|
As the “friends” group to the Franklin Creek State Natural Area, Franklin Creek Conservation Association operates the Grist Mill as our Welcome and Education Center, with current activities, temporary and permanent exhibits. FCCA hosts both regularly scheduled and special events from April through October.
Something interesting is always on the Calendar for visitors to join in. A guided hike or stewardship activities to improve the quality and biodiversity of the natural area happen throughout the year. A variety of special events pepper the season with everything from educational workshops, to corn grinding, to Evenings at the Mill, and other family friendly events. |
|
For years the Franklin Creek has been a favorite local recreation site. In 1970, Mrs. Winifred Knox donated 100 acres of land for wildlife preservation that her pioneer ancestors had settled. Through the 1970s, the Natural Land Institute purchased additional properties as they became available. Eventually the land was sold to the DNR, but wasn't staffed for five years.
Franklin Grove citizens, wanting to see the Franklin Creek area protected, organized in 1981 to form the Franklin Grove Creek and Preservation Corporation now called the Franklin Creek Conservation Association. For those five years, volunteers helped create the State Natural Area we enjoy today. In the 1990s, volunteers helped fundraise and build the Grist Mill. FCCA is mostly a volunteer-run organization with one full-time employee. When formed, FCCA was the first volunteer organization in the state to improve idle state-owned land for park and natural area purposes through volunteer efforts. Of the 125 state parks and natural areas in Illinois there are only 35 volunteer "friends groups" in existence. |
|
|
|
FCCA owns and restores land to eventually add to the State Natural Area. Today, 88 acres are under our stewardship, thanks to private donations and grants from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation. Ongoing land restoration and new public amenities are improving the outdoor experience for visitors with: a new pollinator prairie, wetland and butterfly garden, weed, tree, and bush removal, high-quality seed plantings, trails that connect previously separate parts of the natural area, and educational signs. In addition, FCCA continues to help improve the State Natural Area—most recently supporting construction of the contemplative signage, trail, and sculpture that are part of the Husar Memorial and the Larry Dunphy Memorial Storybook Trail.
|
FCCA CREATES NEW
|
Special Projects
|
Special projects also support our mission. Project 1480, named for its location at 1480 Old Mill Road, is a case in point. When FCCA purchased this foreclosed property in December 2017, surrounded on three sides by the natural area, the home and garage on this property were derelict and falling apart. The land, including the flood zone for the creek, was full of trash. Volunteers have begun cleaning up the property and renovating the house and garage. The house will house a commercial kitchen and community room on the ground level and become an Airbnb on the upper floors. The garage will store stewardship equipment. The undeveloped land at 1480 will be restored by FCCA and eventually sold to the State to incorporate into the Natural Area. Check out this link to see our progress!
All of these activities are possible because of volunteers. You too can help! Please visit our list of Volunteer Opportunities and check our Calendar regularly for land stewardship and Project 1480 work days. |