MCTG Sangamon River Fall Float
Gudgel Road Bridge Launch W6WM+HH Athens, Illinois, Athens, IL, United StatesJoin Menard County Trails & Greenways members and friends Oct 10 for a DIY fall float on the Sangamon River. We will launch at 1pm from Gudgel Road Bridge and float five miles to New Salem State Historic Site where we will gather 'round a warm fire for physically distanced fellowship. We anticipate taking out at New Salem by approximately 4 pm. A DIY float means that participants must: bring and manage their own boats; arrange their own shuttles between launch and take-out; bring their own seats, food, and drink, if they choose to stick around after the float. Though the intent is to float at a Covid-safe distance from others, please bring/wear a mask just in case you are closer than 6 feet to a fellow paddler. Of course, we ask you to skip this float if you are feeling sick of or have symptoms. Registration is limited and closes October 8! We are asking participants to pay $5 to cover administrative costs. Each Participant MUST: Register online before October 8, 2019 Sign a Waiver and Release of Liability form Provide a canoe or kayak and paddles Provide a PFD (personal flotation device) Manage their own boats, and arrange their own shuttles between launch and take-out. (Detailed launch and take-out site directions will be provided after 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. Cancellation policy for participants: $5 ticket price will be 100% refunded if cancelled prior to October 8, 2020. Refunds will not be granted after October 8, 2020.
Growing Healthy Trees & Shrubs Workshop
Three Pines Petersburg 510 W Sheridan Rd, Petersburg, IL, United StatesMCTG, Trees Forever and Three Pines Petersburg are teaming up to host a workshop on Growing Healthy Trees and Shrubs on October 24th at Three Pines Petersburg. 10:00 AM to Noon. Want to add trees and shrubs to your landscape, but don’t know quite where to start? Got questions about what kind of trees would be best for your property? In partnership with Menard County Trails & Greenways, Debbie Fluegel with Trees Forever, will give an informative presentation about what to plant, where to plant, how to plant, and how to care for your trees. The talk will focus on trees and shrubs in the community and those that are beneficial to pollinators and other wildlife. After the presentation, attendees will get some hands-on tree and shrub planting experience. This event is free and open to the public! What to bring Gloves Shovel (if you have one) A chair to sit in during the "classroom" instruction portion Questions! rain date In the event of rain on October 24th, the event will be rescheduled for the same time on the following Saturday, October 31 (costumes optional!). Covid-19 Precautions Please wear a mask when you're unable to be at least 6 feet away from other participants. Do not attend if you are feeling ill or have symptoms. Download a flyer!
Menard County Trails & Greenways Zoom Meeting
Virtual Zoom MeetingJoin us on February 9th at 7:00 PM for an informative Zoom meeting -- everyone welcome! There will be a presentation on two new Trails & Greenways projects: the New Salem Habitat Restoration Project and the creation of a Virtual Tour of the Sangamon River, with discussion to follow about how you can get involved in either or both! Please register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvcOGsqTwtEtXDuFAS4WNTjraDS5GyTWeU After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Adopt-a-Highway Clean Up
Wagon Wheel New Salem State Historic Site 39.975767, -89.841640, Petersburg, IL, United StatesThe Menard County Trails & Greenways 2021 Adopt-a-Highway season is kicking off this Saturday! 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. We will supply trash bags and safety vests (if you have one our safety vests please bring it). Please wear gloves, long pants, closed-toed shoes or boots. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing when interacting with other volunteers.
