OREGON – The Illinois Conservation Foundation thanked Oregon Together’s Black Hawk Team, and all the citizens and businesses from the Oregon community who contributed funds for the restoration of Lorado Traft’s “Black Hawk” statue at Lowden State Park.
According to ICF, $25,000 in donations from local fundraising events, individual donors, and other contributions held by Oregon Together will go directly towards paying the costs of restoring the statue once that much awaited project begins.
“This is a great example of what can be accomplished when members of a local community come together to support a common cause,” said Eric Schenck, ICF executive director.

“These contributions have significantly narrowed the funding gap that remains and have brought us that much closer to everyone’s goal of starting restoration work as soon as possible.”
Schenck also gave credit to E. D. Etnyre & Company for the $100,000 donation that ICF received back in July from their family foundation.
“The Etnyre donation was yet another incredible demonstration of the Oregon community’s strong connection to their beloved ‘Black Hawk’ statue,” Schenck said. “It is inspiring to see such an outpouring of support and commitment to preserving this national historic landmark.”
According to Schenck, fundraising efforts are about $90,000 plus or minus shy of the goal. Once this final sum is secured, ICF and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will enter into a contract with a Chicago- based conservator to complete repair and restoration of the statue.
Donations can be made at www.ILCF.org.