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WSIU InFocus: A Hike at Union County's Snake Road With IDNR Herpetologist Scott Ballard

In 1991, the LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond Research Natural Area was officially designated as a research site, the nation's 250th such area.  Join IDNR Herpetologist Scott Ballard as he takes us on an informative hike on Snake Road. For more information about the Research Area and the twice-yearly road closure so the reptiles and amphibians can safely pass, go to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's website.

Special thanks to Linda Hauser of the United States Forest Service and Herpetologist Scott Ballard with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. 

WSIU Student Reporter Alex Kierstead contributed to this report.

Kevin Boucher is a retired broadcaster. Most recently he was a news reporter for WSIU radio. He grew up watching nature programs including Mutual of Omaha’s wild kingdom and the many Jacques Cousteau specials which sparked his passion with nature. Kevin also is an avid hiker and loves seeing and writing stories about the many fascinating plants and animals we share our planet with. Kevin is married and has lived in Murphysboro since 1976, after living in many places, including Japan, as the son of a Navy officer.


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