Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup
Join us for the Adopt-a-Highway cleanup on Saturday, June 24 at 9:00 AM. With a full crew it should only take about an hour. Meet at the main entrance to New Salem off Rte. 97 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. 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!!
Annual Meeting & Member Appreciation Party
TBDSave the Date!! Join fellow members, old friends and new friends at the Annual Meeting & Party!! As details are nailed down we'll be updating the calendar with all the pertinent information.
Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup
Join us for the Adopt-a-Highway cleanup on Saturday, August 26 at 9:00 AM. With a full crew it should only take about an hour. Meet at the main entrance to New Salem off Rte. 97 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. 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!!
Petersburg Harvest Fest
Petersburg PetersburgJoin Us at the Petersburg Harvest Fest. Walk in the parade! Volunteer or visit our booth. It's a full day of fun, food and friends.
Sangamon River Fall Float 2023
Sangamon River IL, United StatesRegistration Deadline Extended!! Join Menard County Trails & Greenways on October 7, 2023 as we paddle 5 beautiful miles of the Sangamon River from the Gudgel Bridge to the New Salem riverside picnic area/boat ramp. Take part in this annual event where we join together to enjoy the solitude, beauty and natural history of the Sangamon River as it meanders through rural Menard County. With a hint of fall in the air, the tree-lined river will likely be stunning. Immediately following the float everyone is invited to socialize around a cozy campfire at New Salem State Historic Site riverside picnic area for a weenie roast (provided with registration). $25 Registration Fee -- includes shuttle, snacks, weenie roast, local geologic features handout, and best of all--comraderie with fellow boaters. All participants must pre-register! Registration is limited and closes at 5:00 PM October 4, 2023! Each Participant MUST: Register online by 5:00 PM October 4, 2023 Sign a Waiver and Release of Liability form (available at sign-in) Provide your own canoe or kayak and paddles Provide a PFD(personal flotation device) Be responsible for delivering your equipment to the launch site at Gudgel Bridge by noon, and completing your registration and sign-in at New Salem before 1:00PM. Shuttle will depart New Salem at 1:00 PM back to the launch site. (Detailed directions will be provided in a confirmation email following online registration.) Cancellation Policy: In the event the float must be cancelled due to inclement weather or unsafe river conditions registrants will receive a full refund (minus handling fee). Cancellation policy for participants: Ticket price (minus handling fee) will be 100% refunded if cancelled prior to 5:00 PM October 4, 2023. Refunds will not be granted after 5:00 PM October 4, 2023. American Canoe Association This is an American Canoe Association (ACA)--sanctioned event. Everyone will have the opportunity to join the ACA at the individual membership rate.
Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup
Join us for the Adopt-a-Highway cleanup on Saturday, November 11 at 9:00 AM. With a full crew it should only take about an hour. Meet at the main entrance to New Salem off Rte. 97 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. 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!!
Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup
Join us for the Adopt-a-Highway cleanup on Saturday, March 2 at 9:00 AM. With a full crew it should only take about an hour. Meet at the main entrance to New Salem off Rte. 97 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. 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!!
Spring Cleaning at Historic Wayside Park–See new date!
Historic Wayside Park W5V3+XP Lake Petersburg, Illinois, Petersburg, IllinoisVolunteers are needed this coming Wednesday, March 27th, to clean and weed the pollinator plant bed around the council circle. Work will begin at 1:00 PM. No experience necessary! Great opportunity to learn about native prairie plants, and maybe even meet new friends! Bring gardening tools (rakes, pruners, weeders, etc, if you have them) and gloves. Drinking water, sunscreen and hat recommended.
Earth Day in Petersburg
Hurie Park 2564+VR Petersburg, Illinois, Petersburg, IL, United StatesMenard County Trails & Greenways Community Cleanup! It's that time of the year when we come together as a community to celebrate Earth Day in Petersburg. This year, the event will take place on Saturday, April 27th. Check in a Hurie Park at 9:00 AM. We'll be focusing on cleaning up litter in various locations around town, including spots that are kid-friendly, so bring the whole family along for some community bonding and environmental stewardship! Your participation is invaluable in making Petersburg a cleaner and more enjoyable place for everyone. Let's work together to make a positive impact on our community! To ensure we have enough supplies for everyone, please RSVP using the form below: Trash bags and disposable gloves will be available at Hurie Park. Please wear sturdy close-toed shoes/boots, dress for the weather and bring drinking water. Please direct questions to menardctg@gmail.com
CANCELLED–National Trails Day Hike at New Salem: Explore, Learn, and Connect
New Salem Riverside Picnic Area X5C9+27 Petersburg, Illinois, United StatesWe will reschedule this hike for later in the summer. Plan now to join us for a hike in celebration of National Trails Day -- June 1st! National Trails Day offers a splendid chance to revel in nature's splendor and emphasize the significance of safeguarding our trails and natural areas for future generations. Join us on June 1st for an immersive guided hike along the Cardinal Ridge Trail, which will include an off-trail detour to explore areas of the forest previously inaccessible due to the dense understory of bush honeysuckle. This detour promises not only previously unseen vistas but also an up-close look at the ongoing habitat restoration project, offering invaluable insights into conservation efforts. Note: We won't go far off-trail, and the terrain will not be strenuous, but it will require a little extra caution and awareness. And, of course, if you are not comfortable traversing the woods off-trail, you can stay back and wait for the group to return. For those planning to attend, it's imperative to dress suitably for the weather, don sturdy and supportive footwear, and remember to bring an ample supply of drinking water to stay hydrated throughout the excursion. Following the hike, Trails & Greenways will treat participants to a delightful lunch cookout at the scenic picnic pavilion by the river. This isn't just a hike; it's an opportunity to connect with nature, to foster community among trail enthusiasts, and to champion environmental stewardship. Don't miss out – join us for the National Trails Day Hike to explore, learn and connect. For planning purposes, your RSVP to this free event is greatly appreciated! American Hiking Society's National Trails Day is celebrated on the first Saturday in June of each year. This event aims to bring together all trail enthusiasts, young and old, while honoring those who help maintain and preserve hiking trails for everyone to enjoy.
Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup
Join us for the Adopt-a-Highway cleanup on Saturday, June 22 at 9:00 AM. (8:30 for those who want to beat the heat!).With a full crew it should only take about an hour. Meet at the main entrance to New Salem off Rte. 97 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. 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!!
Annual Meeting + Membership Appreciation Party
Hand of Fate Brewery 107 E Douglas St, Petersburg, IllinoisEnjoy an evening with longtime friends and new friends to reminisce, swap stories, plan future adventures..... The evening will include an annual report, new board member election and socializing. Everyone Welcome! Bring a friend! Food provided -- Cash bar Chances to win door prizes!! For planning purposes, please RSVP no later than July 2 by EOB to Libby at lshawgo@gmail.com.
Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup
Join us for the Adopt-a-Highway cleanup on Saturday, August 24 at 9:00 AM. With a full crew it should only take about an hour. Meet at the main entrance to New Salem off Rte. 97 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. 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!!
2024 Sangamon River Fall Float
Registration Deadline Extended!! Join Menard County Trails & Greenways on October 12, 2024 as we paddle 5 beautiful miles of the Sangamon River from the Gudgel Bridge to the New Salem riverside picnic area/boat ramp. Take part in this annual event where we join together to enjoy the solitude, beauty and natural history of the Sangamon River as it meanders through rural Menard County. With a hint of fall in the air, the tree-lined river will likely be stunning. Immediately following the float everyone is invited to socialize around a cozy campfire at New Salem State Historic Site riverside picnic area for a weenie roast (provided with registration). $30 Registration Fee -- includes shuttle, snacks, weenie roast, local geologic features handout, and best of all--comraderie with fellow boaters. All participants must pre-register! Registration is limited and closes at 5:00 PM October 4, 2023! Each Participant MUST: Register online by 5:00 PM October 9, 2024 Sign a Waiver and Release of Liability form (available at sign-in) Provide your own canoe or kayak and paddles Provide a PFD(personal flotation device) Be responsible for delivering your equipment to the launch site at Gudgel Bridge by noon, and completing your registration and sign-in at New Salem before 1:00PM. Shuttle will depart New Salem at 1:00 PM back to the launch site. (Detailed directions will be provided in a confirmation email following online registration.) Cancellation Policy: In the event the float must be cancelled due to inclement weather or unsafe river conditions registrants will receive a full refund (minus handling fee). Cancellation policy for participants: Ticket price (minus handling fee) will be 100% refunded if cancelled prior to 5:00 PM October 9, 2024. Refunds will not be granted after 5:00 PM October 9, 2024. American Canoe Association This is an American Canoe Association (ACA)--sanctioned event. Everyone will have the opportunity to join the ACA at the individual membership rate.
Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup
Join us for the Adopt-a-Highway cleanup on Saturday, November 2 at 9:00 AM. With a full crew it should only take about an hour. Meet at the main entrance to New Salem off Rte. 97 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. 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!!
Winter Nature Series Returns to RiverBank Lodge with Guy Sternberg
RiverBank Lodge 522 South 6th Street, Petersburg, Illinois, United StatesMenard County Trails & Greenways has joined RiverBank Lodge and Alliance Community Bank to bring the community another Winter Nature Series. The first one will feature Guy Sternberg, proprietor of Starhill Forest Arboretum and Trails & Greenways board director. Guy will present The Lincoln Vault Oak. The biology and history of the last documented living participant in the funeral of Abraham Lincoln, including historic images, the methods and results of dissection of its stump, and wood samples showing evidence of events that took place at the site. Narrative and illustrations will be presented on behalf of Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant George Woodhouse, who guarded Lincoln's burial in 1865. Originally part of the Lincoln Funeral Coalition Sesquicentennial Reenactment program series at the Illinois State Museum, the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, and for the National Garden Clubs Association Midwest Conference. Light refreshments provided. RSVPs appreciated--217-632-0202
Athens Library Winter Seed Sowing Workshop
Athens Municipal Library 410 E Hargrave Street, Athens, IL, United StatesJoin us for another Winter Seed Sowing Workshop at the Athens Public Library! This interactive workshop is perfect for both beginners and seasoned gardeners looking to learn about winter sowing techniques. Details: What to Expect: Enjoy a relaxed, fun atmosphere with fellow gardeners.
Sip n’ Sow Winter Seed Sowing Workshop
1st & 3rd Boutique & Wine Bar 105 S 7th St, Petersburg, Illinois, United StatesJoin 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. See details HERE. Please RSVP.
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
Winter Nature Series at RiverBank Lodge with Terri Treacy
Volunteer Habitat Restoration Project at Lincoln's New Salem Historic Site Terri Treacy will present a program regarding Menard County Trails & Greenways volunteer-driven removal of bush honeysuckle and other invasive species from designated project areas at Lincoln’s New Salem Historic Site. Terri will explain how the project was initiated and the progress that has been made to date. Terri is the project leader and president of Trails & Greenways, a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. She and her husband, Michael Wiant, live in Petersburg. Light refreshments provided. RSVPs appreciated--217-632-0202