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Ways to Discovery Chautauqua – April 6 – Celebrating Earth Month in Menard County
The event will be held at the Visitors Center Auditorium at New Salem State Historic Site in Petersburg, Illinois — April 6, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.RiverBank Lodge is fully accessible, ensuring everyone can participate. The wonderful watery world of river ecology! 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…
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Ways to Discovery Chautauqua Series
Rooted in the Chautauqua tradition, this lecture series delivers engaging and educational programming to our community. This year’s theme, Ways to Discovery, delves into the many paths through which we understand and navigate the world. From our evolving natural environment to expanding digital spaces, from local communities to global connections, this series explores how we come to know ourselves, others, and the world around us. True to the Chautauqua tradition, following each program there will be live performances by local artists whose songwriting and storytelling document the culture and history of our region. The series will be held at the Visitors Center Auditorium at New Salem State Historic Site in Petersburg,…
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Earth Month Community Calendar
The official Earth Day theme for 2025 is The Power Of Collective Action. This year Trails & Greenways has embraced the theme with a Celebrate Earth Month Community Calendar of events during the entire month of April. The Earth Month Calendar showcases the activities and events that our local organizations, businesses and governments are hosting to celebrate Earth Day in Menard County. Check it out — we’re sure you’ll find an activity to volunteer for. Working together as a community to protect biodiversity, preserve our ecosystems and combat climate change is a testament to the power of collective action. Join us in Celebrating Earth Month as we work together for…
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Bark to Basics Part III: Identifying Trees at New Salem by Their Bark
Our online tree ID challenge continues as we highlight photos and key features of 5 additional species of native trees you’ll find along the scenic Cardinal Ridge Trail at New Salem. Find ten more species from Week I and Week II. Find more information about these and many other Illinois trees and shrubs at Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of Illinois
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Bark to Basics Part II: Identifying Trees at New Salem by Their Bark
If you enjoyed this challenge, please return to the Facebook post and join the comments. And, come back next week for the final 5 species in our Tree Bark Challenge! Find more information about these and many other Illinois trees and shrubs at: Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of Illinois
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Bark to Basics Part I: Identifying Trees at New Salem by Their Bark
Find more information about these and many other Illinois trees and shrubs at Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of Illinois
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Sip n’ Sow Winter Seed Sowing Workshop
Sip n’ Sow Winter Seed Sowing Workshop1st & 3rd Boutique & Wine BarJanuary 31st from 6:00PM to 7:30PM
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Native Plant Seed Packets Now Available in Menard County!
Great news for gardeners and nature enthusiasts: Menard County Trails & Greenways is once again offering native plant seed packets! You can find them at convenient locations such as the Petersburg Public Library, the Yellow Door (Petersburg location), Crazy Daisy Gift Shop, and the Athens Municipal Library. This year, we’re excited to offer 17 vibrant species, including seeds collected from Petersburg’s square, Historic Wayside Park, and our members’ own gardens and prairie restorations. Best of all, the seed packets are free, though we gratefully accept donations to support Menard County Trails & Greenways. The displays will be restocked as long as supplies last! Not Sure Which Seeds to Choose? We’ve…
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RAFFLE for Menard County Trails & Greenways!
Perspectives Art Gallery and artist Pam Hamilton have teamed up to support Menard County’s Trails & Greenways with a fundraiser raffle to Win Original Art! Enter now for a chance(s) to win “Flight of the Huntress”—a stunning 24″x30″ original painting by the talented Pam Hamilton, valued at $750! Raffle Details Tickets can be purchased from any Trails & Greenways Board Member or at Perspectives Art Gallery. Plus, find additional ticket locations by scanning the QR code in the graphic! Or purchase your ticket(s) online: be sure to include your contact info (phone and/or email — otherwise we won’t have a way to contact you if you win!). About Pam HamiltonPam Hamilton’s…
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Wayside Prairie
If you’ve recently passed by the northwest corner of Routes 97 & 123, directly across from Historic Wayside Park, you may have noticed some major changes. Over the past couple of years, invasive species, dead green ash, and other trees have been cleared as part of the first phase of an exciting project—the creation of a small shortgrass prairie.