Field Trip to Restore Fulton’s Prairie: A Community Visit

The Fulton Historical Society is arranging a day out on March 15 at two in the afternoon, taking folks to a nearby prairie restoration project. The event is led by Dean Huisingh, who founded the society and also runs a conservation foundation that works to protect Illinois plants and animals. He will show slides about the work done by his foundation, which focuses on saving species through habitat restoration and education. Normally the society meets once a month at its museum, but this trip offers members a chance to see real conservation work up close.The talk will cover how Illinois’s landscape has changed since early settlers arrived, noting that almost all of the original prairie is gone and many species have disappeared. A highlight will be how the Huisingh Foundation is actively rebuilding those habitats. The site is at 17170 Elston Road, reached by taking Illinois 84 onto Holly Road, south of the East Clinton railroad tracks, then about a mile north on Elston. The main building is on the right side of the road and there is plenty of parking, with easy access for everyone. Attendees can enjoy snacks provided by the society, and those who want more details can call Barbara Mask at 563‑321‑0318.