Paid Advertisement Franklin Creek Conservation Association Who and What Is the FCCA Discover Nature. Preserve the Future the Franklin Creek Conservation Association strives to preserve and protect high quality natural areas in the Franklin Creek watershed, while providing educational, cultural and recreational opportunities for the public to discover, explore and experience the area. From early morning bird walks to hands-on restoration projects, FCCA is a hive of activity year- round. Volunteers of all ages-students, teachers, retirees, families-gather to get their hands dirty in the best possible way: planting native wildflowers, clearing invasive species, and restoring trails that wind through the Franklin Creek State Natural Area. Every action is a love letter to the land, and every footstep echoes with purpose. It's a grassroots organization fueled not by profit, but by passion. Every tree planted, every program hosted, every child inspired-it's all thanks to the unwavering dedication of a community that believes nature is not a luxury, but a legacy. FCCA isn't just about preserving nature, it's about inviting people in to experience it. Whether it's the thrill of a night hike under a full moon, music and comradery on the front lawn, or the joy of children chasing butterflies during summer, the association creates spaces where people and the land connect. It's no surprise that visitors often become volunteers, and volunteers become lifelong advocates. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about FCCA is its spirit. Accomplishments and Ongoing Projects of the FCCA In addition to our many activities, the FCCA has accomplished several land acquisitions to continue growing the park. Some of these acquired areas include what is known as the 1480 Airbnb, Franklin Creek Headwaters and Grove Park. In 2017, the FCCA acquired a neglected property at 1480 Old Mill Road. Volunteers have since cleaned and renovated the site, transforming it into a space that features a community room, commercial kitchen, and an Airbnb. The surrounding land is still being restored with volunteer work that includes invasive species removal, native species restoration and other needed property restoration. of paint, and removal of dilapidated structures. FCCA has been researching the history of this property that was once called Grove Park. It is the hope of the FCCA to continue this property restoration through volunteer work to restore this area to its once natural beauty. In the past couple of years, the FCCA acquired 80 acres of land west of the Franklin Creek State Natural Area which has since been encompassed into the State Natural Area, making the park close to 1,000 acres. FCCA Events - You can help, too! Market Day May 3rd Held at the Grist Mill, Market Day includes milling demonstrations, guided hikes, close to twenty vendors selling hand-made wares and a SPECIAL EVENT with the Grand Opening of the new Wildlife display on the second floor of the Mill, with a ribbon cutting ceremony by the Site Superintendent.Summer Solstice - June 21st Held at the Grist Mill, Summer Solstice is a unique and fun gathering including live music, food and a silent auction. Come take part in the fun with us to kick off Summer Solstice and watch the sunset over With the FCCA, conservation isn't just something that happens. It's something you do. And at the Franklin Creek Conservation Association, everyone is welcome to take part in the story. The roots of FCCA run deep. It all began in 1981, when a group of concerned citizens came together to protect the area's natural beauty and historical significance. Driven by passion and persistence, they formed the Franklin Creek Conservation Association, partnering with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to preserve the land for future generations. One of their most notable achievements came with the re- construction of the historic Franklin Creek Grist Mill-a symbol of both the region's past and the power of grassroots action. With the support of the community and the unwavering spirit of this area, the FCCA and thousands of volunteer hours brought this 1847 water-driven grist mill back to life. The construction began in 1991, with the completion date of 1999. What started as a local effort has since grown into a vibrant organization with deep community ties and statewide impact. Step inside the historic Franklin Creek Grist Mill, and you'll feel the energy of a different kind. It's not just a building, it's a hub. Here, unleashed dogs. FCCA has recently added a picnic Grist Mill Grind 10k - August 30th The Headwaters property is an 80-acre parcel of volunteer-restored woodland and wetlands. This property is supported by volunteers and work being done with the community and residents to improve and preserve the environmental quality. The Headwaters obtained its name as it is a point where 3 streams unite to help form the Franklin Creek. This property encompasses a diverse landscape of wetlands, prairies, and woodlands. Visitors can explore trails adorned with seasonal wildflowers like asters, goldenrods, and sunflowers. In the summer months, the area is home to ebony jeweling damselflies. The acreage is a mix of production agriculture, CRP land, and the restoration effort. The property is open to the public for passive recreation, with guidelines in place to preserve its natural state-such as prohibitions on bikes, motorized vehicles, and shelter for all to enjoy. the beautiful Franklin Creek State Natural Area. Nature Hikes - TBA Held at varying locations around the Franklin Creek State Natural Area, come join a guided hike with an area expert to learn more about the beautiful landscape and incredibly diverse habitat. Info to follow.... Mill Spring 5K - November 