Earth Month in Menard County
Calendar of Events
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The wonderful watery world of river ecology! And, Chris Vallilo Concert!
The wonderful watery world of river ecology! And, Chris Vallilo Concert!
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 Vallilo, 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. RiverBank Lodge is fully accessible, ensuring everyone can participate.
2 events,
Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup
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!!
Earth Explorers Festival
Earth Explorers Festival
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 " target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anna for more information.
2 events,
Mini-BioBlitz on Cardinal Ridge at New Salem
Mini-BioBlitz on Cardinal Ridge at New Salem
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. Details coming soon!
1 event,
Story Hour at Athens Library
Story Hour at Athens Library
Celebrate Earth Day at the library. Join us for a flower-themed story hour with books, songs, and a craft.
1 event,
Earth Day Celebrating Living Lands & Waters with Chad Pregracke
Earth Day Celebrating Living Lands & Waters with Chad Pregracke
Chad Pregracke, the founder of Living Lands and Waters and 2013 CNN Hero of the Year, is living proof that one person can truly make a difference. Join us at Hoogland Center for the Arts for a truly inspiring evening with one of the most dedicated stewards of our rivers in the country. 5:30 to 7:00 Social Hour with appetizers, cash bar, and art exhibit by the Sangamon Watercolor Society. 7:00 to 8:30 Presentation by Chad Pregracke. Sponsored by Menard County Trails & Greenways, Springfield Audubon, Sangamon Watercolor Society, Illinois Audubon, Illinois Native Plant Society, Friends of the Sangamon Valley, Lincoln Memorial Garden, with generous support provided by Richard and Joyce Reeves Family Fund and Vera Herst.
1 event,
Garlic Mustard Pull at New Salem
Garlic Mustard Pull at New Salem
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.
1 event,
Rotary Park Cleanup
Rotary Park Cleanup
Pitch in for Rotary's Annual Spring Cleaning at Rotary Park! Bring work gloves and a rake. Rain date, if necessary, TBD
2 events,
Garlic Mustard Pull at New Salem
Garlic Mustard Pull at New Salem
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
Story Hour at Athens Library
Celebrate Earth Day at the library. Join us for a tree-themed story hour with books, songs, and a craft.
2 events,
Garlic Mustard Pull at New Salem
Garlic Mustard Pull at New Salem
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
Work Day at The Wolf Preserve
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.