Program
Winter Nature Series at RiverBank Lodge with Mike Wiant
The Land of Lincoln: The Sangamon Valley landscape in the early 19th century Michael Wiant will present a program on the vegetation of the Sangamon River valley in 1822. To facilitate public land purchases, surveyors established the township and range system and noted vegetation at section intersections, which the General Land Office used to produce maps. The maps and line descriptions provide a glimpse of the landscape Lincoln found when he arrived in the Sangamon River Valley. Dr. Wiant was a member of the Illinois State Museum staff for 35 years and lives near Petersburg with his wife, Terri Treacy. Light refreshments provided. RSVPs appreciated--217-632-0202
The wonderful watery world of river ecology! And, Chris Vallilo Concert!
New Salem State Historic Site Visitors Center 15588 History Ln, Petersburg, IL, United StatesDive 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 Vallillo, 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. The venue is fully accessible, ensuring everyone can participate. We gratefully acknowledge partial support for this event from the Illinois Arts Council and the Springfield Area Arts Council.
Ways to Discovery Chautauqua Series – Exploring Menard County Trails: Ancient, Historical, Present and Futuristic & Ben Bedford Music
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.