cabin after hard winter

• Painting/applying stickers of nature designs on Little Free Library box

• Pulling the invasive garlic mustard plant in forest

• Cleaning up the archaeological dig pit

Creekside is approximately four miles due north of Lincoln, off of County Rd 2000N, halfway between County Road 1100E and 1250th Ave (Google map address is 1234 2000th St., Lincoln, 62656). From Lincoln drive north to the Lincoln Parkway, continue on 1250th Ave north to County Rd 2000N. Turn left go about a mile, turn right onto the gravel road, which takes you north to the large Creekside sign.

If you'd like to get involved at Creekside, contact Dr. G. Dennis Campbell. You'll likely find him on site working Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, "and on a few special occasions on other days with organizations and people wishing my expertise."

For more information about the volunteer work at Creekside, contact Creekside Director, Dr. G. Dennis Campbell, 217-735-7260; dcampbell@lincoln college.edu

[Jan Youngquist with photos by Dr. David Gerlach and Youngquist]

Past related article:
EconLynx host Earth Day Fair