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Menard County Garden Club Annual Plant Sale Fundraiser
Seaney FarmsPlant something green for the environment while earning some green for the garden club! Purchase your coupons now through June. The Menard County Garden Club's annual plant sale / fundraiser has started! In collaboration with Seaney Farms, coupons purchased can be used at both Seaney's locations and a portion of the proceeds goes to the Garden Club. You can purchase coupons from club president, Patricia Heetel, by calling 708-408-8271, or from any Garden Club member. Coupons never expire and can be used at both Seaney greenhouse locations. Seaney in Tallula opens April 11. Coupons can be used for plants or produce in the spring through fall.
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Athens & Petersburg libraries
In celebration of Earth Month in Menard County both Athens Municipal Library and Petersburg Public Library have curated displays of adult and children's books celebrating Earth Day throughout the month!
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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.
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Documenting Our Region: Our Neighbors, Our Environment, and Our Universe
Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site Visitor Center 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, IllinoisThis Chautauqua will feature three speakers demonstrating how digital tools are used to explore, enhance, and engage with the world around us—from local bird populations and historical newspapers to the distant reaches of space. Musical entertainment by Wild Columbine. More info on our blog.
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Adopt-a-Highway
Join us for the Adopt-a-Highway cleanup on Saturday, August 16 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. Meet at the main entrance to New Salem State Historic Site off Rte. 97. 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!!
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River Sweep
Save the Date -- details coming soon. We'll be launching our canoes and kayaks at Gudgel Bridge and picking up trash as we float the five mile to the New Salem boat ramp. Last year we hauled out everything from tires to TVs! This member-only event is hard work but incredibly rewarding!! We'll be sending info regarding launch time and RSVP soon.
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Petersburg Harvest Fest Parade
Join us on September 20th to walk in the Harvest Fest Parade! Show your support for your favorite environmental organization in Menard County while having a blast tossing candy to little ones along the parade route! Please email Trent to let him know if you'd like to help with pre-parade planning and/or walk in the parade.
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Ways to Discovery Chautauqua – Celebrating World Habitat Day
Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site Visitor Center 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, ILThree 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.
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Sangamon Valley Trail Extension Ribbon Cutting Celebration
SVT Ethel Road Trailhead 39.938607,-89.70234, United StatesJoin us for a special event to celebrate the completion of the Sangamon Valley Trail extension into Menard County. Representatives from IDNR, IDOT, Sangamon County, Menard County, Chamber of Commerce and others will all converge at the Ethel Road trailhead* to officially open the three mile extension. Bring your walking shoes or your bicycle and test out the new trail following the ribbon cutting. *The trailhead/parking lot is located SE of Athens at the intersection of Ethel Road & Beiermann St. - coordinates: 39.938607,-89.702348
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Annual Sangamon River Fall Float
New Salem Riverside Picnic Area X5C9+27 Petersburg, Illinois, United StatesSave the Date -- Registration will begin in September! Join Menard County Trails & Greenways on October 11, 2025 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 cookout (provided with registration).
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Adopt-a-Highway
Join us for the Adopt-a-Highway cleanup on Saturday, October 25 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. Meet at main entrance to New Salem. 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!!
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Autum Hike at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Park
Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Park-Bike Trail ILJoin us for a pleasant Autumn Hike on Saturday November 1 at 10 am at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area. We will meet at the parking and pavilion area at the end of Geiss Rd near Cox Creek. Exact location is linked to on this events page. This trail is a decommissioned road running along Cox Creek, so it is wide and smooth….perfect for chatting while hiking. All are welcome! https://maps.app.goo.gl/UUj91BPyDpyijdtB6 BYO-Picnic: Feel free to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy after the hike under the pavilion with your fellow hikers.
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New Salem Lincoln League Annual Banquet — honoring Menard County Trails and Greenways
The New Salem Lincoln League has selected Trails & Greenways to be honored at their annual banquet. We hope many of you will be able to join us—NSLL is very appreciative of all the work we’ve accomplished at New Salem over the past few years, and it would be wonderful to have a strong showing of support. This is a ticketed event. 👉 You can purchase tickets online here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2025-banquet-tickets-3 or from any NSLL board member.
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Invasive Species Removal
New Salem East Side Parking Lot Pritchetville Road, Petersburg, IL, United States𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 — 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐔𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐃𝐚𝐲! This weekend, the Menard County Trails & Greenways crew will be back at Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site tackling invasive plants like bush honeysuckle — persistent invaders that threaten our native woodland habitat. Every stem we remove makes space for native plants — and for a healthier landscape across Menard County. Saturday, November 22nd from 10 a.m. to noon Event Details: • Meeting Location: We'll gather in the parking lot at the top of the hill on the east side of the park, near the old restaurant.Important Information: • Waivers: All volunteers must sign a 2025 waiver (available on work day). • Minors: Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian--and both must sign the waiver. • Dress Code: Please wear appropriate work clothing: long pants, long sleeves, sturdy boots or footwear, and gloves. Hats are recommended. If the weather is cool, layering is a good idea since you'll warm up as you work. •Tools and Supplies: We will provide some hand tools, but if you own a sturdy pair of loppers, please bring them along. You may also bring your own battery-powered chainsaw, provided you have the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). • Hydration: Don't forget to bring plenty of drinking water to stay refreshed!
