A River Gathering - Four Rivers Environmental Coalition

A River Gathering
June 20-22, 2013
Rockford, Illinois
The Spirit of the River
Join us at Rock Valley College’s Stenstrom Center for an event
packed with music, food, and discussion, as well as field sessions
to the Rock, Sugar, Pecatonica, and Kishwaukee Rivers.
Quick Links:
Maps, Directions, and Lodging Options
Thursday Field Sessions
Thursday Evening Entertainment at Prairie Street Brewhouse
Friday Field Sessions
Keynote Speaker at Cliffbreakers
Saturday Concurrent Sessions
Saturday Dinner at The Rock Bar and Grill
Registration Form
Individual registration is only $25
Outdoor Field Sessions cost $5 each
Register by June 7th; must be registered to attend
Field Sessions.
For more information, email tdawson@bccdil.org
A big thank you to our sponsors. Without you, this event wouldn’t be possible!
Rapids
Riffle
Smith Charitable Foundation
Mill Race:
Wild Ones
Tributary
GLR & Associates
Ox Bow:
Severson Dells
Aquifer
Eddy:
Winnebago County Soil and
Water Conservation District
Kishwaukee River Eco-Partnership
Winnebago County
Health Department
Lodging Options:
Directions:
Saturday sessions take place at the Stenstrom
Center, which is not on the main campus of
Rock Valley College.
4151 Samuelson Road, Rockford, 61109
Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort
815-282-3033
Hampton Inn Beloit
608-362-6000
You may also find camping at:
Rock Cut State Park
Winnebago County Forest Preserve Campgrounds
Thank You
The Four Rivers Environmental Coalition would like to
thank the following people for organizing this event:
Tina Dawson Scott
Boone County Conservation District
Robbin Snodgrass
Rock Valley College
Don Miller
Severson Dells
Janet Dahlberg
Byron Forest Preserve
Dennis Anthony
Winnebago Soil and Water Conservation District
Cover Photos by Dave Schumaker and Joleen Stinson
A River Gathering Page 2
Field Sessions
Thursday
Each field session has a $5 fee(Riverwalk $10).
Provide your own transportation; meeting locations and details will be emailed after June 7th.
8:00 am-11:00 am
Canoeing the North Branch of the Kishwaukee River
Josh Sage and Tim Craig, Boone County Conservation District
Canoe a gorgeous stretch of the Kishwaukee River
from Belvidere to the Distillery Conservation Area.
View some of our most recent restoration efforts and
cutting edge stream bank stabilization structures.
Intermediate paddling skills are a must. Bring your own
kayak or canoe, paddles, and personal flotation devices.
8:30 am- 12:00 pm
Hiking Tour of Nygren Wetland Preserve
Kevin Rohling, Natural Land Institute
Experience the natural history and restoration successes
and challenges of the 721 acre preserve. This will be an
approximately three mile hike through upland prairie and
floodplains of the Rock and Pecatonica Rivers. Discussion
will include prairie restoration, stream restoration, and invasive species challenges among others. The experience
will culminate at the confluence of the two great rivers.
Ages 12 and up please.
10:00 am-12:00 pm
Rock River History and Art Walk ($10)
Rockford Park District
Enjoy all the Sinnissippi Riverfront has to offer in
this tour of history and public art along the Rock
River. Start with a riverfront ride on Trolley Car 36,
then hop off and begin a 1.5 mile riverfront walk,
taking in Sinnissippi Riverfront Park, which includes historical rose and perennial gardens as well as the newly
refurbished Eclipse Lagoon. Our last stop will be the new
Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens. The trolley and most
pathways are wheelchair-accessible.
Photo by Micheal Lucas
200 Prairie Street,
Rockford, IL
(815) 277-9427
1:00-4:00pm
Paddle the South Branch of the Kishwaukee River
Don Miller and Greg Keilback , Severson Dells
This is a beautiful stretch of river between Oak Ridge
Forest Preserve and Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve
in Winnebago County. It is filled with great sycamore
trees, a rocky bottom river bed, and awesome bird songs.