Spring Nature Walks at New Salem
New Salem East Side X5C7+72 Lewisburg, Illinois, IL, United StatesSpring is a great time to get out and enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest. Join Menard County Trails & Greenways on April 18th at New Salem State Historic Site to explore the trails on the East Side of the park. Check in at our tent located in the parking lot of the old restaurant. We'll have: Volunteers available to describe the various trails and help you decide which one(s) your friends and family might like to explore. Trail maps available for self-guided exploration. Guided walks available on the hour from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. What to expect: Cardinal Trail and Shickshack Trails are each approximately 1 mile in length on the ridge top through the woods; both are relatively flat and kid friendly. Both trails connect to other two other trails--Shady Hollow and Damselfly--which connect to each other at the bottom of the ridge at the Sangamon River. It's possible to do all four trails for a nice 3.5 to 4 mile hike--though there is significant elevation change to consider. Recommended: Sturdy footwear and drinking water (we'll have a water cooler available for refilling your water bottle, but please arrive with a full bottle.) We'll be following current CDC guidelines. Please wear a mask and maintain 6 feet between people when interacting with others besides your family or circle of friends. Rain date: May 2nd, 1:00-5:00 PM
Celebrate Earth Day
Hurie Park 2564+VR Petersburg, Illinois, Petersburg, IL, United StatesPitch In for Petersburg! Join friends, neighbors and sponsors on Earth Day to clean up the litter from our parks and neighborhoods. Ways to Participate: Sign in at Hurie Park after work or school starting at 4:00 PM (or whenever you can get there) to get a trash bag, your free tote (while they last), and DQ cone coupon (while they last). Pick up around your neighborhood or other locations you regularly see litter. Bring your bag(s) to Hurie before 6:00 PM to claim your free tote (while they last), and DQ cone coupon (while they last). Or take a selfie with your team and your trash bags to claim your tote and DQ cone. If you've been contacted by an organization or employer to help out, then there's no need to sign in with us at Hurie. Stay Safe - Practice CDC guidelines: wear masks when closer than 6', wash and sanitize hands; gloves will be available! For more details and a list of our amazing sponsors, click here! Download (and share) the flyer here! Rain Date: In case of rain, we'll reschedule. Check back here or Facebook for updates.
Postponed to Sunday – Garlic Mustard Invasive Species Pull at New Salem
New Salem East Side X5C7+72 Lewisburg, Illinois, IL, United StatesRain is in the forecast for Saturday, so we're postponing to Sunday. Volunteers needed! On Saturday, April 24th, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, Menard County Trails & Greenways will hold a Garlic Mustard Pull at New Salem State Historic Site. Rain Date: April 25th - same time!! Learn how to identify and carefully remove garlic mustard before it goes to seed and further spreads through the area. Don't know what garlic mustard is, or why it's a problem? Check out this short video produced by Iowa State University. Volunteers will be required to sign a IDNR volunteer form and waiver (available at check in), and all must wear close-toed shoes, long sleeves and pants. Gloves are optional. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Download Flyer!
MCTG Board Meeting
New Salem Riverside Picnic Area X5C9+27 Petersburg, Illinois, United StatesThe Menard County Trails & Greenways bi-monthly board meeting will take place in person for the first time in a long time! We'll gather around a campfire -- so bring your own chair. Everyone welcome to attend. Please be COVID aware. If you've not been vaccinated stay at least 6' apart from others. If you're feeling ill or have been exposed, please stay home.
Growing Healthy Trees & Shrubs Workshop
Three Pines Petersburg 510 W Sheridan Rd, Petersburg, IL, United StatesMCTG, Trees Forever, Starhill Arboretum and Three Pines Petersburg are teaming up to host a workshop on Growing Healthy Trees and Shrubs on May 15th at Three Pines Petersburg. 1:00PM to 3:00PM. Want to add trees and shrubs to your landscape, but don’t know quite where to start? Got questions about what kind of trees would be best for your property? In partnership with Menard County Trails & Greenways, Debbie Fluegel with Trees Forever and Guy Sternberg with Starhill Arboretum will share tips and tricks about what to plant, where to plant, how to plant, and how to care for your trees and shrubs. The talk will focus on native trees and shrubs in the community and those that are beneficial to pollinators and other wildlife. After the presentation, attendees will get some hands-on experience planting trees and shrubs that are wrapped in burlap. This event is free and open to the public! What to bring Gloves A chair to sit in during the "classroom" instruction portion Questions! Rain date In the event of rain on May 15th, the event will be rescheduled for the same time on the following day, Sunday, May 16th. Covid-19 Precautions Please bring a mask to wear when you're unable to be at least 6 feet away from other participants. Do not attend if you are feeling ill or have symptoms. Download a flyer!
