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In March, 2004, the Illinois Audubon Society took title to Plum Island,
a 55-acre island in the Illinois River just down stream from the lock
and dam at Starved Rock State Park. In early 2001, developers proposed
building an upscale 250-room hotel on the island complete with a huge
60-slip marina and private, luxury cabins, and a five star restaurant.
Soon Friends of Plum Island was formed as a committee of the Illinois
Audubon Society. After more than three years of letter writing, envelope
stuffing, petition circulating, public lobbying, rallies, and much more,
the developers dropped their plans and negotiated the sale of the property
with the Trust for Public Land. Marilyn Campbell, director of the Illinois
Audubon, wrote, “Ed McCullough, an attorney and a member of the
Friends of Plum Island committee, had an office just down the hall from
Trust for Public Land and was able to engage their interest and help with
the project early on.” (Illinois Audubon magazine, Summer 2004).
Since the winter of 1996-97, eagles have been roosting on the two islands.
Upwards of 100 have been counted in recent winters. Eagles wintering amidst
this river of commerce is a big attraction. In recent winters, the Illinois
Audubon Society and others have has hosted a Bald Eagle Watch Weekend
attracting five or more thousands of bird watchers. When the river is
frozen solid, the eagles will congregate in goodly numbers. At the Starved
Rock Lock and Dam Visitors Center, every winter, thousands of adults and
children are inspired by the sight of eagles in the trees and fishing
in the cold waters below the dam.
Now, Plum Island is an Illinois Audubon nature sanctuary, closed to the
public. Edwin is a member of the sanctuary committee and working on improving
the ecology of Plum Island.
Please click here for the
link to the Illinois Audubon Society.
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Photograph by Tom Williams
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