EAST MOLINE, Ill. — Rock Island County's newest nature preserve finally has a name: Amôwa Forest Preserve.
"Amôwa," the Concise Dictionary of the Sauk Language, is the Sauk word for bee. The name ties into the park's purpose of providing a habitat for the region's native species, such as the Rusty Patched Bumblebee, American Bumblebee, Indiana Bat and Northern Long-eared Bat.
With the help of a $1 million Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation grant, the Rock Island County Forest Preserve converted 180 acres of land in East Moline near Interstate 80 and Illinois 92 into its seventh park.
Back in February, Rock Island County Forest Preserve District challenged the community to come up with a name for its newest park that reflected the Quad Cities region's rich history and optimism for the future.
Community members submitted more than 100 names for consideration, according to the Rock Island County Forest Preserve, and the Department of Language for the Sac and Fox Nation of Oklahoma helped to ensure the preserve's name was culturally and historically appropriate for the site.
In addition to preserving local species, the public park will also serve as a venue for the community to enjoy outdoor hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping and picnicking.
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