We’ll stop and do a little mussel exploring, too. Depending on river levels beginning skills are all that is needed.
1:00-4:00 pm
Geocaching on the Kish
Janet Dahlberg, Byron Forest Preserve
Geocaching is a hobby that uses GPS coordinates to find
hidden containers. There are two million around the world-and many along the Kishwaukee River. GPS units and instruction provided--a great introduction to the game. We’ll
search for a dozen or so caches in the Kishwaukee, Blackhawk Springs, Deer Run, and Oak Ridge forest preserves.
1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Mussel Search on Turtle Creek
Lisie Kitchel, Wisconsin DNR
The Wisconsin DNR mussel expert will lead a mussel search and identification in Turtle Creek, under a historic five arch stone railroad bridge. Learn
about the mussel's history and life cycle. Expect
to find at least 10 different species shells and hopefully a few live mussels. Ages twelve and up, please.
Field sessions are dependent on
weather and river conditions.
Dinner on the Dock
5:00 pm- 10:00 pm
Live music begins at 6
Cash bar
Join us for a fun evening at the Prairie Street Brewhouse
in Rockford. The building, which sits on the Rock River,
dates back to the 1950s as the Peacock Brewery. Arrive at
your leisure and order from one of the many food vendors
available. Dinner is at your own expense. The Brewhouse
offers a unique opportunity to arrive by boat, canoe, or
kayak. We will offer a shuttle at 5:00 from the parking lot
of the Brewhouse to the canoe launch so that your car will
be waiting for you when you’ve finished dinner. Make sure
to drop off your canoe at the launch first!! Shuttle must be
arranged in advance. There will not be a shuttle offered at
the end of the evening. Provide your own boat.
A River Gathering, Page 3
Field Sessions
Friday
Each field session has a $5 fee.
Provide your own transportation to sessions.
Meeting locations and details will be emailed
after June 7th.
8:00 am-12:00 pm
Down the River With Aldo Leopold
Curt Carter, Land for Learning
Explore the beautiful Sugar River through the words, eyes,
and essays of Aldo Leopold. Learn, use, and share Leopold inspired natural history observations to strengthen
our perception of our “sense of place.” No cell phones,
smart phones, iphones, ipods, or ipads...canoes, jackets,
note pads and pencils provided. Some experience necessary.
9:00 am-12:00 pm
Canoe the Rock
Richie Wolf, Byron Forest Preserve
Paddle down a beautiful 7 mile section of the Rock River
and enjoy the amazing flora and fauna. Look for water
birds, eagles, beavers, and other critters. On the water for
2 hours. Two per canoe (three with a minor). All equipment provided.
10:00 am-12:00 pm
Life on Carver’s Rock
Lena Verkuilen, Welty Environmental Center
Meet at the main shelter in Carver-Roehl County Park
near Clinton, WI for a walking tour of this unique county
park. Bring your camera to record the limestone bluffs,
Spring Brook Creek, and beautiful fauna. Please note:
parts of this park contain areas of extreme topography.
All ages welcome.
Fishing on the Kish, photo by Jason Ippolito
A River Gathering Page 4
10:00 am-12:00 pm
Fly Casting Lesson
Trout Unlimited and Rock River Fly Casters
We’ll meet along the Kishwaukee River and learn or
sharpen our casting skills. All levels of experience are
welcome. If you don’t have your own equipment, a loan
can be arranged. Learn from the best and have great fun
while doing it!
10:30am-12:00
Indian Mounds and Logan Museum
Bill Green, Museum Director, Beloit College
Discover one of the largest groups of Indian mounds
remaining in the Rock River Valley, and see cultural treasures from around the world. Beloit College is the home
to 20 ancient effigy, linear, and conical mounds as well as
the renowned Logan Museum of Anthropology.
Field sessions are dependent on
weather and river conditions.
Lunch will be on your own. Please check driving
distances between morning and afternoon
sessions to ensure you leave adequate time.
