Heart of Illinois Group (Peoria)

Contacts:

Bob Jorgensen, Chair

jestpr@aol.com

Phone 309-698-0325

Kiersten Sheets, Secretary

wtigerme@yahoo.com

Phone 309-249-2095

John Wosik, Newsletter editor

Johnwosik@comcast.net

Phone 309-243-2230

Call the group hotline to leave a message at 309-637-1393

Meetings:

Every third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m.

in the Forest Park Nature Center,

5809 Forest Park Dr., Peoria, IL 61614

Please note:

June location varies due to the annual picnic.

December date can vary due to holidays

Phone the group hotline 309-637-1393 for latest information (meetings, etc.)

Ongoing projects:

1. Illinois river water monitoring - monthly check of eight locations

2. Highway clean-up crew - we pick up trash for fun & recycling

3. Prairie restoration - prairie burns & other work with local Prairie Dawgs

4. Outings to conservation issue areas - hikes and other trips

Sample list of issues heart of Illinois has won:

1. Stopped more light pollution by lobbying Peoria city council and won a vote to stop doubling decorative lights on Illinois river bridge.

2. Kept yard waste out of the local landfill by lobbying Peoria city council as part of coalition to stop "test project" of putting yard waste in landfill. (The city wanted to get state law exemption.)

3. Held "requiem for trees" public relations campaign to protest strip mall destruction of large oaks.
   Initiated tree protection ordinance efforts with city committee.

4. Historic battle to build the rock island trail, now a successful linear state park.