PINE HILLS ROAD REOPENS

GRAND TOWER, Ill. -- The snakes and turtles may or may not have completed their spring migration from the limestone bluffs of Pine Hills to LaRue Swamp, but they'll have to take their chances crossing the Pine Hills Road now.

"The lower Pine Hills Road has been reopened to the motoring public," said Mary Mumford, a ranger in the Jonesboro District of the Shawnee National Forest.

The road had been closed to motorists since April 8 to allow for the reptile migration.

"The road will be closed to the public again this fall," said Mumford. "This will permit the uninterrupted migration of the reptiles back to the bluff."

Meanwhile, motorists are urged to watch for reptile crossings and permit them to cross the road.

The reopening of the road Friday came in time for Saturday's day-long Larue-Pine Hills Appreciation Day activities.

The activities started Friday night at 7:30 p.m., with a special field trip focusing on night sounds in the Larue-Pine Hills ecological area.

Field trips were held throughout the day Saturday, with a special appreciation ceremony.