1:00 pm- 3:00 pm
Fly Fishing the Kish
Trout Unlimited and Rock River Fly Casters
You’ve practiced your cast, now learn where the fish are
and how to get them while fly fishing! Expect to land
sunfish and bass. This session compliments the morning
fly casting lesson, though attendance isn’t a prerequisite
if you have some experience. Equipment can be provided, or bring your own.
Participants must have a valid Illinois fishing license.
1:00 pm-4:00 pm
The Rock River Fur Canoe Trail
Rick Barton, Paddle and Trail
Starting at the City of Beloit canoe and kayak launch,
you’ll follow the fur trader’s trail 6 miles down the Rock
River to the historic Macktown Settlement where French
Fur Trader Stephen Mack’s trading post still stands. This
stretch of river is very wooded, scenic and quiet with frequent sightings of eagles. Call Paddle and Trail @ 815363-9066 to rent canoes/kayaks if needed.
Friday sessions are continued
on the next page
Field Sessions (continued)
Friday
1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Illinois’ Friendliest Paddle
Pecatonica River Foundation
Canoe a nice 8 mile stretch of the Pecatonica River. Lots
of fun and easy enough for the whole family! Bring your
own kayak or canoe, paddles, and personal flotation devices. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Macroinvertebrate Sampling
Lena Verkuilen, Welty Environmental Center
Be ready to get wet as we sample life in Spring Brook
Creek running through Carver-Roehl County Park near
Clinton, WI. Data collected helps show the water quality
and overall health of the stream. All ages welcome, but
adults must accompany children.
2:30 pm-3:30 pm
In the River on the Kishwaukee River Basin
Sarah Bales, Illinois Natural History Survey
Sarah will show the seining methods that have been used
in IEPA basin surveys for nearly 30 years. Take part in
gathering specimens from the Kish and help evaluate
stream conditions and quality of mussel communities.
The Kishwaukee River will be sampled as part of the
basin survey next year.
Brian Doyle,
Self-Portrait
Photo by Karen Mardahl
Friday Night Keynote
This event is free and open to the public!
At Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort in Rockford.
700 West Riverside Blvd.
815-282-3033
6:00 pm Opening reception and refreshments
6:30-7:30 pm Brian Doyle, Stories are Like Rivers
...They wander and tumult along, and people can be
cleansed or drowned by them, and they harbor incalculable life, and without them we would die, and they are the
wild veins that run through our lives and countries filled
with that which we cannot live without; with side jaunts
into hawks and shoes and Springsteen and wolverines and
kids and other miracles.
Join us for light appetizers and plenty of conversation at
Cliffbreakers in Rockford. Enjoy the view of the Rock
River at this “jewel of Rockford,” considered one of the
finest venues in northern Illinois for dining and events.
Cash bar and social “hour” after the event.
Browse a display of wooden boats and canoes brought in
just for the event!
Brian Doyle is the editor of Portland Magazine at the
University of Portland – “the finest spiritual magazine
in America,”– and the author of thirteen books, among
them the Oregon novel Mink River.
Copies of some of Brian’s work will be available for purchase, with time allowed for autographs, including Mink
River, The Grail, The Wet Engine, and Grace Notes.
A River Gathering, Page 5
Saturday
Saturday sessions take place at the Stenstrom Center.
There is no additional fee to attend.
Curt Carter
Reflections
8:30-9:00 am Check In and Registration
9:00-9:15 Welcome
9:15-10:00 Curt Carter, Land for Learning
Reflections From the Stern of the Canoe
Curt Carter has been taking people on outdoor
education and adventure trips long enough to be called
an expert. Throw in some guitar playing, singing, and
storytelling, then add an audience...it will be an experience you won’t soon forget!
Sessions
10:10 am-11:00 am
Stories--Let’s Write Them Down
Brian Doyle, University of Portland
Brian takes his amazing keynote farther and talks about
the writing process and finding inspiration around you.
There will be time for discussion and Q&A, also.
