On April 17, 2004 the Minonk Successful Farmers 4-H Club participated in the Spring Tour with the Illinois State Geological Survey. The 4-Her's became acquainted with the geology, landscape, mineral resources, and biodiversity of Tazewell County. The 4-Her's learned that the Pekin area lies at the scenic boundary between the Bloomington Ridge Plain that was formed by glaciers nearly 22,000 years ago, and the Illinoian Glaciers from 125,000 years ago.
First stop on the tour was the Mackinaw River Valley in Manito where the 4-Her's augured for Grayslake Peat. These peat deposits began to form over 3 million years ago in the abandoned valley cut by the Mackinaw River. Along with rock and fossil searching, each 4-Her got a sample of the Grayslake Peat.
Next on the tour was the Henry Allan Gleason Nature Preserve, Sand Ridge State Forest, where a short hike to the 60-foot stabilized sand dune known as "Devil's Neck" provided the club with excellent photo opportunities of the flora and fauna that are unusual for Illinois.
The club then toured the Manito Investment West Side Sand Co, where foundry sand, as well as blasting and fill sand is mined. The 4-Her's learned that the sand was deposited by glacial meltwater in the area during the Wisconsin Glacial Episode that occurred in the Pleistocene Epoch- which ended 10,000 years ago.
The 4-Her's final stop was at the Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery in Mason County. The group was given a tour of the facility and learned that the hatchery is the largest of Illinois' four hatcheries and houses 16 different species of fish. The other attractions at the facility was the antique fishing tackle display containing over 200 artifacts, a "Harvesting the River" exhibit depicting life on the Illinois River during the late 1800's and early 1900's, and several live and static fish displays.
Many members in the club are currently enrolled in Geology projects that they plan to show at the Woodford County 4-H Fair in July. The 4-Her's would like to thank IVCC Geology Instructor Mike Phillips for the information that allowed them to join the Illinois State Geological Survey Spring Tour.
A guide shows 4-H members some Grayslake Peat
found in the Mackinaw River Valley in Manito.
A visit to the Henry Allan Gleason Nature Preserve,
Sand Ridge State Forest.
Local 4-H members visit the Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery in Mason County.