A new quarter featuring the Shawnee National Forest launches this week. SNF Public Affairs Specialist Sue Hirsch speaks with Tracy Ross on Sounds Good about how the coin and forest came to be.
Hirsch says the Shawnee National Forest has been around since 1933. Like many other forests in the eastern region, the soil was suitable for farming, bringing in groups of settlers. Over time, the land eroded. Hirsch says locals gradually drew attention from government officials to preserve and restore the land.
"It's been a long process," Hirsch said.
From there, forest personnel continued with restoration as well as development. Campgrounds, recreation areas and picnic sites were set up.
Speaking on the quarter's design, Hirsch describes the depiction as a view of Camel Rock with a red-tailed hawk flying overhead. She says the design was chosen from six potential forest locations, including Garden of the Gods. The U.S. mint started sketching drafts back in late 2014.
Hirsch says to commemorate the coin's official launch, the SNF will hold an official event Feb. 4 at Southeastern Illinois College. This will be the first opportunity for coin collectors to trade in old quarters for the new one. The event will feature a ceremony as well as area guest speakers.
"We have a lot of exciting and nice things going on at the event and we hope people come out and help celebrate this area that we love so much," Hirsch said.
The Shawnee National Forest quarter marks the latest coin in the U.S. Mint’s “America the Beautiful” series. There are four other new quarters coming out this year, including one that honors the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park in eastern Kentucky.
