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Electronics Recycling Event

Menard County Courthouse Parking Lot 102 South 7th Street, Petersburg, IL, United States

Menard County residents will have the opportunity to get rid of electronic devices that are no longer working or outdated. Acceptable items include answer­ing machines, battery backups and UPS, camcorders, cameras, cellular and mobile phones, Christmas tree lights, computer peripherals such as keyboards and mice, desktop computers, DVD and CD players, fax machines, ink cartridges, laptop computers, mailroom equipment, networking equipment and cables, pagers. point of sale equipment, power and accessory cables, power tools including batteries, printers, projectors, radios, receivers, satel­lite and cable equipment, speakers, smart phones, surge suppressors and power rips, tablets, telephones, toner, VCRs, video game consoles and walkie-talkies. Fees of $20 will be charged for CRT and flat screen televisions, $40 for projection and console tele­visions, and $10 for CRT and flat screen monitors. Please contact BLH Computers at 217-585-1580 for large office print­ers or to inquire about items that are not on the list. Unacceptable items include mi­crowaves, kitchen items, dehumid­ifiers and humidifiers, vacuums, appliances, broken glass or rubbish.

Petersburg Pick-Up

Hurie Park 2564+VR Petersburg, Illinois, Petersburg, IL, United States

Town & Country Women's Club is calling on families to join in a litter pick-up at Hurie Park! This is a chance for families to take care of their community. Gloves and trash bags will be provided. Please bring your own drinking water; wear sturdy closed-toed shoes. 

The wonderful watery world of river ecology! And, Chris Vallilo Concert!

New Salem State Historic Site Visitors Center 15588 History Ln, Petersburg, IL, United States

Dive into the wonderful watery world of river ecology with Dr. Jason DeBoer, Large River Scientist with the Illinois Natural History Survey!  Jason’s presentation will explain why rivers are important ecosystems, describe some of the threats our local rivers face, and explore some of the wild, weird, and downright wacky fish and other animals that call our rivers home.  There’s bound to be a few ‘fish tales’ shared too, and definitely a lot of big-fish pictures! Immediately following Jason's presentation we're excited to bring to you Chris Vallillo, Chris is a singer/songwriter, and roots musician who makes the people and places of “unmetropolitan” America come to life in song. His recent project “Forgottonia” tells the story of West Central Illinois and, through song, brings to life the forgotten history of our rural region. If you know Chris, we already know you'll be there! If you haven't yet had the pleasure of experiencing a Chris Vallillo concert, you're in for a real treat--you do not want to miss it. This is the first in the 2025 Trails & Greenways' Ways to Discovery Chautauqua Series. The venue is fully accessible, ensuring everyone can participate. We gratefully acknowledge partial support for this event from the Illinois Arts Council and the Springfield Area Arts Council.

Starhill Forest Arboretum Spring Work Day

Starhill Forest Arboretum 12000 Boy Scout Trail, Petersburg, Illinois, United States

Lend a hand at this annual volunteer event as we tackle spring tasks such as planting trees, unloading greenhouses, tidying trails, spreading mulch, removing invasive species, and more. Tools and training will be provided. At noon, socialize with Friends at a provided lunch. For more information, call 217-632-3685 or e-mail alana.mckean@ic.edu. Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required, to help plan activities and lunch.

Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup

Join us for the Adopt-a-Highway cleanup on Saturday, April 12 at 9:00 AM to take care of our 2-mile IDOT Adopt-A-Highway segment that runs from the south edge of New Salem to the south end of Petersburg. With a full crew it should only take about an hour. Although we always meet at the main entrance to New Salem off Rte. 97, due to road work currently underway, this will likely change -- so check back here and/or Facebook for updates. Trash bags and safety vests supplied (if you have one our safety vests please bring it). Please wear gloves, long pants, closed-toed shoes or boots. See you there!!

Free

Earth Explorers’ Festival

Three Pines Petersburg 510 W Sheridan Rd, Petersburg, IL, United States

Event for K thru 6 -- learn about the Earth through crafts and games! Event will take place at the Three Pines Petersburg barn -- rain or shine! Contact Anna for more information.  

Mini-BioBlitz on Cardinal Ridge at New Salem

New Salem East Side X5C7+72 Lewisburg, Illinois, IL, United States

Mini BioBlitz at New Salem! Join us for the first in an ongoing collaborative search to find and identify as many species as possible in the area around Cardinal Ridge Trail at New Salem. No experience necessary! Participants will use an app downloaded to their mobile devices called iNaturalist.  RSVP not required, but helpful for planning purposes.

Earth Day Paint Day at The Studio on the Square!

Studio on the Square, Petersburg Library, Athens Library

Celebrate the Earth at Studio on the Square for a Paint Day!  Painters will be painting a watercolor and ink landscape inspired by Jen Aranyi, a watercolor artist whose work predominately features landscapes and nature scenery. Painting is $15 per painter and open to all ages (painters under 8 must be accompanied by an adult). Registration coming this week!

