Chautauqua 2025

Celebrating National Trails Day  Speakers: Dr. Michael Wiant and Terri Treacy will present Exploring Menard County Trails: Ancient, Historical, Present and Futuristic. Music: Ben Bedford. Based in Springfield, Ben Bedford’s influence is wide-reaching and has taken him around the world. His songwriting has earned him  a spot on the list of “50 most significant Folk singer-songwriters of the past 50 years” by Rich Warren of WFMT-Chicago.

Three experts will discuss habitat creation at large, medium and backyard scales. Emilee Hale, a biologist with Pheasants Forever will explain how biologists across the country work with landowners to implement conservation programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program with the goal of creating habitat on a large scale for upland wildlife. Patty Morton, retired owner at Creative Designs will describe how she’s enhanced her property in rural Menard County. Cindy Andreasen, Master Gardener, and Alana McKean, Arboretum Curator at Starhill Forest Arboretum will discuss how even the smallest backyard garden can provide critical habitat. The Studio on the Square in downtown Petersburg, will host a musical showcase featuring area youth.