Lincoln Highway Bike Ride
Menard County Court House 102 S 7th St, Petersburg, IL, United StatesRide your bike where Abe Lincoln rode his horse! Meet at the Menard County Courthouse in Petersburg for a 29-mile ride on the Lincoln Highway and rural roads with stops at four historic sites. After a short rest stop at the Trading Post in Oakford we’ll head back to Petersburg for refreshments at Hand of Fate Brewing Co. This is a joint venture with the Springfield Bicycle Club. Here's a cool Trails & Greenways blog about the route: https://menardcountytrailsandgreenways.org/cat.../bicycling/. The average speed will be around 12-14 mph, but the group will determine the pace. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36193811
Concord Cemetery Family Ride (EZ Ride)
Menard County Court House 102 S 7th St, Petersburg, IL, United StatesThis casual 9-mile ride to Concord Cemetery will end with refreshments at Hand of Fate Brewing Co. This is a joint venture with the Springfield Bicycle Club. The average speed will be around 9-10 mph, but the group will determine the pace. Riders of all ages and abilities are welcome! Don't forget your helmets and water. Tail lights are strongly encouraged. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36193876
Adopt-a-Highway Clean Up
Wagon Wheel New Salem State Historic Site 39.975767, -89.841640, Petersburg, IL, United StatesJoin us on Saturday, June 12, at 9:00 AM for our Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup. 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. Please follow current CDC guidelines for Covid.
Annual Meeting & Member 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 a short slide presentation of past and future projects, 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 23 by 4:00PM to Libby at lshawgo@gmail.com Download the flyer to share.
Adopt-a-Highway Clean Up
Wagon Wheel New Salem State Historic Site 39.975767, -89.841640, Petersburg, IL, United StatesJoin us on Saturday, September 11, at 9:00 AM for our Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup. 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. Please follow current CDC guidelines for Covid.
Board of Directors Meeting
TBDThe next Menard County Trails & Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 13 at 7:00 PM. Physical location or Zoom TBD. All members are welcome to attend. Email us for more information.
Petersburg Harvestfest
Petersburg PetersburgCome see us at the 2021 Petersburg Harvesfest on the Square in Petersburg. We'll have a dam simulator demo set up, as well as a display of kayaks and canoes to view. More details to come....check back!!
Wayside Park Celebration
Historic Wayside Park W5V3+XP Lake Petersburg, Illinois, Petersburg, IllinoisMenard County Trails & Greenways will host an event on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at 5:30 at the park (Rts. 97 and 123, south of Petersburg) to celebrate and acknowledge community contributions to Wayside Park. Located in southern Menard County at the intersection of Illinois Routes 97 and 123 (Gudgel Ave) Wayside Park was developed in 2006 by Menard County Trails & Greenways through the cooperation and assistance of the Illinois Department of Transportation and contributions of supporters. Wayside, a 2+ acre IDOT right-of-way, includes a huge red hawthorn tree from an early roadside beautification project, a stone council ring, and a pollinator waystation planting around the council ring. The site provides visitors a historic, land, and water resource overview of the area through interpretive signs integrated with the council ring. The event will be a celebration of the: Wayside Park partners--IDOT, Trees Forever and Menard Electric Coop/CoBank New site signs IDOT has placed on the corner of Rts 97 and Rt 123; Historic red hawthorn that Trails & Greenways saved after it was severely damaged in a windstorm a couple of years ago; Rehabbed pollinator waystation made possible through a generous donation by Menard Electric Coop and CoBank; and Dedicated volunteer team that maintains the park (mowing, spraying, mulching, weeding, watering.....) throughout the growing season. Speakers: Kent Massie, board director, MCTG -- History of Wayside Park Guy Sternberg, Wayside Park committee chair, MCTG Debbie Flugel, Field Coordinator & Program Manager, Trees Forever Trish Michels, Dir. of Member Services, Menard Electric Coop
CANCELLED — MCTG Sangamon River Fall Float
The river level is too high to safely hold the float! Sorry for any inconvenience cancellation has caused. Full refunds are being processed. Join Menard County Trails & Greenways on October 16, 2021 as we paddle 5 beautiful miles of the Sangamon River from the 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. Each participant who chooses to partake in the guided tour will receive a points-of-interest location map and corresponding handout with a detailed description of each stop. Experts will be floating along with the group to answer questions. All participants must pre-register! Registration ends October 10th! Rain Date - October 17, 2021
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