Illinois park of the month: Apple River Canyon State Park
- Details
Scenic Apple River Canyon State Park is located in the northwest corner of Illinois in Jo Daviess County.
Established by the state in 1932, the park has deep ravines, limestone bluffs, springs and streams. Its gorgeous canyon area was formed by the waters of the Apple River.
Hawks, eagles and 47 other varieties of birds can be found at the park along with different kinds of plants and 165 types of flowers.
Did You Know? The first animal purchased for the Lincoln Park Zoo was a bear cub.
- Details
The Chicago Lincoln Park Zoo was founded in 1868, making it one of the oldest zoos in the country. The first animal purchased for the zoo was in 1874, a bear cub for $10. Still running today, there is a large variety of animals located there.
In 1868, a pair of swans were given to the zoo by the Lincoln Park Commissioners, making them the first occupants of the zoo. Six years later, the bear cub was introduced. Due to the cub learning how to adapt to its new exhibit, it would climb the trees and was often found roaming around the zoo at night.
Today, the Lincoln Park Zoo has around 1,250 animals living there including: polar bears, penguins, gorillas, reptiles, monkeys and other species. If you plan to go to Chicago, no matter alone or with family, a visit is not complete without visiting the Lincoln Park Zoo.
For more information visit the Lincoln Park Zoo website.
Volunteering as a family with The Honeycomb Project
- Details
As parents, finding time to volunteer can be hard with a busy schedule and wanting to spend time with children.
But what about accomplishing both at once?
Volunteering with children strengthens families as they bond through contributing to the community. The Honeycomb Project in Chicago specializes in doing just this.
Higher Ed Spotlight: UIS' Supak makes history at NCAA National Championship
- Details
Talon Supak’s junior year at the University of Illinois at Springfield ended on a high note this spring.
He became the first individual UIS student to qualify for an NCAA Division II National Championship Tournament and represented the UIS Prairie Stars at the NCAA Division II National Golf Championship in Denver in May.
Supak was born and raised in Washington near Peoria. He lived in Japan for three years until his sophomore year of high school, when he moved back to Illinois to play high school golf and earned a college golf scholarship.
Supak chose UIS because of the opportunity it provided him to play the highest quality competition available to him, but he also understood the importance of a quality education.
“The academics of the school were very enticing since I would be able to earn a U of I degree,” he said.
Supak enjoys UIS because of its size and class offerings.
“I am able to know and communicate with most of my classmates,” Supak said. “The faculty also respects and understands that I will miss class due to golf tournaments and they ensure that I am able to complete my assignments and keep up in class.”
Supak became the first golfer to qualify for nationals by winning his regional championship in Michigan in early May.
“It was a huge honor to represent UIS at the National Championships,” he said. “To be recognized as the first of what will be many teams and individuals to make it to nationals is a great privilege.”
As a lifelong resident of Illinois and a golf enthusiast, Supak said he has come to appreciate the state’s unique weather and seasons.
“My favorite thing about Illinois is the vast type of weather that we receive each season,” he said. “Applying specifically to golf, I felt that I have become a better player since I have played in all types of climates.”
After he completes his bachelor’s degree, Supak plans to remain at UIS for another year to take enough classes to be able to sit for his Certified Public Accounting exam. But after his education he would like to become a professional golfer.
Photo Courtesy of University of Illinois at Springfield Athletic Department
More Articles …
I LIKE ILLINOIS © Copyright 2023