Reviving the Forest: Camp Ondessonk’s Commitment to Ecosystem Stewardship

At Camp Ondessonk, caring for the land isn’t just part of our mission; it’s at the very heart of everything we do. Through immersive outdoor experiences, our campers learn firsthand the importance of conservation and stewardship. That’s why we’re thrilled to share two exciting, hands-on initiatives that are actively improving the health of our forests: invasive species removal and glade restoration.

Tackling Invasive Species Near Pine Lake & Pakentuck Road

In collaboration with our partners at Shawnee Resource Conservation & Development Area, Inc. (RC&D), Camp Ondessonk recently launched a significant invasive species removal and timber stand improvement project in one of our most ecologically sensitive areas—near Pine Lake on the easternmost edge of Camp.

Years ago, a selective harvest of loblolly pines in this area opened the forest canopy. While that sunlight was intended to help native oaks and hickories regenerate, it, unfortunately, invited aggressive invasive plants that quickly overtook the area. These unwelcome guests have been choking out native species, stalling forest recovery, and disrupting the natural balance.

Now, thanks to a habitat restoration grant facilitated by RC&D, this long-needed work is finally happening, with no out-of-pocket cost to Camp Ondessonk. Our contribution? A $10/acre match that’s being fulfilled through in-kind work like prescribed burns and glade restoration on other parts of our property.

Enter Michael Lucarelli, a regional forestry expert chosen from a competitive bid process. His experience and commitment to detailed, ecosystem-level land management make him the perfect steward for this project. Over the summer, Michael will focus on the woods between Pakentuck Road and the Pine Lake pine stand, working carefully to remove invasive species and improve timber health, all in line with our 10-Year Forest Management Plan.

“This isn’t just forest maintenance. It’s a long-term investment in biodiversity, trail aesthetics, and ecological resilience.”

Restoring Glades: Where Biodiversity Begins

Alongside invasive species removal, Camp is also taking bold steps to restore our rare and beautiful sandstone glades, unique ecosystems perched atop rocky cliffs that once flourished across Southern Illinois’ Shawnee Hills Natural Division.

Often overlooked, these sun-soaked, rocky openings are biodiversity hotspots, home to native grasses, wildflowers, and even rare species, such as the elusive Eastern Small-footed Myotis, a tiny glade-dwelling bat recently rediscovered nearby. Over time, these glades became overgrown with Eastern Red Cedar and Winged Elm, shading out the native Post Oak, Farkleberry, and other delicate plant communities that once thrived here.

But not for long.

Thanks to guidance from biologists at IDNR’s Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, The Nature Conservancy, Camp’s IDNR District Forester, and Shawnee RC&D, as well as the leadership of Camp’s own Evan Coulson and Marsha Bockman, Camp Ondessonk has kicked off a glade restoration initiative stretching from Morgan’s Field to Cedar Falls.

Using hand tools, ecological restoration techniques, and good old-fashioned sweat equity, our Shawnee Adventures campers and OWLs are now learning how to remove overgrowth responsibly, restore sunlight to the forest floor, and unlock the dormant native seed bank lying beneath. This commitment is education in action, teaching ecology, teamwork, a service ethic, and environmental responsibility in a way that brings the ‘classroom’ to life.

“This project is a living lesson in environmental science, conservation, and the sacredness of place.”

Why It Matters

These efforts are more than land management; they’re part of a larger vision:

-Protecting Native Biodiversity

-Creating Meaningful and Transformative Experiential Learning Opportunities

-Living Out Our Commitment to Stewardship

-Positioning Camp as a Regional Conservation Leader

And best of all? Every camper, counselor, and volunteer involved in these efforts actively contributes to future grant matches, making this work sustainable and self-renewing.

Looking Ahead

As these projects grow and evolve, we’re hopeful for some remarkable outcomes: healthier forests, thriving native species, and perhaps even the return of that rare sandstone-loving miniature bat to our restored glades.

This commitment is what stewardship looks like at Camp Ondessonk—hands in the dirt, hearts in the mission, and eyes toward a healthier future.

Click here to learn more or support our environmental initiatives.