Kayak Fishing the Four Rivers
Colin Belle, Paddle and Trail
Hear about some of the local waterways, lakes, rivers and
streams that are good for kayak angling in our region and
the types of species you can expect, as well as the type
of equipment and set-up you might use for rivers and
smaller lakes. In addition, learn about the new meetup
group Midwest Kayak Anglers and how to join.
Paddle and Trail will also have a selection of fishing
kayaks on display.
Paddling the River Trails of Northern Illinois
and Southern Wisconsin
Mark Morrall, Morrall Films
Mark and his crew have been filming, documenting, and
producing video guides to paddling rivers and creeks
located in the stateline area for the past three years. They
will share footage, narration, and anecdotes to encourage you to get out and paddle! Discover resources you
didn’t know were in your own backyard--and learn about
some sections of nearby waters that are paddling favorites. Everything you’ll see is within a two hour drive of
Rockford.
A River Gathering Page 6
10:10 am-11:00 am (continued)
From Paddler or Angler to Project Organizer to
Watershed Group Leader: Riding the Current
Duke Welter, Trout Unlimited
Often our fellow river lovers move through successive
stages of leadership and skill development, from
recreational user to informed active river protector.
Along the way there are tools waiting to be picked up and
used. Our Driftless Area restoration project
trainings have helped bring many such people along that
continuum.
11:10 am-12:00 pm
Incidents from a Life Afield:
Sometimes Things Just Go Wrong.
Tom Lindblade, Canoe Instructor/Trainer
No matter how well planned, teaching in the field
involves unknown factors and risk--things go wrong.
Over a career spanning several decades and continents,
Tom has dealt with drawn guns, participated in successful and unsuccessful mountain rescues, been marooned
in Pakistan, has had students arrested, vehicles break
down, and students lost. But lessons can be learned from
such incidents! Tom will share some of his most dramatic
stories and what he took away from each one.
Hidden Treasures: Mussel Communities in the Rock River Basin
Sarah Bales, Illinois Natural History Survey
For over 30 years the Illinois Environmental Protection
Agency and IDNR have been surveying and assessing the
quality of stream basins on a rotating basis. A project to
add mussel surveys to part of this aquatic community
assessment was first undertaken in 2009. Hear what was
found in the Rock River mainsteam and tributaries and
learn about what’s planned for this summer--which
includes the Kishwaukee River and the Pecatonica
basin. Children twelve and up; must be accompanied by
an adult.
Saturday
Sessions (continued)
11:10 am-12:00 pm (continued)
Photo by Tom Gill
Please bring your own mug or cup to use during
the day. You’ll get extra raffle tickets for prizes at
the closing session!
Lunch
Going With the Flow
Megan Pease, Ph.D. and Joey Holmes, Ph.D.,
Rock Valley College
We’ll take you on a visual and exploratory journey from
the headwaters of the Sugar, Pecatonica, Rock, and Kishwaukee Rivers to the Gulf of Mexico, discovering that
what we do in our own backyards can have far-reaching
impacts. We’ll make you feel like you are at the headwaters, exploring water quality of rivers and surrounding
creeks and the connections with the underground water
systems. We will take a look at live samples from each
watershed to explore the biodiversity.
12:00 pm
A selection of deli sandwiches, chips, dessert, and drinks
will be available at the Stenstrom Center
(including vegetarian), and is complimentary with your
registration. Catered by Josefs of Barbados.
1:00 pm-1:50 pm
A Survey of Herps in the Four Rivers Region
Joe Haverly, Rock Valley College
Illinois is populated by a rich variety of reptiles and amphibians, numbering over 100 species. This can partly be
explained by the size of our state, its central location, and
the fact that a number of biogeographic ranges extend
Rock River Water Trail and overlap within its borders. Although the vast majority of natural habitat has been degraded or destroyed,
Greg Farnham, Rock River Trail Initiative
many examples are still commonly seen and/or heard.
