Menard County Trails & Greenways

Ways to Discovery!

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  • Home
  • About
    • About
    • Newsletters & Annual Reports
    • Contact
  • Our Projects & Activities
    • Volunteer Habitat Restoration Project at Lincoln’s New Salem Historic Site
    • Earth Day Celebration
    • Sangamon River Sweeps
    • Historic Wayside Park
    • More….
  • MCTG Blog
  • Ways to Discovery!
    • Lincoln’s New Salem Historic Site Hiking Trails
    • Historic Wayside Park
    • J.E. Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area
    • Sangamon River
    • Sangamon Valley Trail – Cantrall Access
    • Starhill Forest Arboretum
    • Biking Menard County
  • Join / Renew
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Calendar
  • Photo Galleries
  • Video Vignettes
  • Trails & Greenways Merchandise
  • Ways to Discovery Chautauqua Series
  • Announcement,  Community Service,  Events,  Native plants,  Native Seed Sowing,  Presentation,  Volunteering

    Planting Party for Wee Ones

    March 23, 2024 /

    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.

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    MCTG-Admin

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    MCTG Comments on State Water Plan

    July 1, 2021

    Plant pollinator habitat at home

    December 8, 2023

    Battling Invasive Plant Species–Special Presentation

    February 14, 2023
  • Announcement,  Events,  Native plants,  Native Seed Sowing,  Presentation

    Sip n’ Sow Seed Sowing Workshop

    December 19, 2023 /

    Sip n’ Sow Seed Sowing Workshop 1st & 3rd Boutique & Wine Bar January 12th from 6:00 to 8:00 1st & 3rd Boutique & Wine Bar has generously donated their event space. Please show your support — come early to shop, get a beverage & maybe a charcuterie board! Event Limited to 30 Registered Participants — Fill Out  Form at Bottom of Page It’s never too soon to think of spring! Join some adult-only fun at the Sip n’ Sow Workshop! Sip a glass of wine and sow some native flower seeds for your summer garden.  Native plants attract pollinators and serve as butterfly host plants, including many species growing…

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    MCTG-Admin

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    Trash Taskforce: Good Clean Fun

    March 28, 2022

    2020 Census! It’s Our future. Don’t leave it blank!

    August 16, 2020

    Earth Day!

    April 21, 2020
  • Events,  Kayak/Canoe,  Water

    2023 Annual Fall Float

    October 9, 2023 /

    It was a beautiful day for a float on the Sangamon River! This past Saturday, Menard County Trails & Greenways (MCTG) hosted its Annual Sangamon River Fall Float from Gudgel Bridge to New Salem. Approximately 30 paddlers launched their canoes and kayaks in the afternoon and wound their way down five miles of river, taking in blue skies, crisp air, the beginnings of changing leaves, and even a bald eagle! The river was a little low, but we managed to navigate around those really low spots. Immediately following the paddle, everyone enjoyed a toasty campfire complete with hotdogs and s’mores. The float would not have been possible without the help…

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    MCTG-Admin

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    Sip n’ Sow Seed Sowing Workshop

    December 19, 2023

    Earth Day!

    April 21, 2020

    Battling Invasive Plant Species–Special Presentation

    February 14, 2023
  • Community Service,  Earth Day,  Events,  Volunteering

    Petersburg Cleans up on Earth Day

    April 24, 2023 /

    Despite the cold and brief snow/sleet shower, 22 adults and 15 youth showed up this past Saturday morning, April 22,  to celebrate Earth Day and clean up around our town. Menard County Trails & Greenways (MCTG) hosted the event at Hurie Park.

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    MCTGuser

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    Trash Taskforce: Good Clean Fun

    March 28, 2022
  • Announcement,  Events,  Nature,  New Salem Habitat Restoration Project,  Presentation

    Battling Invasive Plant Species–Special Presentation

    February 14, 2023 /

    Experts to discuss invasive plant crisis–why it’s important and what can be done! Menard County Trails & Greenways invites the public to an engaging presentation about invasive plants—what they are, why they are a serious problem and what can be done about them—February 22, 2023, at Broadgauge in Petersburg at 7 p.m.

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    Earth Day 2020–50 Years of Celebrating the Planet

    March 31, 2020

    2020 Census! It’s Our future. Don’t leave it blank!

    August 16, 2020

    MCTG provides public comment on City of Springfield’s amended Supplemental Water Supply Project

    August 5, 2021
  • Events,  Native plants,  Native Seed Sowing

    Sip n’ Sow Workshop

    November 18, 2022 /

    Sip n’ Sow Seed Sowing Workshop 1st & 3rd Boutique & Wine Bar January 12th from 5:30 to 7:30 Limited to 30 Registered Participants — Fill Form Below to Register It’s never too soon to think of spring! Join some adult-only fun at the Sip n’ Sow Workshop! Sip a glass of wine and sow some native flower seeds for your summer garden.  Native plants attract pollinators and serve as butterfly host plants, including many species growing on the square in Petersburg.  The evening will kick off with a slide presentation with photos and discussion of some of the species that will be available. Participants will then use the winter…

    Read More
    MCTGuser

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    Sip n’ Sow Seed Sowing Workshop

    December 19, 2023

    Battling Invasive Plant Species–Special Presentation

    February 14, 2023

    Earth Day!

