Open House at War Bluff Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Date/Time
Date(s) - 11/09/2024
9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Location
War Bluff Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Categories
Sat Nov 9 – Open House at War Bluff Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Hike to War Bluff Stone Fort
Everyone is invited to the Annual Open House at War Bluff Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (228 Bushwack Road, Golconda, IL 62938) on Saturday November 9. Sponsored by Shawnee Chapter Illinois Audubon Society, there will be activities ongoing throughout the day and into the evening. At over 500 acres, War Bluff Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Illinois Audubon Society’s largest wildlife sanctuaries.
The day will begin with the Society’s usual second Saturday Stewardship activities. At 1 PM, those who are interested will hike to War Bluff Stone Fort, weather permitting. The hike will be followed by a chili cook-off, hot cider and camaraderie around the campfire or woodstove. Folks wishing a less strenuous hike are welcome to explore the sanctuary on the maintained trails.
Please join the Society for a fun day of exploration and relaxation. Come out for the entire day or just a few hours. A full belly, warm fire, stargazing, and friendly conversation are guaranteed. Who knows, we might even call in an owl or two. The event is free and open to the public, everyone is welcome, but please leave your pets at home.
Schedule:
9AM – Noon: Stewardship projects at the Wildlife Sanctuary. Wear appropriate clothing & footwear, bring work gloves, drinking water and lunch. Contact John Wallace at 618-534-7870 or forestally1@gmail.com for more info.
1-4 PM: Hike to the War Bluff itself (weather permitting). This is a moderate to strenuous hike – please dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear.
1-4 PM: Explore War Bluff Valley Wildlife Sanctuary – easy walking!
5 PM: Chili Cook-off: bring your offering in a crockpot or a pot to warm on the stove. All the fixings will be provided, as well as fresh local cider and a campfire. Please bring a ladle, something to drink and your own table service. * Contributions of chili is not required, but also not discouraged.
Directions to War Bluff Valley Wildlife Sanctuary: Take Route 146 north of Golconda 3.5 miles, turn left onto Bushwack Rd (look for the brown binocular sign). Follow Bushwack Rd about 2.2 miles to the Sanctuary entrance on the right – watch for the Illinois Audubon Sign. Bushwack Rd turns into a gravel road and crosses a low water ford – don’t give up – just keep going and you’ll get there! For more information, please contact ShawneeChapterIAS@gmail.com or call 618-534-7870.
Shawnee Chapter Illinois Audubon Society was formed in 1995 and serves as stewards of War Bluff Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Shawnee Chapter is the local chapter of the Illinois Audubon Society, with members from across southernmost Illinois and the state. We focus on issues of environmental significance to Southern Illinois, with special emphasis on those that pertain to the conservation and preservation of our native flora and fauna.