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Mini BioBlitz at New Salem!
Join us on April 13th from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM for a fun and informative Mini BioBlitz on the Cardinal Ridge Trail! This is the first event in an exciting series of collaborative efforts to document and identify as many species as possible in the trail area at New Salem, where Menard County Trails and Greenways (MCTG) members have been actively involved in forest restoration. No experience is necessary! Whether you’re a seasoned nature enthusiast or a curious beginner, this is the perfect opportunity to explore the diversity of life around us. Participants will use the iNaturalist app to document and identify plants, animals, fungi, and more. You’ll also…
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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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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.
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Ways to celebrate Pollinator Week (June 17-23, 2024)!
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…
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Announcement, Community Service, Events, Native plants, Native Seed Sowing, Presentation, Volunteering
Planting Party for Wee Ones
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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Sip n’ Sow Seed Sowing Workshop
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…
