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Story Subject Category: Landscape
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The Cahokia Mounds story grabbed my interest immediately because I had never heard that there was once a prosperous Native American city in the Americas. Growing up, the TV shows and movies I had seen always portrayed Native Americans as loose collections of people who were constantly on the move. I had never considered that the ancient residents of America had built long-standing, sedentary communities with complex social structures, sprawling community squares, and ceremonial earthen mounds.
Once we arrived in Cahokia for the video shoot, I was shocked to see that the highway ran right through the middle of this historic site. I was also saddened to learn that many of the mounds in the area have been leveled because of farming, construction, or landscaping efforts over the decades. I’m glad that the site is now recognized for its cultural importance and hope that continued research at the site helps increase the general public’s understanding and appreciation for this unique bit of America’s past. The Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site has a great Web site (http://www.cahokiamounds.com) detailing the history of this ancient city in the middle of Illinois.
Segment duration: 02:56
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Producer: Alison Davis Wood
This segment is filed in these categories: Ethnicity/Culture • Historical Landmarks • History • Landscape • Illinois Culture/History • Libraries/Museums/Cultural Centers • Native Americana • Parks/Outdoor Recreation
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Segment duration: 06:56
Producer: Alison Davis Wood
This segment is filed in these categories: Environment • Landscape • Parks/Outdoor Recreation
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University of Illinois research specialist Susan Post, author of the book “Hiking Illinois,” takes Prairie Fire on a trek through the Forest Glen Preserve near Georgetown. Post’s book, published by Human Kinetics, is a guide to the 100 most interesting trails in Illinois, with information about the length and difficulty of each trail, a map of each trail and information on park hours and facilities.
“This will be a kind of Prairie Fire adventure story,” said WILL-TV’s Jack Kelly, who produced the story. “People watch the show to find out about places to go and things to do, and Post is an expert on the natural areas of the state. She’s got so much helpful information to pass on.”
Post has worked as a research biologist for the Illinois Natural History Survey since 1978. As she has sampled streams for endangered plants and soybean fields for insect pests, she has become well-acquainted with the state’s natural areas. An accomplished nature photographer, Post has had her work published in a number of regional magazines.
Segment duration: 11:11
Producer: Jack Kelly
This segment is filed in these categories: Environment • Hobbies • Landscape • Parks/Outdoor Recreation
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Segment duration: 02:07
Producer: Alison Davis
Advisor: Mary Kay Solecki
This segment is filed in these categories: Environment • Landscape • Parks/Outdoor Recreation
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Segment duration: 02:20
Producer: Alison Davis Wood
Advisor: Marilyn Campbell
This segment is filed in these categories: Landscape • Livestock/Animals/Zoology • Parks/Outdoor Recreation • Science/Nature
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Mary Kay Solecki visits the Hooper Branch Savannah
Segment duration: 02:20
Producer: Alison Davis Wood
Advisor: Mary Kay Solecki
This segment is filed in these categories: Environment • Landscape • Parks/Outdoor Recreation • Science/Nature
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Segment duration: 11:51
Producer: Alison Davis Wood
This segment is filed in these categories: Historical Landmarks • Landscape • Parks/Outdoor Recreation • Science/Nature
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Segment duration: 02:01
Producer: Alison Davis
Advisor: Mary Kay Solecki
This segment is filed in these categories: Environment • Historical Landmarks • Horticulture • Landscape • Parks/Outdoor Recreation
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Segment duration: 06:43
Producer: Alison Davis
This segment is filed in these categories: Horticulture • Landscape
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Host Alison Davis visits what she calls “woodhenge,” a ring of giant wooden poles in a field near Bondville. The mystery of the poles is unraveled by U of I professor emeritus George Swanson, who talks about scientific experiments that took place in the field in the 1950s.
Segment duration: 08:06
Producer: Alison Davis
This segment is filed in these categories: Folklore • Landscape • Illinois Culture/History • Military • Champaign County
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