Discover history and river critters on tour of Letcher Basin

Posted on May 29, 2018

By Crystal Donaldson

WOODFORD COUNTY – ParkLands Foundation is inviting nature and history lovers to join in a tour of Letcher Basin.

Letcher Basin is in the Mackinaw River watershed in Woodford County.

ParkLand’s Vice President, Jessica Chambers, told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin, Letcher Basin is one of ParkLands Foundation’s crown jewels.

“You start down this little road that is tree covered, there’s some houses and it just opens up to this huge vast vista of prairie and then that mackinaw river wraps along the back side of it,” said Chambers. “It’s just beautiful!”

The event is Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Abraham Lincoln historian Guy Franker will join the tour and reveal parts of the basin’s history as it relates to our 16th president.

“Lincoln road through here, which isn’t the reason we bought it,” said Fraker. “We bought it as a natural area. It just so happens by coincidence that when Lincoln road from Metamora to Bloomington he would go through Letcher Basin. So it’s quite a historic site as well.”

Guests will learn about prairie plants, river critter and various birds.

Visitors are encouraged to wear sunscreen, bugs spray, long pants and hiking shoes. Sandals, dogs and baby strollers are not allowed.

Binoculars, cameras and a picnic lunch are encouraged. There will be children activities as children are welcome.

Find more information and directions to Letcher Basin by visiting parklandsfoundation.org.

Crystal Donaldson can be reached at [email protected].

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