Fall Membership Meeting: "Floating Through Time: Life—of all kinds—on the Embarras

Rivers and their tributaries are portals into the past. Like a surgeon’s scalpel, flowing water reveals evidence of the past and reminds us that we live in a place of constant and sometimes profound change. Ancient oceans, tropical forests, continental glaciers, mammoths, mastodons, human history begins, earthquakes, and more, are chapters in the history of the Embarras River valley. History is the best guide to the future. Join us as we explore Embarras River valley history: you may be surprised by what we encounter.

Michael Wiant was trained in anthropology and archaeology. For 35 years, he had the privilege of being a member of the Illinois State Museum staff and learning from a unique group of scientists studying the landscape history of Illinois. A student of Native American history, understanding cultural development requires knowledge of the environment, among other things.  During his museum tenure and beyond, Dr. Wiant has devoted himself to education, and over the years, he has presented lectures, seminars, and university courses about life in Illinois.

Stay tuned while scientist and lifelong river activist, John Marlin, shares stories of political and legal battles that occurred 50-years ago to protect the Embarras, Sangamon, and Middle Fork from proposed dam projects. The outcomes of these battles saved riparian land that is now Allerton Park,  GPF’s Warbler Ridge Conservation Area, and Illinois' only wild and scenic river.

Everyone is welcome to this free event!

GPF Members are encouraged to stay for an exciting membership meeting which includes annual board member elections and business updates.