1st An annual event combining road and trail running through the scenic Franklin Creek area. Participants enjoy post-race chili and live music at the Grist Mill. Luminary Walk - November 22nd Enjoy a beautiful evening hike illuminated along the winding path to the Mill Spring! Stay tuned for more information! Stewardship Activities FCCA organizes regular stewardship days involving: Invasive species removal Trail clean up Native seed collection and planting These activities are vital for ecological restoration and offer community members hands-on conservation experience. Donations Where does money go if I donate to the FCCA? The FCCA is a not-for-profit organization and relies on donations and grants for financial support for their work. The FCCA also works to raise funds through events they host. Funds from donations received are applied to the projects the FCCA this year will be applied to purchasing of 29 new has committed to. The majority of funds raised windows for the Mill. In summary, the Franklin Creek Conservation Association (FCCA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, restoring, and sharing the natural beauty and biodiversity of Franklin Franklin Grove, IL. Creek State Natural Area, located in the heart of For over 40 years, FCCA has worked hand-in- hand with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and volunteers like you to: Protect native plant and animal habitats Restore prairies, wetlands, and woodlands Offer environmental education programs for all ages Host seasonal events, hikes, and workshops Preserve the historic Grist Mill and connect people to the past Whether you're a nature lover, hiker, teacher, hunter, horseback rider, fisherman, student, local artists showcase their work, nature educators lead workshops, and children gather wide-eyed Adjacent to the Headwaters is a property that for storytelling sessions that teach them about was acquired by the FCCA in 2024. At the time monarch migrations or the magic of wetlands. It's of acquisition, the property required significant woods and across the creeks? Come join the fun by photographer, or just someone who wants to make where science meets wonder, and history speaks restoration to meet EPA standards including through stone and wood. removal of over 2,000 tires, barrels of liquids, cans SM-ST2240509 Feel like getting your hustle on? Up for an exciting course that takes you over the hills, through the taking on the challenge! Day at the Mill - September 20th Get Involved. Visit. Volunteer. Donate. a difference there's a place for you at Franklin Creek. Let's keep Franklin Creek thriving for future generations. Located at 1893 Twist Rd, Franklin Grove, IL 61031 | Learn more: www.franklincreekconservation.org Email: engage@franklincreekconservation.org | (815) 456-2718 Paid Advertisement Franklin Creek Conservation Association Who and What Is the FCCA Discover Nature . Preserve the Future the Franklin Creek Conservation Association strives to preserve and protect high quality natural areas in the Franklin Creek watershed , while providing educational , cultural and recreational opportunities for the public to discover , explore and experience the area . From early morning bird walks to hands - on restoration projects , FCCA is a hive of activity year- round . Volunteers of all ages - students , teachers , retirees , families - gather to get their hands dirty in the best possible way : planting native wildflowers , clearing invasive species , and restoring trails that wind through the Franklin Creek State Natural Area . Every action is a love letter to the land , and every footstep echoes with purpose . It's a grassroots organization fueled not by profit , but by passion . Every tree planted , every program hosted , every child inspired - it's all thanks to the unwavering dedication of a community that believes nature is not a luxury , but a legacy . FCCA isn't just about preserving nature , it's about inviting people in to experience it . Whether it's the thrill of a night hike under a full moon , music and comradery on the front lawn , or the joy of children chasing butterflies during summer , the association creates spaces where people and the land connect . It's no surprise that visitors often become volunteers , and volunteers become lifelong advocates . Perhaps the most remarkable thing about FCCA is its spirit . Accomplishments and Ongoing Projects of the FCCA In addition to our many activities , the FCCA has accomplished several land acquisitions to continue growing the park . Some of these acquired areas include what is known as the 1480 Airbnb , Franklin Creek Headwaters and Grove Park . In 2017 , the FCCA acquired a neglected property at 1480 Old Mill Road . Volunteers have since cleaned and renovated the site , transforming it into a space that features a community room , commercial kitchen , and an Airbnb . The surrounding land is still being restored with volunteer work that includes invasive species removal , native species restoration and other needed property restoration . of paint , and removal of dilapidated structures . FCCA has been researching the history of this property that was once called Grove Park . It is the hope of the FCCA to continue this property restoration through volunteer work to restore this area to its once natural beauty . In the past couple of years , the FCCA acquired 80 acres of land west of the Franklin Creek State Natural Area which has since been encompassed into the State Natural Area , making the park close to 1,000 acres . FCCA Events - You can help , too ! Market Day May 3rd Held at the Grist Mill , Market Day includes milling demonstrations , guided hikes , close to twenty vendors selling hand - made wares and a SPECIAL EVENT with the Grand Opening of