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Illinois River wetlands gain international recognition
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LEWISTOWN, Ill. (AP) — Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon is celebrating two restored Illinois River wetlands that have gained international recognition for their biodiversity. Simon says the Dixon refuge and Emiquon Complex are international models of environmental restoration, supporting vulnerable plant and animals, and attracting environmental tourism. Both areas were officially designated Wetlands of International Importance earlier this year. The 14,000 acre Emiquon Complex supports hundreds of thousands of ducks, geese and other water birds and pumped $1.1 million into the surrounding counties in 2009. The 2,700 acre Dixon Waterfowl Refuge supports 148 animal and plant species that are vulnerable to extinction in Illinois. Paul Botts heads The Wetlands Initiative that manages Dixon Refuge, and he says that it's one of the most significant sites on the planet to support a diversity of life. 
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Rock island, IL Details |
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Today is Saturday, May 25, the 145th day of 2013. There are 220 days left in the year.
1863 -- 150 years ago: The annual review of the fire department of this city took placeyesterday and made a fine showing with machines and hose carts in tip-top order.
1888 -- 125 years ago: Last night's prayer meeting at Central Presbyterian Church wascalled off due to water in the basement, residue of last week's flood.
1913 -- 100 years ago: The junior class of Rock Island High School will hold a riverexcursion on the steamer St. Paul next Tuesday.
1938 -- 75 years ago: The 75th Anniversary of the Rock Island Arsenal today finds thenation's largest ordinance manufacturing plant filling many important orders for the army.
1963 -- 50 years ago: Miss Patrice Daly, Rock Island, a senior at Rock Island HighSchool, won second place in the recent state public speaking contest held in Peoria underthe auspices of the Knights of Pythias.
1988 -- 25 years ago: Hampton's sesquicentennial committee and the Hampton HistoricalSociety have scheduled a full slate of activities, which will be held throughout the year, to celebrate the village's 150th birthday. The first celebration will be the Memorial Dayprogram at 10 a.m. May 30, at the Brettun and Black Store Museum on River Road. Therewill be a sesquicentennial display.
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