Lafarge Midwest celebrates land protection at Cave-in-Rock plant

The Illinois Association of Aggregate Producers reports that Lafarge Midwest, Inc. celebrated its protection of some of Illinois’ highest-quality limestone natural communities with students from Hardin County High School. “These areas owned by Lafarge Midwest represent living museums of our natural heritage,” says Jody Shimp, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) regional biologist. “[IDNR] applauds Lafarge Midwest’s commitment to protecting these limestone natural communities.”

Students from Hardin County High School toured the Cave-in-Rock plant and Lafarge Limestone Glade Nature Preserve, then learned about conservation efforts and ate lunch at Cave-in-Rock State Park. During the event, biologists from the IDNR and the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) explained these areas are important to local wildlife because they support rare species that aren’t found elsewhere. Biologist Bob Lindsay, with IDNR, showed students live animals, including snakes, turtles and frogs, while Steve Widowski, a biologist with NWTF, explained how habitat can be improved for Illinois wildlife.

Lafarge collaborated with the IDNR and the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission to dedicate Lafarge Limestone Glade as a State of Illinois Nature Preserve and registered Barker Bluff as an Illinois Land and Water Reserve.