Edwards Park and Conservation Area
In 2006 Bob Edwards called to ask if I had time meet with him. He sweetened the offer by adding there would be cider and donuts. Who could resist that! Bob shared his vision of creating a park and preserving some land. What you see here today is a gift to our community.
Beyond the Burr Oak and within the sweeping valley below us is an historical remnant from Boone County’s past. Side hill seeps edge these gentle slopes while a meandering stream winds its way south.
Joe Pye weed and goldenrod add color to various shades of green that seem to flush against the push of the wind. We have observed pairs of Henslow’s Sparrows – ground nesting birds that are just starting to make a comeback from being a state endangered species. Bob and Betty Edwards have gifted us a gem. As hard as we might try, it is nearly impossible to recreate the complex geomorphology and ecological scheme that remains tucked away in this nook of Boone County.
We hope to preserve these features for all to enjoy. But, we also hope to share the history and educational opportunity that exists here. Most everyone in Boone County knows that Bob was a science teacher. As a teacher he took great pride in passing on the wonder of nature to his students. This heritage will continue as it is our ambition to continue environmental learning at this site. Centrally located within the County this facility showcases restoration of native prairie, provides habitat for a diverse community of plant and animal species – especially pollinators and other species in greatest need of conservation. This site also showcases a remnant segment of a naturally meandering headwater stream and adjoining side slope wetlands known as a fen, which is a rare type of wetland habitat that is not replicable due to its complex hydrology and geomorphic setting. The site is now an excellent example of how native plant communities can contribute to storm water management systems in both the rural and urbanizing landscapes. We encourage the public to observe these features first-hand to see how well they function and transfer these concepts to their own homes, backyards, and businesses. Bob and Betty have definitely given more than they may have realized.
Figure 1. The Edwards Park & Conservation Area is outlined in red in this aerial photograph.
Bob and Betty donated this property so that the public could enjoy its beauty. Other organizations and individuals have helped bring this site into public use sooner than the District could have on its own. The Park and Conservation Foundation accepted this property as a donation and is holding it until the District can utilize the value of the property as matching funds toward a future grant application. Until that time, the District will lease this property from the Park and Conservation Foundation.
In addition, we are most grateful to Chum’s Foundation for building the shelter, providing the picnic tables, installing the rock barricades and paved entrance, planting the tree and shrub borders, eradicating undesirable, and invasive plant species such as Multiflora Rose, much, much more. Chum’s Foundation made access and use of this site possible.
And, we also need to thank the Kishwaukee Chapter of Pheasants Forever for providing the seed for the native prairie planting you see here today. With time, these prairie plants will establish a root system so deep and intensive, that almost no rainwater will leave this hillside. Eliminating erosion and maximizing groundwater recharge.
As you can see, a lot of resources have been invested into this site already. This is only a beginning. But, it’s a good one!