Wetland project underway to benefit Heron Flats

MARION - Friends of Crab Orchard Refuge are excited to announce a donation challenge match for the Wetland Habitat Project on Heron Flats. Financial Rep. Jeff Rushing's Carterville Chapter 12208 of Modern Woodmen will match up to $2,500 of funds raised to help with the purchase of plants, and materials for structure to regulate water for the Wetland Restoration Project.

The match is effective Sept. 1 through Oct. 15.

When paired with a current 3:1 match grant award from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (ICECF), this will result in a 6:1 match for the 6-week period.

The ICECF grant, awarded in March, encourages increased local support and participation in the care of habitat and provides grant funds as a match to local dollars raised and labor donated up a grant payment of $27,000.

Heron Flats is a 400+ acre wetland site located along Route 148, south of the Visitor's Center. A joint venture of the Friends and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the project will include earthwork, installation of new water control structures, invasive control, planting of native wetland species, and signage.

Future plans include improvements to the public viewing area and a photo blind.

Donations can be mailed to The Friends of Crab Orchard Refuge Inc., 8588 Route 148, Marion, IL 62959. Please include a note that the contribution is for the Wetland Habitat Project.

The Friends are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit and all donations are tax deductible.