SPRINGFIELD/AMBOY — The Illinois Audubon Society will dedicate the Gremel Wildlife Sanctuary, a legacy project of the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, on June 4. Purchased for its significant ecological value, the 395-acre sanctuary provides habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals and offers opportunities for continued site-based research and education through a partnership with Augustana College.
The $2.1 million purchase was made possible through a land acquisition grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (Chicago), long-time Society member Russell Gremel, and Illinois Audubon’s land acquisition fund.
“I hope that generations of young land stewards and bird enthusiasts will visit and enjoy the sanctuary,” said Russell.
“We continue to be impressed with the thought and care that these dedicated volunteers and the staff of Illinois Audubon Society put into their work at nearby Amboy Marsh,” said Dennis O’Brien, executive director of the foundation. “It is clear the Society takes the promise of permanent protection very seriously, and the foundation looks forward to a similar commitment to the care of the natural habitat at Gremel Wildlife Sanctuary.”
The event will begin at 1 p.m. with presentations taking place at the Amboy Marsh Nature Preserve followed by guided trail hikes at the Gremel Wildlife Sanctuary. Driving directions are available on the website at illinoisaudubon.org or by calling the Illinois Audubon Society Office at 217-544-2473. Public is invited to attend.
The mission of the Illinois Audubon Society is to promote the perpetuation and appreciation of native plants and animals and the habitats that support them. The Society is an independent, member supported, not-for-profit, statewide organization. Founded in 1897, the Society is Illinois’ oldest private conservation organization with 2,200 members, 18 chapters and 19 affiliate groups. The Illinois Audubon Society has protected 3,900 acres by investing $11 million to protect land and water throughout Illinois.