HARTFORD – State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) has secured $26,000 in state funding to support a major tree replanting effort at the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Hartford.
Nearly 80 green ash trees surrounding the interpretive center and picnic area were recently removed after becoming dead or severely distressed.
“This site is an important part of our region’s history, and we want to make sure it remains a place families and visitors can enjoy for years to come,” said Senator Harriss. “This funding will help restore much of what was lost and bring new life back to the grounds.”
The funding will help replace roughly two thirds of the previous tree population while adding a greater variety of trees to the site.
“Removing nearly 80 trees left a significant void around the interpretive center and picnic area,” said Site Superintendent Brad Winn. “This support will allow us to restore much of that tree population while adding greater diversity to the site. We appreciate Senator Harriss and our community partners for helping make this project possible.”
The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site commemorates Camp Dubois, where members of the Corps of Discovery prepared for the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