The Rock River Water Trail is a regional water trail of
In this session, we will review the natural history of a
the Upper Midwest, flowing 330 miles through two states
number of the reptiles and amphibians found scattered
from south central Wisconsin to the Mississippi River at
throughout the prairie state.
the Quad Cities. The river meanders down a gentle gradient to safely carry the water traveler and recreational
enthusiast alike past picturesque landscapes, natural wilThe American Pearl Rush and Its Sugar River Beginnings
derness areas and vibrant urban riverfronts. The Water
George Johnson
Trail is of national significance for its great diversity and
In August of 1889, a perfect pearl was found in a Sugchoice of landscape, vista and recreational experience
ar River clam at Albany Wis. Overnight, everyone was
and for its ease of accessibility.
wading into the Sugar---and then into most of America’s other rivers---in what newspapers soon dubbed The
Pearl Rush! A shipment of 93 pearls from the Sugar sold
in London for $1,400,000 (today’s dollars). At Chicago’s
1893 World’s Colombian Exposition, Sugar and Pecatonica River pearls valued at $3,000,000 were on display.
George Johnson will recount uncovering this lost story
of the world’s richest pearl beds right here in our own
rivers.
River clams; photo by Wisconsin DNR
Saturday sessions are continued
on the next page
A River Gathering, Page 7
Saturday
2:00 pm-2:50 pm
Organizing Efforts Towards Completing Stephenson
County’s Pecatonica River Water Trail
Roger Schamberger
Learn about the history and ongoing efforts to complete
the Pecatonica River Water Trail within Stephenson
County. Dubbed “Illinois’ Friendliest Paddle” by the Illinois Paddling Council for its appealing, consistent, and
accessible design elements, the vision for the water trail
at completion will tie together 58 miles of historic, agricultural, and urban communities from Winslow, IL to
the Winnebago County border.
Photo by Bill & Vicki Tracey
Sessions (continued)
1:00 pm-1:50 pm (continued)
Paddling the River Trails of Northern Illinois
and Southern Wisconsin
Mark Morrall, Morrall Films
Mark and his crew have been filming, documenting, and
producing video guides to paddling rivers and creeks
located in the stateline area for the past three years. They
will share footage, narration, and anecdotes to encourage you to get out and paddle! Discover resources you
didn’t know were in your own backyard--and learn about
some sections of nearby waters that are paddling favorites. Everything you’ll see is within a two hour drive of
Rockford.
A River Runs Through Us Jim Roberts, Author, Kayaker, Activist
Crack open the soul and look at how “rivers” run though
our depths, our dreams, and our stories. We will share
Native American stories and the ways in which rivers
have challenged, nourished, and healed our lives. Bring
your own river story.
Close Encounters of the River Bird Kind
Greg Keilback, Severson Dells Nature Center (WCFPD)
Greg will take us on a virtual ride down the local rivers
with stories and slides of birds seen along the way. Learn
to identify species and calls, and where to find them. We
see numerous birds flying the riverscapes as we paddle,
fish, or walk the rivers; we should take the time to meet
some of our avian neighbors!
Organizations on the local rivers
Friends of the Kishwaukee River
Stateline Canoers
Lower Sugar River Watershed Association
These two groups offer many things to area river enthusiasts. Come on out and listen to what they do and how
you can get involved. If you represent another organization you will get a chance to let people know about how
they can get involved with your group too.
Photo by Kenneth Cole Schneider
A River Gathering Page 8
River Tributes Panel
Saturday
3:00 pm- 3:45 pm
We have invited a panel of river enthusiasts to share
with us their musings on the distinctive spririts of a
river: the recreational, generational, biological, and
sacred.
Panelists:
Katie Townsend
President, Four Rivers Environmental Coalition
Joe Haverly
Professor, Rock Valley College
Susan Dooley
Director, Learning & Opportunity Center, Rock Valley
College
Joey Holmes
Professor, Rock Valley College
Sunset on the Rock River, Photo by Marc Preuschl
Dinner
6:00 pm Social Hour
Cash Bar and Appetizers
Closing and Raffle
3:45 pm- 4:00 pm
7:00 pm Dinner
Stick around for the final remarks. You might win a door
prize!