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New Salem Habitat Restoration Work Days
New Salem East Side Parking Lot Pritchetville Road, Petersburg, IL, United StatesMeet us in the woods one day each month through June for a work day to remove invasive species from Shickshack Ridge and Cardinal Ridge. From December through March our focus will be cutting and stacking bush honeysuckle and other woody invasive plant species. Beginning in April, we'll focus on pulling and bagging garlic mustard. Event Details: • Meeting Location: We'll gather in the parking lot at the top of the hill on the east side of the park, near the old restaurant. Important Information: • Waivers: All volunteers who have not signed a 2025 volunteer waiver must do so for the December event; All volunteers must sign a 2026 volunteer waiver (available on work day). • Minors: Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian--and both must sign the waiver. • Dress Code: Please wear appropriate work clothing: long pants, long sleeves, sturdy boots or footwear, and gloves. Hats are recommended. Layering is a good idea since you'll warm up as you work. Tools and Supplies: • We will provide some hand tools, but if you own a sturdy pair of loppers, please bring them along. You may also bring your own battery-powered chainsaw, provided you have the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). • Hydration: Don't forget to bring plenty of drinking water to stay refreshed! RSVPs are not required, but appreciated. RSVP via email. DO NOT contact the park with questions, as this event is not sponsored by site staff. In the event of rain, the work day will be cancelled. We can’t wait to see you there and appreciate your help in enhancing our habitat in beautiful Menard County! Event will be cancelled if it's raining or snowing! Check our Facebook page for updates.
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First Day Hike – Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site Trails
New Salem East Side Parking Lot Pritchetville Road, Petersburg, IL, United StatesStart the Year Right with a First Day Hike with Menard County Trails & Greenways! Join us for a fun and relaxed hike on the trails at Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site to kick off 2026! Whether you're a seasoned explorer or a first-timer on the park's trails, it's the perfect way to start the year outdoors. You are welcome to hike any of the 7 miles of trails at New Salem, but Trails & Greenways will be offering a guided, interpreted experience along Cardinal Ridge Trail (1-mile) and Shickshack Trail (½-mile) located on the east side of the historic site. Event Details: When: January 1st, 10:30 AM Where: Meet in the parking lot at the top of the hill on the east side of the park Trail: Cardinal Ridge Trail (1-mile loop); Shickshack Trail (1/2-mile loop) Dress for the weather--layers are best; wear warm boots with good traction; hat, gloves/mittens. Stay hydrated--bring drinking water. Enjoy the fresh air, great company and the perfect way to begin the year outdoors. Thanks to New Salem and the Department of Natural Resources, "First Day Hike" stickers will be available for first-come, first-served hike participants. Should additional stickers be unclaimed, they may be obtained in the Visitor Center on January 2 or 3, 2026. Download a flyer and trail map here.
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New Salem Habitat Restoration Work Days
New Salem East Side Parking Lot Pritchetville Road, Petersburg, IL, United StatesMeet us in the woods one day each month through June for a work day to remove invasive species from Shickshack Ridge and Cardinal Ridge. From December through March our focus will be cutting and stacking bush honeysuckle and other woody invasive plant species. Beginning in April, we'll focus on pulling and bagging garlic mustard. Event Details: • Meeting Location: We'll gather in the parking lot at the top of the hill on the east side of the park, near the old restaurant. Important Information: • Waivers: All volunteers who have not signed a 2025 volunteer waiver must do so for the December event; All volunteers must sign a 2026 volunteer waiver (available on work day). • Minors: Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian--and both must sign the waiver. • Dress Code: Please wear appropriate work clothing: long pants, long sleeves, sturdy boots or footwear, and gloves. Hats are recommended. Layering is a good idea since you'll warm up as you work. Tools and Supplies: • We will provide some hand tools, but if you own a sturdy pair of loppers, please bring them along. You may also bring your own battery-powered chainsaw, provided you have the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). • Hydration: Don't forget to bring plenty of drinking water to stay refreshed! RSVPs are not required, but appreciated. RSVP via email. DO NOT contact the park with questions, as this event is not sponsored by site staff. In the event of rain, the work day will be cancelled. We can’t wait to see you there and appreciate your help in enhancing our habitat in beautiful Menard County! Event will be cancelled if it's raining or snowing! Check our Facebook page for updates.
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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.
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Sip n’ Sow Winter Seed Sowing Workshop
Cafe Amulet 105 S. 7th Street, Petersburg, IL, United StatesJoin some adult-only fun at the Sip n’ Sow Workshop! Join us at Cafe Amulet to sip a glass of wine and sow some native flower seeds for your pollinator garden. Native plants attract pollinators and serve as butterfly host plants, including many species growing on the square in Petersburg. See details and RSVP HERE.
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Snow Moon Hike
SVT Ethel Road Trailhead 39.938607,-89.70234, United StatesWith the Snow Moon as our illumination, join us to experience the magical the solitude of winter at night on the Sangamon Valley Trail. When: 7:00 pm Where: Ethell Road trailhead -- we'll walk south along the trail for about a 1/2 hour then backtrack to the parking lot. What: A full moon hike with only the moon to light the way. Bring a flashlight for "just in case" and dress for the weather. RSVP is not required, but helpful in case we need to make changes or cancel.
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20 events found.