Johnson/Sauk Trail State Recreation Area is home to many kinds of wildlife. Unfortunately, some of these critters can be destructive.
Their biggest target has been Ryan’s Round Barn in the park.
“The varnints have been chewing away at it for several years,” said Dan Bennett of the Friends of Johnson Park Foundation.
The animals have eaten holes in the wood of the barn and have damaged the doors, Bennett said.
“It was falling apart,” he said.
The foundation had received enough donations to hire a contractor who specializes in barns to fix the damage. The contractor has been working this week expects to finish by the end of the week, Bennett said.
The Friends of Johnson Park Foundation relies on donations from the public to do its work in support of Johnson’s. Donations received already for the barn repairs have come from the Kewanee Rotary, Independent Insurance Agents of Henry County, Atkinson Vintage Farm Equipment Show. The National Philanthropic Trust has given a donation in memory of Dr. George C. Turnbull and Dr. Theodore Turnball.
To make a donation for the restoration work, contact Bennett at 309-507-2669.
