Local group is seizing opportunity to triple donations

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS - Most people would immediately jump on the opportunity to triple their money.

The Friends of Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is offering that opportunity through a matching donation grant to support improvements to Heron Flats, a 400-plus acre wetland located along Illinois Route 148 south of the Visitor's Center on the CONWR.

The Refuge is looking to make the somewhat seasonal wetland to the south of the viewing platform, known for attracting a great mix of waterfowl in winter, into somewhat more of a yearlong wetland. Included in the plan would be a new viewing area to be built just north closer to the wetland on the same side of the road.

All donations given toward the project will be matched 3-1. By raising only $7,000 locally, the group can receive an additional $21,000 in grant funding.

The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation grant program encourages increased local support and participation in the care of habitat and provides grant funds a match to local dollars raised and labor donated.

For more information on this great opportunity to grow your donation, call the Refuge Visitor's Center at (618) 997-3344 or send a check to: Friends of Crab Orchard Refuge, 8588 Route 148, Marion Il 62959.

Please include a note indicating that the funds are for the wetlands project and your name and address, so Friends can collect the matching funds.

The Friends of Crab Orchard Inc., is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit and monetary donations are tax deductible.