the new Wildlife display on the second floor of the Mill , with a ribbon cutting ceremony by the Site Superintendent.Summer Solstice - June 21st Held at the Grist Mill , Summer Solstice is a unique and fun gathering including live music , food and a silent auction . Come take part in the fun with us to kick off Summer Solstice and watch the sunset over With the FCCA , conservation isn't just something that happens . It's something you do . And at the Franklin Creek Conservation Association , everyone is welcome to take part in the story . The roots of FCCA run deep . It all began in 1981 , when a group of concerned citizens came together to protect the area's natural beauty and historical significance . Driven by passion and persistence , they formed the Franklin Creek Conservation Association , partnering with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to preserve the land for future generations . One of their most notable achievements came with the re- construction of the historic Franklin Creek Grist Mill - a symbol of both the region's past and the power of grassroots action . With the support of the community and the unwavering spirit of this area , the FCCA and thousands of volunteer hours brought this 1847 water - driven grist mill back to life . The construction began in 1991 , with the completion date of 1999. What started as a local effort has since grown into a vibrant organization with deep community ties and statewide impact . Step inside the historic Franklin Creek Grist Mill , and you'll feel the energy of a different kind . It's not just a building , it's a hub . Here , unleashed dogs . FCCA has recently added a picnic Grist Mill Grind 10k - August 30th The Headwaters property is an 80 - acre parcel of volunteer - restored woodland and wetlands . This property is supported by volunteers and work being done with the community and residents to improve and preserve the environmental quality . The Headwaters obtained its name as it is a point where 3 streams unite to help form the Franklin Creek . This property encompasses a diverse landscape of wetlands , prairies , and woodlands . Visitors can explore trails adorned with seasonal wildflowers like asters , goldenrods , and sunflowers . In the summer months , the area is home to ebony jeweling damselflies . The acreage is a mix of production agriculture , CRP land , and the restoration effort . The property is open to the public for passive recreation , with guidelines in place to preserve its natural state - such as prohibitions on bikes , motorized vehicles , and shelter for all to enjoy . the beautiful Franklin Creek State Natural Area . Nature Hikes - TBA Held at varying locations around the Franklin Creek State Natural Area , come join a guided hike with an area expert to learn more about the beautiful landscape and incredibly diverse habitat . Info to follow .... Mill Spring 5K - November 1st An annual event combining road and trail running through the scenic Franklin Creek area . Participants enjoy post - race chili and live music at the Grist Mill . Luminary Walk - November 22nd Enjoy a beautiful evening hike illuminated along the winding path to the Mill Spring ! Stay tuned for more information ! Stewardship Activities FCCA organizes regular stewardship days involving : Invasive species removal Trail clean up Native seed collection and planting These activities are vital for ecological restoration and offer community members hands - on conservation experience . Donations Where does money go if I donate to the FCCA ? The FCCA is a not - for - profit organization and relies on donations and grants for financial support for their work . The FCCA also works to raise funds through events they host . Funds from donations received are applied to the projects the FCCA this year will be applied to purchasing of 29 new has committed to . The majority of funds raised windows for the Mill . In summary , the Franklin Creek Conservation Association ( FCCA ) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving , restoring , and sharing the natural beauty and biodiversity of Franklin Franklin Grove , IL . Creek State Natural Area , located in the heart of For over 40 years , FCCA has worked hand - in- hand with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and volunteers like you to : Protect native plant and animal habitats Restore prairies , wetlands , and woodlands Offer environmental education programs for all ages Host seasonal events , hikes , and workshops Preserve the historic Grist Mill and connect people to the past Whether you're a nature lover , hiker , teacher , hunter , horseback rider , fisherman , student , local artists showcase their work , nature educators lead workshops , and children gather wide - eyed Adjacent to the Headwaters is a property that for storytelling sessions that teach them about was acquired by the FCCA in 2024. At the time monarch migrations or the magic of wetlands . It's of acquisition , the property required significant woods and across the creeks ? Come join the fun by photographer , or just someone who wants to make where science meets wonder , and history speaks restoration to meet EPA standards including through stone and wood . removal of over 2,000 tires , barrels of liquids , cans SM - ST2240509 Feel like getting your hustle on ? Up for an exciting course that takes you over the hills , through the taking on the challenge ! Day at the Mill - September 20th Get Involved . Visit . Volunteer . Donate . a difference there's a place for you at Franklin Creek . Let's keep Franklin Creek thriving for future generations . Located at 1893 Twist Rd , Franklin Grove , IL 61031 | Learn more : www.franklincreekconservation.org Email : engage@franklincreekconservation.org | ( 815 ) 456-2718