Remembering John Reddy

September 4, 1925 – November 27, 2011

Sadly, long time Will County Audubon member, John Reddy, passed away on Sunday,  November  27, 2011 at the age of 86.   John served as Conservation Co-chair of our Will County  Audubon Chapter – always ready to nudge people in the right direction to preserve local natural treasures.  He supported the Chapter’s efforts to get Lake Renwick set aside in the 1980’s and when it was acquired by the Will Co. Forest Preserve District in 1990, started  a 20 year commitment to volunteering at the site.  He took a turn this summer -  walking up to the observation area to share his love of birds with the visiting public.

When a plan was formulated to convert a large portion of the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant back to a natural landscape, John’s excitement and enthusiasm for the project was evident.   He had worked at the Joliet Arsenal in his youth, and plans to restore it to prairie under the auspices of the U.S. Forest Service garnered a new sense of commitment from John.   The property became The Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in 2006.  John originated and assisted in the presentation of a very popular “Ghost of the Ammunition Plant Tour,”  and was present at a Nov. 2 Volunteer Recognition Banquet to collect his 15 year pin.  He faithfully reported on Midewin volunteer opportunities and programs to our Chapter at monthly meetings.

John had always been enamored by the idea that bison might one day return to the Midewin and when it wasn’t in the original 10 year plan for the Prairie, he was disappointed.   Recently, plans were revised to include a possible experimental herd of bison at Midewin…and John was very pleased to hear the news.

John was a quiet, dedicated outdoor enthusiast and volunteer.   He cross-country skied and rode his bike on days when most people wouldn’t have ventured outdoors.  When he committed to something, he could always be counted on.  His support for the preservation of the natural world was unwavering.

He will be missed.