    April 21, 2020
  • Community Service,  Events,  Kayak/Canoe,  River Sweep,  Volunteering

    Sangamon River Cleanup

    September 10, 2022 /

    On Friday, September 9, a small group of MCTG members spent a few hours cleaning up the Sangamon River near Hurie Park. On and around a sandbar located just below the Petersburg dam, the group hauled away about 10 bags of garbage and 20 tires from the river, otherwise known as “aquatic trash.” This trash can be harmful to fish and other wildlife that live in and around the river, as well as the humans who enjoy the river, plus it’s just ugly! Big thank you to the City of Petersburg for hauling away the garbage!

    Read More
    MCTG-Admin

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  • Announcement,  Events

    Earth Day 2021 — Pitch In for Petersburg!

    March 25, 2021 /

    Tired of seeing litter — cans, bottles, fast food wrappers, and more — strewn along our river front, in our parks, and along our streets and ditches? If everyone pitches in we can make a big difference in the appearance of our beautiful little city and health of our environment. Ways to Help Sign in at Hurie Park after work or school starting at 4:00 PM (or whenever you can get there) to get a trash bag, your free tote (while they last), and DQ cone coupon (while they last). We’ll assign you a location or you can tell us where you plan to pick up. Pick up around your…

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    MCTGuser

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    April 21, 2020

    Sip n’ Sow Seed Sowing Workshop

    December 19, 2023

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    December 1, 2020
  • Events,  Kayak/Canoe

    2020 Sangamon River Fall Float

    October 25, 2020 /

    The Annual Sangamon River Fall Float was a little different this year. Due to Covid concerns the trip was completely DIY. All 23 participants provided their own shuttles between the launch and take-out sites, brought their own refreshments, including food and beverages for the after-float campfire. It was a picture-perfect day and fun time for all.

    Read More
    MCTGuser

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    Sip n’ Sow Workshop

    November 18, 2022

    Earth Day!

    April 21, 2020

    Sip n’ Sow Seed Sowing Workshop

    December 19, 2023
  • Events,  Native plants,  Nature

    Happy Arbor Day

    April 24, 2020 /

    What better way to celebrate Arbor Day than by planting a tree or two or more! People often ask for help selecting a tree to plant at their home. My first bit of advice is always to choose something that is appropriate to the site, that will thrive for years to come. It is important to do some research and have a good understanding of a tree’s expected mature size, growth habits, and insect pest or disease concerns. Too often, we see trees that have been topped for line clearance—something that could have been avoided by selecting a smaller species!

    Read More
    MCTGuser

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    Sip n’ Sow Seed Sowing Workshop

    December 19, 2023

    Earth Day!

    April 21, 2020

    Battling Invasive Plant Species–Special Presentation

    February 14, 2023
123

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Menard County Trails and Greenways
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Menard County Trails and Greenways

Menard County Trails and Greenways

Ways to Discovery! Enriched lives through a network of land and water trails that connect people to natural and cultural resources and encourages exploration and conservation.

Menard County Trails and Greenways

1 week ago

Menard County Trails and Greenways

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Menard County Trails and Greenways

1 week ago

Menard County Trails and Greenways
Wayside Prairie is coming along!! Only it's 2nd season and so much is blooming. It does however need some TLC -- we'll be reaching out soon to schedule a day to tackle teasel. Be sure to catch a glimpse next time you're driving by -- northwest corner of Rts. 97 & 123 (Tallula Road). Let us know what you think in the comments. ... See MoreSee Less

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Menard County Trails and Greenways

4 weeks ago

Menard County Trails and Greenways
Thank you Springfield Area Arts Council for helping us bring our Ways to Discovery Chautauqua series to life! Join us in August for the next event at Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site!It's #RegionalArtsPartnerWednesday eve! 🥳🎨Grantee Spotlight: Menard County Trails & GreenwaysEstablished in 1999, the volunteer-run non-profit Menard County Trails & Greenways preserves natural and cultural resources through nature-connective exploration and conservation, combining trail and greenway maintenance and enjoyment with arts access for rural Central Illinois communities. Continuing a project begun in 2024, the non-profit has organized a four-part Chautauqua inspired event series for 2025, titled Ways to Discovery, that explores "the many paths through which we understand and navigate the world". This event series takes place on first Sundays of August through October at the Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site visitor center auditorium in Petersburg from 1-3pm, and combines educational lectures with performances by Illinois-based artists. 🎭 Springfield Area Arts Council is proud to support Menard County Trails & through the Regional Arts Partner re-granting program, made possible in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. Learn more about the Regional Arts Partner Grant at springfieldartsco.org/grants#SpringfieldArts #OurCreativeCapital#artsmatter #CommunityDriven #SpringfieldIL #CommunityArts #SupportLocalArts #CreativityForAll #MenardCountyTrailsandGreenways #MenardCoIL #ArtsMidwest #RuralArts #FolkArt #Chautauqua ... See MoreSee Less

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Menard County Trails and Greenways

1 month ago

Menard County Trails and Greenways
🌼Join a fun and friendly crew tomorrow morning for a pop-up volunteer day in the pollinator gardens on Petersburg's downtown square!We’ll be weeding, trimming, and editing the gardens. Learn about native plants and pollinator-friendly gardening from experienced gardeners. Take home plants we thin out—free for your own garden!Bring your favorite gardening tools (and gloves if you have them). Drop in anytime between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AMNo experience needed—just come ready to dig in and enjoy the beauty of community and nature! 💚🦋 ... See MoreSee Less

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