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Welcome to Prairie Rivers Network's e-Newz. We're excited to keep communities informed about volunteer opportunities, clean water issues, and river conservation news within our state.

-September 2008-

1. It's Our River Day - Making the Connection

2. Looking for Sangamon River Naturalists

3. 2008 River Steward Nomination

4. Become a Member of Prairie Rivers Network

It's Our River Day - Making the Connection

Saturday, September 20, 2008, offers river enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy their local river – this date marks the Fourth Annual It’s Our River Day. Initiated by Lt. Governor Pat Quinn in 2004, IORD is a day for volunteers to take care of their river by joining a cleanup, by helping to remove invasive species, or by teaching others how clean rivers and healthy river habitats benefit people, fish and wildlife.

To find the IORD event closest to you visit http://www.standingupforillinois.org/event.php?id=3358. Interested in having your event listed on the web? Contact Olivia Dorothy at the Lt. Governor’s office at 217-782-7884

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Looking for Sangamon River Naturalists

Established in 1962, the Illinois Paddling Council is dedicated to promoting the safe enjoyment of all phases of canoeing and kayaking in Illinois, assuring access to the state's waters, and protecting and preserving the natural resources within the state. All are invited to IPC’s Season Ender Paddle on Sunday, October 19th, 2008. This year the trip will follow a segment of the Lincoln Heritage Canoe Trail, which memorializes an early river journey by Abraham Lincoln on the Sangamon River. The Lincoln Heritage Canoe Trail, dedicated in 1965, is Illinois’ first designated river trail.

IPC’s Season Ender Paddle will follow a pleasant section of the Sangamon River, with few houses, big, gentle bends and a low gradient; frequent sand bars offer the opportunity to relax and enjoy a picnic. The trip length is 10 miles, although cars will also be parked at 5 and 7 mile points for those desiring a shorter paddle. Paddlers will meet at 9:30 am at the Irwin Bridge, near Salisbury, IL, to be ready to shuttle at 10 am.

For those not familiar with IPC's programs, this is an opportunity to learn about the group's success in partnering with Openlands to establish the Northeastern Water Trails System, as well as IPC's Water TrailKeepers project, which provides paddlers with the opportunity to adopt a stretch of river for the purposes of "trail" monitoring and
maintenance. While currently these projects are confined to the Northeastern region of Illinois, with the support of Illinois paddlers, IPC hopes to expand these programs to other areas of the state.

IPC invites any Sangamon River historians and naturalists to join the group for the paddle trip on the 19th. If you would like to volunteer, or if you would like to participate as a paddler, please contact Sigrid Pilgrim at sigpilgr@comcast.net, 847-328-0145. There is a $5 insurance fee for individuals who are not members of the American Canoe Association.

There will be additional events the day before the Season Ender Paddle in the New Salem area, including an afternoon tour of Menard County’s natural and historic features, led by Scott Hewitt from Lincoln’s New Salem Canoe. In the evening, Dr. Michael Wiant, Curator of Anthropology for the Illinois State Museum, and Director of Dickson Mounds Museum, will give a slide lecture presentation on the history of the Sangamon River and it's surrounding environment.

For more information about IPC and the Season Ender Paddle visit their website at www.illinoispaddling.org.

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2008 River Steward Nominations

Prairie Rivers Network is now accepting nominations for our 2008 River Steward Award. The River Steward Award recognizes individuals whose outstanding efforts contribute to the continued protection of Illinois rivers; by their example they inspire others to become advocates and stewards for the thousands of streams and rivers throughout Illinois .

The 2008 River Steward Award recipient will be honored at Prairie Rivers Network's annual dinner, November 21, 2008. The honoree and a guest, as well as the nominator, will be invited to attend the dinner for the awards ceremony. The award recipient will also be recognized on our website and in the media via a press release.

Too often, the outstanding river protection efforts and successes of individuals are not known outside of their local community. Prairie Rivers Network wants to recognize and celebrate these people and to share their victories with our members and river advocates throughout Illinois .

For information on how to nominate the next River Steward, email Cecily Smith at csmith@prairierivers.org. Or, visit our website www.prairierivers.org

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Become a Member

Not already a member of Prairie Rivers Network or need to renew your membership? Donate online to PRN online and help us protect water quality and river habitats to make our community a better place to live.

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Join our Watershed Listserv or visit our Events Calendar for more river related activities in Illinois.

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