Garlic Mustard Pull at New Salem Historic Village

Lincoln's New Salem Historic Village 15588 History Ln, Petersburg, IL, United States

PORTA senior, Isabelle Branson, will be leading the Junior High Student Council in a garlic mustard pull around the New Salem Historic Village. If you have a couple hours to spare on Monday afternoon, April 14th from 3:45 to 5:30 will you pitch in and give them a hand!  Gloves, long-sleeved shirts and hats recommended. Bring drinking water. All participants must sign a waiver (provided). Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Note: please direct questions to Menard County Trails & Greenways.

FREE Earth Day Learning Boxes!

Studio on the Square, Petersburg Library, Athens Library

Menard County Family Collaborative will have free Earth Day learning boxes available for pickup! These are designed for ages 2-10, and have fun learning activities, coloring pages, and more! Pick up at Studio on the Square, Petersburg Public Library and Athens Municipal Library. 1 box per family. Designed for kids aged 2-10.

Story Hour at Athens Library

Athens Municipal Library 410 E Hargrave Street, Athens, IL, United States

Celebrate Earth Day at the library. Join us for a flower-themed story hour with books, songs, and a craft.

Earth Day Celebrating Living Lands & Waters with Chad Pregracke

Hoogland Center for the Arts 420 S 6th Street, Springfield, IL, United States

Join us and local environmental groups for a very special Earth Day Celebration! We’re excited to welcome Chad Pregracke—founder of Living Lands and Waters and the 2013 CNN Hero of the Year. Chad’s captivating presentation will take you on a journey of challenges, adventures, and triumphs, proving that one person can make a powerful difference. Don't miss this inspiring event! 5:30-7:00 PM social hour w/appetizers, cash bar, art exhibit by Sangamon Watercolor Society 7:00-8:30 PM presentation and book signing Free -- first come first served!

Garlic Mustard Pull at New Salem

New Salem East Side X5C7+72 Lewisburg, Illinois, IL, United States

Menard County Trails & Greenways will be pulling garlic mustard on Cardinal Ridge and Shick Shack Ridge three days this week. Time, volunteers and weather permitting, we may also work in The Village. Wear long pants and close-toed shoes. Gloves, long-sleeved shirts and hats recommended. Bring drinking water. Snacks will be available. All participants must sign a waiver. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the parking lot by the old restaurant on top of the hill on the east side of Rt. 97. (39.971013 -89.837752)  In case of rain, event will be canceled. 

Jaycee Park Pollinator Garden Work Day

Jaycee Park 621-655 Oakland Ave, Petersburg, IL, United States

Grab the kids after school and join the fun this Earth Day! We're adding a pollinator garden to our newly refurbished park!  Bring garden tools if you have them, or just yourself if you don't! Gloves provided. Everyone welcome! Drinking water, sturdy footwear and hat recommended.

Rotary Park Cleanup

Rotary Park 318 Rutledge Ave, Petersburg, IL, United States

Pitch in for Rotary's Annual Spring Cleaning at Rotary Park!   Bring work  gloves and a rake.  Rain date, if necessary, TBD

Garlic Mustard Pull at New Salem

New Salem East Side X5C7+72 Lewisburg, Illinois, IL, United States

Menard County Trails & Greenways will be pulling garlic mustard on Cardinal Ridge and Shick Shack Ridge three days this week. Time, volunteers and weather permitting, we may also work in The Village. Wear long pants and close-toed shoes. Gloves, long-sleeved shirts and hats recommended. Bring drinking water. Snacks will be available. All participants must sign a waiver. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the parking lot by the old restaurant on top of the hill on the east side of Rt. 97. (39.971013 -89.837752) In case of rain, event will be canceled. 

Story Hour at Athens Library

Athens Municipal Library 410 E Hargrave Street, Athens, IL, United States

Celebrate Earth Day at the library. Join us for a tree-themed story hour with books, songs, and a craft.

Garlic Mustard Pull at New Salem

New Salem East Side X5C7+72 Lewisburg, Illinois, IL, United States

Menard County Trails & Greenways will be pulling garlic mustard on Cardinal Ridge and Shick Shack Ridge three days this week. Time, volunteers and weather permitting, we may also work in The Village. Wear long pants and close-toed shoes. Gloves, long-sleeved shirts and hats recommended. Bring drinking water. Snacks will be available. All participants must sign a waiver. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the parking lot by the old restaurant on top of the hill on the east side of Rt. 97. (39.971013 -89.837752) In case of rain, event will be canceled. 

Work Day at The Wolf Preserve

The Wolf Preserve 13619 Boy Scout Trail, Petersburg, IL, United States

The Friends of Sangamon Valley (FOSV) board members invite you to spend a spring afternoon helping with invasive species removal while enjoying the spring wildflowers and abundance of songbirds at the Wolf Preserve. No experience is necessary. Wear your favorite work clothes and close-toed shoes. Bring along gloves if you like. All tools are provided along with detailed instructions related to the planned tasks. Independent and group projects are available. And two hours is not mandatory. If you can only help for a portion of the time, we welcome your assistance. If you have questions, please contact Angela Funk, Executive Director, at 217-494-3115 or fosvexecutivedirector@gmail.com The Wolf Preserve is located on Boy Scout Trail. Enter 39.960344 - 89.814431 into your navigation app or call/email for more information. There will also be directional signs from Route 97 and Gudgel Road.