Postponed // Trash Taskforce: Good Clean Fun
Hurie Park 2564+VR Petersburg, Illinois, Petersburg, IL, United StatesRain is expected in the morning. The clean up event will take place on April 9th or 10th. We'll update the calendar as soon as the date is decided upon. Stay tuned.....! Join the Menard County Trails and Greenways (MCTG) and Petersburg Athletic Association’s (PAA) Trash Taskforce as we clean up litter around Petersburg! Read more...
Good Clean Fun Take 2
Hurie Park 2564+VR Petersburg, Illinois, Petersburg, IL, United StatesJoin the Menard County Trails and Greenways (MCTG) and Petersburg Athletic Association’s (PAA) Trash Task Force as we clean up litter around Petersburg! Due to rain last weekend, our clean-up is rescheduled to this Sunday, April 10, from 1 pm - 3:30 pm. We will pick up litter at several parks and spaces around town. We need your help! Meet at Hurie Park (just east of County Market) to register and pick up supplies. We will be clearing out litter from the parks and surrounding vacant lots. Whether you have 30 minutes or a full hour, every little bit counts! To thank you for helping to keep our community clean, and on a first-come, first-serve basis, we will give away a free reusable tote bag to each participating family and a free DQ coupon to every participant (while supplies last). With Earth Day approaching on April 22, we encourage everyone to take some time this month to clean up around your neighborhood. Earth Day was established in 1970 and is an annual, worldwide event to raise awareness about issues affecting our land, air, and water. Whether you join us on April 10 or clean up litter on your own, we have some general rules of thumb to share with you: Be safe! Take precautions, including wearing sturdy gloves and being careful on riverbanks or near roads. Adults should handle dangerous items and supervise children closely. Properly dispose of all litter. During the clean-up on April 10, litter collected can be dropped at dumpsters at Hurie Park or the girls ball diamond. If you clean up around your neighborhood, please dispose of the litter with your household trash. Share the good news by posting a picture of your work or simply talking with friends and family about your efforts. You may inspire others! It takes all of us to keep our community clean
Adopt-a-Highway Clean Up
The first day of summer is getting close and it is time that our Adopt-a-Highway route could use some TLC. We are planning a cleanup this coming Saturday and could use all the help we can get. Please join us Saturday, June 18, 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!!
MCTG 2022 Sangamon River Fall Float
Join Menard County Trails & Greenways on October 15, 2022 as we paddle 5 beautiful miles of the Sangamon River from Gudgel Bridge to the New Salem riverside picnic area/boat ramp. Explore on your own or take part in a guided float to learn about the geology, history and nature of the Sangamon River in Menard County. Immediately following the float everyone is invited to socialize around a cozy campfire for a weenie roast (provided with registration). This stretch of the river has an exceptional natural history story to tell. Experts will be floating along with the group to answer questions about the geology, geography, fish, birds and other wildlife. All participants must pre-register! Registration ends October 8th! Menard County Trails & Greenways is a proud affiliate of the American Canoe Association. ACA was founded in 1880 and is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves the broader paddling public by providing educational programs, supporting stewardship initiatives that affect paddlers, and offering competition opportunities to athletes of all abilities.
Historic Wayside Park Fall Work Day
Historic Wayside Park W5V3+XP Lake Petersburg, Illinois, Petersburg, IllinoisVolunteers needed to help with the annual fall work day at Historic Wayside Park. Minor tree trimming, mulching, etc. Wear long pants, sturdy work boots/shoes and gloves.
Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup
Main Entrance to New Salem X5G5+88, Lake Petersburg, IL, United StatesPlan now to join us for the Adopt-a-Highway cleanup on Saturday, November 12 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!!
Sip n’ Sow Workshop
1st & 3rd Boutique & Wine Bar 7th Street, Petersburg, IL, 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.
Battling Invasive Plant Species: why it’s important and what you can do!
Broadgauge Ballroom 101 North 7th Street, Petersburg, IL, United StatesAre you concerned with honeysuckle and other invasive plant species that have invaded the understory of your woodland or your yard? Would you like to know more about invasive species control? Have you noticed a group of volunteers clearing honeysuckle on Cardinal Ridge at New Salem and wondered what’s going on? If you answered yes to any of the above, then please plan now to attend a special presentation by experts on invasive species and forest management on February 22 at 7:00 PM at Broadgauge, 110 North 7th Street in Petersburg. Chris Evans, Illinois Extension Forester, co-chair of the terrestrial plants committee of the Illinois Invasive Species Council and Secretary of the Midwest Invasive Plant Network, specializes in forest health, invasive species, and restoration/management practices for hardwood forests. Chris will provide an overview of invasive species, describe how they threaten native species and natural ecosystems, review several common invasive species found in Illinois, and discuss what landowners and the public can do to help out. Ray Geroff, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Heritage Biologist serving west-central and western Illinois counties, specializes in natural area management, endangered and threatened species monitoring and management, prescribed burning and invertebrate conservation. Ray will provide information about the New Salem Habitat Restoration Project implementation and associated management techniques (mechanical, chemical, and prescribed fire) and how each is needed to accomplish the project's overall goals. He will also provide information on other related conservation initiatives and partnerships in the area. A variety of non-native invasive plants—bush honeysuckle, garlic mustard, and multiflora rose, for example—have significant environmental and economic consequences. Invasive species are harming the native plants and animals we care about conserving, making forests and prairies less diverse and threatening wildlife. Climate change also creates opportunities for invasive species to seek new habitats. A dense stand of honeysuckle limits sunlight from reaching a forest floor, stunting the growth of native species, including tree regeneration. Over time, plant community loss affects other wildlife, including birds and mammals. In brief, left unchecked, invasive species will profoundly change native ecosystems. Everyone is welcome to attend this free presentation taking place in the stunning Broadgauge ballroom. Please support Broadgauge by purchasing a beverage at the bar beforehand to carry upstairs. Or even better–come early for supper! (Reservations recommended)
Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup
Join us for the Adopt-a-Highway cleanup on Saturday, March 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!!
Earth Day 2023–Let’s show Petersburg some love!
Hurie Park 2564+VR Petersburg, Illinois, Petersburg, IL, United StatesTrails & Greenways will celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 22. Sign in at Hurie Park at 9:00 AM. We'll be sending teams out to clean up litter at area parks and other areas in need around town. Everyone who signs in will get a chance to win cool prizes!! Trash bags and disposable gloves will be available at Hurie Park. Please wear sturdy close-toed shoes/boots and dress for the weather. Please direct questions to menardctg@gmail.com
Celebrate National Trails Day with Trails & Greenways
New Salem East Side X5C7+72 Lewisburg, Illinois, IL, United StatesTrails & Greenways will be celebrating National Trails Day with a guided hike on the easy-going 1-mile long Cardinal Ridge Trail to explain the habitat restoration project, view the progress to date, and enjoy the plants and animals that call the forest their home. We'll depart from the parking lot on top of the hill across from Cardinal Ridge Trail trailhead and site of the old restaurant -- look for our table and banner on the north side of the parking lot under the shade trees. Dress for the weather, bring drinking water. 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 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