DU QUOIN, IL - For 11 days a year, the Du Quoin State Fair bustles with carnival rides and livestock exhibitors, food vendors and live music. Yet, the fair takes up only a fraction of the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, leaving hundreds of acres in their natural state.
This green space presents a unique opportunity not only to restore native species and improve habitats but also to create educational opportunities for the public.
"We are continually looking for new ways to incorporate conservation techniques at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds," said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. "We have an obligation as stewards of the land to develop more natural spaces that restore native species and enhance pollination."
New Nature Area Signs
While the grounds have always been open to the public, throughout the past year, the team has worked hard to clean up, build out and label nature areas to encourage more public use. A new logo, which showcases the Du Quoin State Fairground's iconic white bridge as well as a great blue heron, a popular local resident, was developed to identify Nature Areas. Signs featuring the new logo dot the grounds to increase public awareness of nature areas throughout the fairgrounds. A five-year plan for climate-smart development of nature areas is also in development.
Trail
The first walking trail, one of several planned, is now open. The trailhead is marked with a new sign identifying trail length (0.4 miles) and difficulty (easy) as well as facts, figures and photos to educate visitors. Invasive management efforts continue with the removal of oriental bittersweet, autumn olive and other non-native plants and trees. Boxes to house wood ducks were built by the Du Quoin High School industrial arts class and installed within viewing distance from the trail.
"With the development of the first-ever nature trail on these grounds, we hope to provide individuals and families with easier access to interact with the natural beauty that surrounds us," said Luke Davison, manager of the Du Quoin State Fair. "It is our goal to prioritize the Du Quoin State Fairground Nature Areas to promote the uniqueness of this place year-round as a destination for those seeking recreation and nature viewing."
Pollinator Garden
Native pollinators were planted to provide nectar and pollen for honeybees, butterflies, birds and bats. Grasses and flowers in the pollinator garden are low maintenance, drought tolerant and do not require fertilizer. The pollinator garden is also marked with a new sign to educate visitors.
Du Quoin State Fair staff hope to add volunteer opportunities to their ongoing conservation efforts soon. Visit DuQuoin State Fair to learn more and follow along on social media for updates on the progress.
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