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Troll Bridge LbNA #41983

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Jul 20, 2008
Location:
City:Altamont
County:Effingham
State:Illinois
Boxes:1
Planted by:BoxingBlickems
Found by: Pumpkinseedslenore
Last found:Apr 9, 2023
Status:FFFFaF
Last edited:Jul 20, 2008
Directions:

This box is placed on the grounds of the Ballard Nature Center. It is located on Rt.40 about 3 miles East of Altamont, IL.

History:

The history of the Ballard Nature Center originates with the nature center's namesake Mr. Ernest "Ernie" Ballard. Ernie Ballard had a dream of creating a nature center for everyone to enjoy and learn about nature. His 210 acre parcel of land east of Altamont, Illinois became the site of what is now the Ballard Nature Center. [Chartered on August 19, 1999], …The Ballard Nature Center has developed into a fully functional nature education site with a visitor center, staff, programs, activities, and numerous miles of trails. The Ballard Nature Center continues to grow and provides quality environmental nature education experiences and invites visitors to explore the natural world around them.

Clues:

Once arriving at Ballard, get a trail map from the mailbox near the visitor's center. Make sure you have some loose change, you will need it later. Locate the Wetland Prairie Trail and set out on it. As you go along, focus on enjoying the wildlife and natural beauty around you. Along the trail, feel free to take your time and make use of the many benches provided. Follow the Wetland Loop Trail and go over the boardwalk, enjoying the pond as you go. During the day of the plant, we saw turtles sunning themselves on a mound in the middle. After the boardwalk, take a left continuing along the trail. When you reach the corner of the pond, turn right onto the Woodland Trail. Follow this path to the Troll Bridge. After paying the troll his toll, you may cross the bridge. From the last bridge post on the left, facing on down the trail, you will notice a shaggy-barked tree just off the trail at 10 o’clock. At its base on the back side, is where the troll makes his home. After meeting the troll, be sure to place him securely back home, hiding him better than you found him.

After you meet the troll, take time to follow the trails back to the visitor’s center and explore inside. There are lots of things to enjoy there like exhibits, bird-watching, games, puzzles and more.

After searching, let us know how it went, by emailing boxingblickems@hotmail.com

***This is our first plant. Hope you enjoy it!