May 14, 2024
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Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Wilmington invites community to virtual listening session

Midewin wants public input on the future of recreation at the prairie.

By Denise M. Baran-Unland
Catherine Game looks for grassland birds along the Henslow Trail at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. The public is invited to provide input for a plan for the future of birdwatching and other recreational activities at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie on Tuesday, March 22, 2022.

Catherine Game looks for grassland birds along the Henslow Trail at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. The public is invited to provide input for a plan for the future of birdwatching and other recreational activities at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie on Tuesday, March 22, 2022. (Michael Kardas)

Midewin National Prairie wants the community input as it creates a 20-year vision for the future of recreation at the Wilmington prairie, according to a news release from Midewin.

So Midewin is inviting the public to share their ideas and thoughts at a virtual listening session from 7 to 8 p.m. March 22. These six questions will be asked:

1. Have you visited Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, and if so, what was your experience like? What do you remember most?

2. What would like to see at Midewin NTP?

3. What do you like about your favorite outdoor recreation spot?

4. Are there programs that the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service should consider providing at Midewin NTP that you have seen implemented successfully elsewhere?

5. Are there groups or organizations that would appreciate connecting with Midewin NTP?

6. Are there examples of recreational approaches that have been successful elsewhere in providing services and programs to underserved communities and connecting residents of underserved communities with nature and natural resources?

This Recreation Reimagined project will focus on these topics: Creating Inclusive and Welcoming Opportunities, Building Collaborative Relationships and Sustaining Benefits through Sustainable Practices, according to the release.

If you can’t participate March 22, send your reponses to sm.fs.Midewin_RSVP@usda.gov or USDA Forest Service, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, 30239 Highway 53, Wilmington, IL 60481.

To receive connection information for the listening sessions, call 815-423-6370 or email sm.fs.Midewin_RSVP@usda.gov.

For information about Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, visit fs.usda.gov/midewin.