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U of I Extension volunteers restoring island sanctuary · Illinois Valley - Shaw Local

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  U of I Extension volunteers Restoring Island Sanctuary. This
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  article is being read by an automated voice, brought to you by
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  Everlet. The University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist Volunteers recently
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  helped restore and protect a wildlife habitat as part of ongoing stewardship
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  work at the Plum Island Eagle Sanctuary. The Plum Island Eagle Sanctuary
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  is a 45-acre island serving as a wintering area for bald eagle
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  wildlife. The sanctuary was protected from development in 2004 and remains closed
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  to support conservation efforts and habitat restoration. The Plum Island Eagle Sanctuary
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  reforestation and habitat management activities are assisted by volunteers. The sanctuary is
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  owned and managed by the Illinois Audubon Society. The Master Naturalist volunteers
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  partnered with the Illinois Audubon Society to improve the island sanctuary's habitat
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  conditions. The volunteers assisted with tree planting, plant surveys, invasive species removal,
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  and stewardship activities designed to support a diverse and healthy ecosystem. The
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  Master Naturalist volunteers have planted more than 1,100 trees to stabilize the
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  island shoreline, reduce erosion, and provide future roosting and nesting habitats. Plum
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  Island has easily become my favorite place to volunteer. University of Illinois
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  Extension Master Naturalist Gillian Pender said in a news release. It's rewarding
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  to see the growth of trees that were planted just last October.
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  One of my favorite things is hearing the eagles calling to each
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  other and knowing we're playing a part in preserving their habitat. There's
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  something special about stepping off the boat onto The island and being
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  fully surrounded by nature and the peace it brings. The volunteers are
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  also working to remove invasive species threatening newly established vegetation. The stewardships
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  recently focused on clearing invasive reed canary grass and honeysuckle from young
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  trees. The master naturalist volunteers conducted plant surveys to document the island’s
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  species and guide restoration decisions. The Plum Island Stewardship Leader and University
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  of Illinois Extension, Master Naturalists, completed the island's first comprehensive plant survey
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  in 2025. The survey documented native species including false indigo bush and
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  buttonbush. The island stewardship plans on planting over 100 native shrubs along
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  the island's erosion-prone shoreline areas. University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist
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  Ellen Evanchek said some of the most memorable moments come from seeing
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  the results of past restoration efforts. One highlight was finding mature native
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  false indigo shrubs after removing invasive reed canary grass. Seeing eagles and
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  pelicans on the island is always a rewarding reminder of why this
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  work matters. According
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  to Plum Island Stewardship Committee Chair Don Gowern, volunteers have become an
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  essential part of the sanctuary's success. Partnering with our local U of
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  I Extension Master Naturalists has, without a doubt, increased Plum Island stewardship
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  protectivity. Gowern also said in the news release Master naturalists are knowledgeable
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  and dedicated volunteers who make a big difference toward reaching our habitat
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  restoration goals every year. According to University of Illinois Extension Natural Resources
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  Educator Emily Hansen, projects such as Plum Island demonstrate the impact that
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  trained volunteers can have on natural resource conservation. Master Naturalist volunteers play
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  an important role in protecting and restoring natural areas locally. Hansen said
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  in the news release, their dedication, knowledge, and willingness to get involved
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  allow important conservation work to happen while also strengthening connections between people
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  and the natural world. For more information, visit go.illinoy.edu slash blmpmn.