After an earlier rain, the weather cooperated to bless “darn near a mile-long ‘Welcome’ mat, put out by Friends of the Parks!” proclaimed George Bellovics. He is the Landscape Architect who helped design the extension of the bicycle trail which parallels Crosby Road. Supportors of all ages and canine companions gathered at noon, on the hill at the Mt. Pleasant Township Garage on Norrish Road, Morrison, IL.
Thirteen lucky participants symbolically opened the first phase of the Morrison-Rockwood Recreational Trail on Thursday, June 19, 2014. They celebrated nearly two decades of dedicated effort by the Friends of the Parks Foundation (FOPF), cooperation with governmental agencies, property owners, and generous donors.
There were smiles all around from, left-to-right, Jill Dykoff (Office of Senator Dick Durbin), George Bellovics (Landscape Architect, IL Department of Natural Resources), Ann Slavin (FOPF), Don Jirasek (FOPF donor), the Honorable Mike Jacobs (Illinois State Senator), Stanley Mitick (FOPF), Everett Pannier (Mayor, City of Morrison), Glenn Ackeberg (FOPF), Barb Benson (FOPF), Roger Stuart (FOPF), Marc Adami (FOPF), Ed Barsotti (Executive Director, League of Illinois Bicyclists), and Bob Brandon (FOPF.)
Below, Mayor Pannier began the remarks by offering thanks to the Friends of the Parks Foundation, for this .8 of a mile extension of the City bike path and for paying the City’s share of the costs, above and beyond the DNR grant. He acknowledged the City Council, Chamber of Commerce Administrator Corinne Bender, Mitick, and Slavin. He thanked three families who offered easements across their land: Kenneth and Sandy Kophamer;Tim and Ann Slavin; Harvey and Karen Zuidema. The Mayor is shown leaving the podium as Senator Jacobs makes his comments, praising this outdoor asset.
Barsotti noted Grand Illinois Trail and Parks (GITAP) was the first group user of the trail. Members were on the 12th annual overnight bike tour in northwest Illinois, from Sunday, June 15, through Friday, June 20. He said they specifically planned to attend this dedication and stay overnight in Morrison. On Friday morning they would depart for Oregon, IL, where the trek began.
FOPF member Ackeberg displayed a trophy that was awarded to the organization on Tuesday, April 15, by the League of Illinois Bicyclists LIB.) It is the Initiative Award. He read remarks from Mitick.
At 12:30, Atwood Center Manager Tom Hill entertained the audience with a “Birds of Prey” demonstration, sponsored by Tim Slavin, ADR Services, of Morrison. Shown are injured birds with fascinating hunting abilities, were they able to return to flight. Their compelling eyes are protected by two lenses, but the ears are the more accute sense organ. For example, the barred owl on the left can hear a vole’s heartbeat from 100 yards away, even though the rodent is hiding under leaves. The great horned owl demonstrated how far it can turn its head. Hill stated they weigh one and three pounds, respectively, and the talons are the dangerous part of each bird, rather than the beak. Hill has the scar to prove it; a talon pierced his finger.
Interestingly, they prefer to eat the head of their prey, as it is tasty and nutritious. That is why regurgitated “owl pellets” often contain more than one skull when dissected. Birds of prey are in peril from hunters and drivers. People who throw food out car windows cause rodents to come after an easy meal. Birds of prey swoop down to eat those rodents and are struck by vehicles. All three of Hill’s specimens were maimed by vehicles. The Editor asked if these hunters show affection towards their handlers. He said they do. For example, the barred owl will sometimes nestle close to him.
To conclude the event local optometrist, Dr. Bradley R. Yaklich, brought to the hilltop two children’s bicycles to donate to a girl and a boy. Before he could even draw the name of the female winner, three-year-old Emmeline Rider walked half-way up the hill to claim “her” prize. People chuckled and her mother, Katie, called her back. That was the moment Dr. Yaklich drew Emmeline’s name! Later Katie said her daughter told people she was going to win the bike. Lucky Joshua Cozzie took home the boy’s bike. Both youngsters are from Morrison. FOPF member Bob Brandon, at left, gave each child a helmet.
By about 1:30 most of the visiting GITAP bicyclists were on their way. Morrison is “one of [their] favorite places to bike,” stated Barsotti.
Tucked into the west end of the trail’s horseshoe bend is one of two benches, designed to allow a few people to rest. Morrison Area Community Foundation donated these as pausing points along the Morrison-Rockwood Recreational Trail. Enjoy!
