- Volunteer! Join MCTG members working at Wayside Park or on the square in Petersburg this week—or later this summer. We’ll be weeding, trimming, planting, watering, mulching, and eventually collecting seeds. If you’re interested in adopting a bed or a corner on the square, we can show you the ropes!
- Scout blooming plants now for later seed collection (see a blog on this subject soon!)
- Be a citizen scientist! Download the iNaturalist app and participate in the Illinois Monarch Project’s Bioblitz to document local insect activity.
- Create pollinator habitat at home! While the heat makes planting a little challenging this week, with ample water during establishment, natives will tough it out! Consider planting native species from local growers like 3B Natives. Their plants can be ordered online or purchased at Seaney’s. The Mason State Nursery is another great option!
From Pollinator Partnership:
Pollinator Week 2024 is a celebration of the vital role that pollinators play in our ecosystems, economies, and agriculture. Under the inspiring theme “Vision 2040: Thriving ecosystems, economies, and agriculture,” this year’s event urges us to envision a future where pollinators not only survive but thrive. These essential creatures, including bees, butterflies, moths, bats, beetles, and hummingbirds, are the unsung heroes behind the food we enjoy and the beauty that surrounds us. As we reflect on the interconnectedness of our world, let’s unite in a collective effort to protect and preserve these crucial pollinators. By understanding the impact of our actions on their habitats and embracing sustainable practices, we can pave the way for a flourishing future. Join us in celebrating Pollinator Week 2024, and let’s cultivate a world where both nature and humanity thrive in harmony. Explore our resources, learn about pollinator-friendly initiatives, and be inspired to contribute to the vision of a greener and more sustainable tomorrow.
https://www.pollinator.org/pollinator-week
Enjoy an evening with longtime friends and new friends to reminisce, swap stories, plan future adventures…..
The evening will include an annual report, new board member election and socializing. Everyone Welcome! Bring a friend!
Food provided — Cash bar
Chances to win door prizes!!
For planning purposes, please RSVP no later than July 2 by EOB to Libby at lshawgo@gmail.com.
We owe it to future generations to follow the advice Sara gives us all in her drawing. Let’s all pitch in for Petersburg on Saturday, April 27th. Meet at Hurie Park a 9:00 AM to sign-in and pick up supplies (trash bags, gloves, etc).
For planning purposes, please RSVP here.
The form couldn't be found.
Volunteers are needed this coming Wednesday, March 27th, to clean and weed the pollinator plant bed around the council circle. Work will begin at 1:00 PM.
No experience necessary! Great opportunity to learn about native prairie plants, and maybe even meet new friends!
Bring gardening tools (rakes, pruners, weeders, etc, if you have them) and gloves. Drinking water, sunscreen and hat recommended.
Trails & Greenway is a proud sponsor of this family event organized by Birth to Five Illinois: Region 51 to introduce little ones to gardening with hands on experience of planting vegetable and native pollinator plant seeds. They will also learn about the importance of pollinators for our food supply. See the image below for event details and list of sponsors. If you’re interested in helping out let us know.
We will reschedule this hike for later in the summer.
Plan now to join us for a hike in celebration of National Trails Day — June 1st!
National Trails Day offers a splendid chance to revel in nature’s splendor and emphasize the significance of safeguarding our trails and natural areas for future generations. Join us on June 1st for an immersive guided hike along the Cardinal Ridge Trail, which will include an off-trail detour to explore areas of the forest previously inaccessible due to the dense understory of bush honeysuckle. This detour promises not only previously unseen vistas but also an up-close look at the ongoing habitat restoration project, offering invaluable insights into conservation efforts. Note: We won’t go far off-trail, and the terrain will not be strenuous, but it will require a little extra caution and awareness. And, of course, if you are not comfortable traversing the woods off-trail, you can stay back and wait for the group to return.
For those planning to attend, it’s imperative to dress suitably for the weather, don sturdy and supportive footwear, and remember to bring an ample supply of drinking water to stay hydrated throughout the excursion. Following the hike, Trails & Greenways will treat participants to a delightful lunch cookout at the scenic picnic pavilion by the river.
This isn’t just a hike; it’s an opportunity to connect with nature, to foster community among trail enthusiasts, and to champion environmental stewardship. Don’t miss out – join us for the National Trails Day Hike to explore, learn and connect.
For planning purposes, your RSVP to this free event is greatly appreciated!
American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day is celebrated on the first Saturday in June of each year. This event aims to bring together all trail enthusiasts, young and old, while honoring those who help maintain and preserve hiking trails for everyone to enjoy.