8:00 pm Live Music by
Curt Carter
You will be given a raffle ticket for each field trip and special river event you attended, as well as a ticket if you
brought along your own cup or mug to use today.
All of our door prizes were donated by local organizations
and businesses. Thank you!!
The Four Rivers Environmental Coalition is an alliance
of public and private organizations. Its purpose is to
advocate, educate and plan for the protection of the
natural resources and biodiversity in the watersheds of
the four rivers region of northern Illinois and southern
Wisconsin. The Rock, Kishwaukee, Sugar and Pecatonica
are each unique and beautiful rivers rich with historical,
recreational and biological value. The goal of the FREC is
to provide a platform for partnership and leadership in
the protection of these natural assets that are critical to
this area’s economy and health.
For more info, visit www.fourriver.org
Join us for dinner at The Rock Bar and Grill in
Beloit with its fantastic food and gorgeous view. Choose
between roasted chicken, veggie lasagna, or salmon.
Cost: $35/person
The Rock Bar and Grill
101 Maple Avenue, Beloit, WI
(608) 363-7625
Photo by Curt Carter
A River Gathering, Page 9
Registration form
Family Name:
Number Attending:
First Name(s):
0
654321 ($150)
($25)
($50)
($75)
($100)
($125)
Zip:
Address:
Cell Phone:
Email:
Your email and cell number will be used to convey Field Session information only.
Thursday Field Session
Number attending
Canoeing the North Branch of the Kish 0
654321 ($30)
($5)
($10)
($15)
($20)
($25)
0
Tour of Nygren Wetland Preserve
654321 ($30)
($5)
($10)
($15)
($20)
($25)
0
Rock River History and Art Walk
654321 ($60)
($10)
($20)
($30)
($40)
($50)
0
Paddle the South Branch of the Kish
654321 ($30)
($5)
($10)
($15)
($20)
($25)
0
Geocaching on the Kish
654321 ($30)
($5)
($10)
($15)
($20)
($25)
0
Mussel Search on Turtle Creek
654321 ($30)
($5)
($10)
($15)
($20)
($25)
Number attending
0
Down the River with Aldo Leopold
654321 ($30)
($5)
($10)
($15)
($20)
($25)
0
Canoe the Rock
654321 ($30)
($5)
($10)
($15)
($20)
($25)
0
Life on Carver’s Rock
6543210 ($30)
($5)
($10)
($15)
($20)
($25)
Fly Casting Lesson
6543210 ($30)
($5)
($10)
($15)
($20)
($25)
Indian Mounds and Logan Museum
6543210 ($30)
($5)
($10)
($15)
($20)
($25)
Fly Fishing the Kish
($5)
($10)
($15)
($20)
($25)
0654321 ($30)
Rock River Fur Canoe Trail
6543210 ($30)
($5)
($10)
($15)
($20)
($25)
Illinois’ Friendliest Paddle
6543210 ($30)
($5)
($10)
($15)
($20)
($25)
Macroinvertebrate Sampling
6543210 ($30)
($5)
($10)
($15)
($20)
($25)
In the River on the Kishwaukee Basin
654321 ($30)
($5)
($10)
($15)
($20)
($25)
Number attending
Thursday Evening
Prairie Street Brewhouse
0
123456
Friday Evening
Keynote at Cliffbreakers
0
123456
Saturday Evening
Dinner at The Rock
0
654321 ($210)
($35)
($70)
($105)
($140)
($175)
Dinner Options:
Chicken
Vegetarian
Lasagna
Friday Field Session
Field sessions are dependent on weather and river conditions.
You must be registered for the gathering to attend field sessions.
Meeting locations and other details will be mailed to you after June 7th.
Salmon
Totals
0
123456
0
123456
0
123456
Registrations $
Field Sessions $
Saturday Dinners $
Total Amount Due $
Please make checks payable to:
Four Rivers Environmental Coalition
Print this form and mail with payment by Friday, June 7th to:
Print Packet
BCCD
Attn: Tina Dawson
603 N. Appleton Road
Belvidere, IL 61008