The Illinois Audubon Society has re-named a large nature preserve where 174 species of birds make their home. Over the weekend, members held a dedication ceremony at what Augustana College used to call the Green Wing Environmental Laboratory, located in Lee County. It's now called the Gremel Wildlife Sanctuary. The society bought it for about $2 million late last year.
Executive Director, Jim Herkert, says the Illinois Audubon Society bought the nearly 400-acre site with a special grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, its own funds, and a donation from long-time society member, Russell Gremel.
"He's a Chicago-area resident who wants to use his resources to protect nature and natural areas for others to enjoy in the future just like he used to."
Augustana College kept part of the Gremel Wildlife Sanctuary, including some restored prairie and field station buildings. And the Illinois Audubon Society plans to work with students and faculty on programs for the public and other projects.
