Shawnee National Forest’s history topic of program planned at wetlands center

The U.S. Forest Service is continuing a series of programs to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the proclaiming of the Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois.

The programs are designed to give participants opportunities to learn about the history of the Shawnee National Forest and the many efforts made by dedicated residents of Southern Illinois who were instrumental in the creation of the only national forest in Illinois. 

A free program is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Barkhausen-Cache River Wetlands Center near Cypress.

The program is scheduled to include a presentation by Shawnee National Forest heritage program manager Mary McCorvie about the early history of the forest.

The program also is scheduled to feature a showing of “The Land Changes,” which is an historical film featuring the Shawnee National Forest. 

First produced in 1957 by the USDA Forest Service, the film features a newspaper man as he explains how worn out farmland can become an asset and how national forests are improved through reforestation, protection and proper management. 

Both starring roles in the film were played by Shawnee National Forest employees.

Leonard (Len) Farmer, who was a clerk and dispatcher at the Elizabethtown Ranger Station, played the newspaper man.

Also featured is Lindal Roberts, who was a forestry aide who worked at the Jonesboro Ranger Station. 

The 1957 film will be accompanied by presentation about the 80th anniversary of the Shawnee National Forest and why the forest was established during the 1930s.

The program is limited to 30 participants. To register, or for more information, contact the Cache River Wetlands Center at 618-657-2064, between now and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Organizers of the program note that because some audience members and others may have health issues related to immunity, participants are strongly encouraged to wear facemasks. For those who attend who do not have a facemask, one will be provided.

The Gazette-Democrat

112 Lafayette St.
Anna, Illinois 62906
Office Number: (618) 833-2158
Email: news@annanews.com

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