ISS had
a sinkhole clean up at Stemler Cave Woods Nature Preserve on
Saturday April 21, 2001. Although turnout was limited, the group filled a very large dumpster with garbage. Pictures are available. 
-ST
From Diane Tecic (who did all of the hard work of organizing the cleanup and preparing the site (dumpster, chainsawing logs to clear access road, etc.):
I just wanted to thank everyone again who helped at the Stemler Cave
Woods Nature Preserve sinkhole clean up on Saturday. Despite the
potential threat of rain and the daunting task of gettting to the bottom
of this sinkhole through layer upon layer of household trash and
miscellaneous farm equipment, our group of about a dozen volunteers did
a fantastic job. Although the clean up is not finished, the appearance
of the area has greatly improved, and we've come a long way toward
improving the water quality and making it a more hospitable place for
the plants and animals that live there. I can confidently say that this
much could not have been accomplished without the cooperation of the
ISS. I know that eveyone has busy schedules and more exciting
activities to participate in, so I really, really appreciate the time
and effort that everyone put into this clean-up project. I look forward
to continuing this project with the cooperation of the ISS and we plan
to have another clean up this fall on October 27.
I would especially like to thank :
Philip Moss for sacraficing the paint job on his new truck in order
to haul trash from the sinkhole,
Tony Schmitt for working hard to get the word out,
Rick Haley for a ropes, hardware, and a most excellent rigging
system,
Homer Stemler and Harry Raymond for assistance getting large objects
out with tractors,
Daniel Lamping, Matt Platter, Val Schmidt, Steve Taylor, Joe Light,
David Hall, Lorea Hall, and Loren Hall for muscling out several tons of
trash, and generally working (and sweating) their asses off all day
long.
If I forgot anyone, my apologies, but you didn't sign the list!
THANK YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Diane Tecic
Natural Heritage Biologist
Illinois Department of Natural Resources