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 When the college closes in May, it is unknown what
the future of the environmental learning center will be, but Dr.
Campbell is hoping that there will be some entity that will purchase
the property and maintain it as the nature center it was always
intended to be. However, he does have concerns. He noted Saturday
that the property includes about 60 acres of tillable land in
addition to more than 75 acres of natural woodland.
He said if someone purchases the center for agricultural production,
then the center may cease to exist.
The knowledge that the future of the center is uncertain made the
day somewhat bittersweet. While those working at the open house were
putting on a happy face for visitors, it was clear that there was an
underlying sadness in everyone.
Even Mother Nature seemed to be pouting about it, as the winds on
the prairie were so fierce that it made it difficult for people to
even stand up at times. Nonetheless, there were some who came out to
enjoy the extremely mild temperatures and spend a little time
enjoying the center in the capacity it was intended.
Even before reaching the center on Saturday morning, there were
messages of farewell written on the blacktop road that leads to the
gravel path to the center. The message was clear. “Thank you Dennis
Campbell. You made our world better.” Campbell was on hand on Saturday, talking with visitors and not
missing any opportunity to reveal his feelings about how important
the center is and how hopeful he is that someone will come in and
take it over as it is.
As he spoke with one young man and his mother inside the Creekside
Rotary Insectarium, the young man took out the wallet in his pocket
and pulled out a few bills. Handing the money to Campbell, he said
that he hoped the donation would help to save the center. Campbell
was very touched by the gesture and said that no matter what, he
would find something special to do with the money.
On a lighter note, the Insectarium has been cleared out of the dead
plant life from last year, and new growth is beginning. Campbell
pointed out that the insectarium is filled with morel mushrooms.
Indeed, throughout the building there were more than a couple dozen
of the wild mushrooms. Campbell said the mushrooms started popping
up over a week ago. They’ve been left alone and are now starting to
dry up a bit. Campbell said it was odd because no one has ever found
mushrooms out in the wooded area of the center, but somehow the
highly desirable, edible fungus have made their way into the
greenhouse. In addition to the mushrooms,
the interior of the greenhouse was scattered with wild violets with
an occasional dandelion as well.
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There were also some ecological displays inside the insectarium including two
dioramas created by fourth-graders from Washington Monroe School. Both depicted
aquariums, made from recycled materials.
Outside the insectarium, Master Naturalist Dr. Pamela Moriearty was setting up a
game between the insectarium and the greenhouse next door to it. She said that
it was the only place she could find on the entire compound where the wind was
calm enough for the game to be successful.
Judd McCullum, who in 2005 as a freshman at Lincoln College found the Wooly
Mammoth tusk that has been well documented as a unique find in this part of the
state, was also on hand for a visit Saturday. Campbell said that the tusk was
given over to the Illinois Museum of Natural History that in-turn loaned the
tusk back to Lincoln College for display. Now that the college is closing, the
tusk will go back to the state museum. Campbell encouraged the former student to
assist the state museum in putting together a fitting display for the rare find.
As part of the open house the Lincoln Park District hosted an Earth Day themed
display about the impact of trash on public water ways. The National
Railsplitter Association was helping out, as was the “Rock Lady” Mandy Cordray.
The Hartsburg-Emden Class of 2025 was offering food for the day for a free will
donation. The hopes were that it would be possible to build a bon fire in the
brick fire pit when the wind settled a bit. Then guests would have the
opportunity to sit around the fire and roast hot dogs.
Though in many ways it was a sad day for those who were volunteering at the open
house, it was also a good day when they were able to once more share their love
for Creekside with visitors, and educate visitors with the history that lies
along Sugar Creek and within our county, while also talking about taking care of
the land and waters of our earth so that future generations may also benefit
from nature.
[Nila Smith]
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