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

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.