PRAIRIE STATE 4WD CLUB, INC. was founded in April 1980, when a
group of dedicated four wheelers assembled together. The club was founded to organize
trail rides and promote safe, environmentally friendly four wheeling. These
individuals were determined to make four wheeling an enjoyable family pastime. Since
this humble beginning many areas previously open to four wheeling adventure have been
either devoured by the "urban building binge" or simply closed. As the
areas available have decreased we have seen an increase in irresponsible off roading,
either trespassing on marked property or destroying the land that is still
available. This is typically the uninformed individual who has no idea of the
consequences of their actions. We at PRAIRIE STATE are trying to keep land,
both public and private, open and available for four wheeling, by working with land owners
and public officials, and promoting responsible four wheeling. Adoption of the Tread
Lightly program, staying on marked trails, not abusing the environment and education of
individuals interested in exploring the back woods of America is the only way to keep our
sport alive.
In addition to the land issue, PRAIRIE STATE is working with
legislators in Springfield to keep a watchful eye on pending and recently enacted
legislature. Working with other four wheel drive clubs in the state, we are
encouraging our lawmakers to pass laws based on facts and truths rather than emotions and
misconceptions. Hopefully this will aid in discouraging abuse and encouraging proper
use, care and planning of four wheeling trails so that they may be enjoyed now and still
remain open for future generations of four wheelers.
In order to promote four wheeling and encourage individuals to join an
organized club, PRAIRIE STATE holds and attends many activities designed for the
enjoyment of the whole family. Some of these include picnics, mud bogs, trail rides,
trail clean up days, candlelight bowling, road rally's, show & shine's, Christmas
parties and award banquets. These activities are planned such that both the
experienced and novice four wheeler can enjoy them.
A large emphasis at PRAIRIE
STATE is to increase the public's awareness of four wheelers as responsible members of
the community. One way in which we accomplish this is by our involvement with
community organizations. We sponsor Cub Scout Troop #396, participate with other
clubs to raise money for charities, (last year alone, four wheel drive clubs in
Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois raised over $53,000.00 for the MARCH OF DIMES)
we help the less fortunate with food, and have helped bring a little Christmas joy to
underprivileged youths through participating in the Toys For Tots program.
If this sounds interesting, take
a few minutes and fill out the attached application for membership, drop it in the mail,
and we will send you Mudflap, the official club newsletter at no
obligation. PRAIRIE STATE 4WD CLUB, INC. meets on the first and third
Wednesday of each month at 7PM at Rosati's Restaurant at 1770 West Wise Rd. (between
Springinguth and Irving Park Roads), Schaumburg (847) 891-5151.. Please feel free to
drop by for a meeting.
|
