Taking Care of Our Natural Areas

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Franklin Creek is a State Natural Area and is maintained to benefit the plants and animals that live here. Land stewardship is essential to our future. By preserving, restoring, and maintaining our natural areas we gain a better understanding of the world around us. Whether this means joining us to pick up trash, remove invasive species, or collect seeds, taking care of the land will give you a sense of wonder and appreciation for the smallest flowers and the tallest trees. ​

Trail Clean Up
If you are interested in helping clear the pre-existing trails at Franklin Creek State Natural Area and would like to get involved, please contact us by phone (815.456.2718) or email. 

• You MUST confirm your attendance at least ONE day before for ALL activities (call, email, etc.).
• You must be able to transport yourself to the site listed.
• ​Please wear appropriate clothing (long pants, closed toe shoes, etc.), bring water, gloves, bug spray, and sunscreen.
• Workdays may be canceled due to inclement weather.
• FCCA waiver must be completed before a FCCA workday (all Stewardship Days)
• If participating in a DNR workday (example: trail cleanup) in the State Natural Area, the DNR Volunteer waiver should be filled out too.​​​
• Any questions and all waivers should be emailed to engage@franklincreekconservation.org

Upcoming 2023 Workdays
Come join us for Saturday workdays throughout the year led by Susan Kleiman from 9 am to 12 pm. Volunteers will meet 15 mins prior to the workday at the Grist Mill and then drive to the workday location. Please dress accordingly for the weather and bring work gloves, water, a snack, and a filled-out FCCA waiver. Restrooms may not be available. Possible activities include pulling invasive species, picking and spreading seed, burning brush piles, and carefully applying herbicide on encroaching woody plants depending on the weather and season. Please RSVP and direct all questions and early filled out volunteer agreements to engage@franklincreekconservation.org. Advanced registration is required.​​ Dates may change due to weather and availability. Follow us on Facebook or email us for up-to-date information. 

​Dates: March 25th (cancelled due to weather), April 29th, June 17th, July 22nd, August 19th, Sept 23rd, Oct 21st, and Dec 9th

FCCA Waiver

DNR Volunteer Waiver

DNR Self Disclosure

DNR Authorization

Yellow Sweet Clover invading a remnant hill prairie.

Eric Thomas removes Yellow Sweet Clover from a remnant hill prairie.

Hilltop Prairie free from invasive Yellow Sweet Clover.