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Events

Woodsy Owl with Birthday Cake

Woodsy Owl's 55th Birthday Story Walk

Event Location:
Shawnee National Forest
521 N Main Street
Jonesboro, IL 62952
Take a walk at the Lincoln Memorial Picnic Grounds and learn about Woodsy Owl! After reading the story, stop by the Mississippi Bluffs Ranger…
Times: All Day
Dates: September 10 - 18, 2026
Contact information: Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District Office, 618-833-8576
USDA Forest Service Logo

Fee-Free Day: Constitution Day

The Forest Service waives recreation fees at most day-use sites on lands managed by the agency. Participation by concession-operated sites may vary. 
Times: All Day
Dates: September 17, 2026
Contact information: (573) 364-4621
USDA Forest Service Logo

Fee-Free Day: Constitution Day

On designated days, the Forest Service waives recreation fees at most day-use sites on lands managed by the agency. Participation by…
Times: All Day
Dates: September 17, 2026
Contact information: (906) 428-5800
volunteers load trash and a mattress into a trailer

Trash Blast - Bell Smith Springs

Event Location:
Shawnee National Forest
Bell Smith Springs Road
Ozark, IL 62972
Shawnee National Forest Recreation Specialists are partnering with professional scuba divers to clean Bell Smith Springs. Hunting Branch Trailhead is…
Times: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Dates: September 23, 2026
Contact information: Alyssa Macuiba, alyssa.macuiba@usda.gov , 618-658-1325
USDA Forest Service Logo

Fee-Free Day: National Public Lands Day

The Forest Service waives recreation fees at most day-use sites on lands managed by the agency. Participation by concession-operated sites may vary. 
Times: All Day
Dates: September 26, 2026
Contact information: (573) 364-4621
USDA Forest Service Logo

Fee-Free Day: National Public Lands Day

On designated days, the Forest Service waives recreation fees at most day-use sites on lands managed by the agency. Participation by…
Times: All Day
Dates: September 26, 2026
Contact information: (906) 428-5800
National Public Lands Day 2026 Graphic

National Public Land Day Native Seed Collection

Join staff from the Hiawatha National Forest to collect native seeds for restoration planting. Saturday, September 26 from 9 a.m. to noon. Meet at…
Times: 9:00am - 1:00pm
Dates: September 26, 2026
Contact information: Chelsey Attebery , chelsea.attebery@usda.gov , (906) 387-2512
Volunteers removing graffiti off of rock surfaces

National Public Lands Day

Event Location:
Shawnee National Forest
Garden of the Gods Road
Herod, IL 62947
Join the Shawnee National Forest for a morning of stewardship at our beloved Garden of the Gods Wilderness. We are partnering with River to River…
Times: 9:30am - 12:30pm
Dates: September 26, 2026
Contact information: Alyssa Macuiba, alyssa.macuiba@usda.gov , 618-658-1325
trash blast flyer with details

Trash Blast | Bean Ridge

Shawnee National Forest Service, Friends of the Shawnee, and the Illinois Extension will be partnering to host our annual Fall Trash Blasts! They…
Times: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Dates: October 2, 2026
Contact information: Illinois Extension, cupquake@illinois.edu , 217-333-5900
USDA Forest Service Logo

Fee-Free Day: Theodore Roosevelt's Birthday

On designated days, the Forest Service waives recreation fees at most day-use sites on lands managed by the agency. Participation by…
Times: All Day
Dates: October 27, 2026
Contact information: (906) 428- 5800
trash blast flyer with details

Trash Blast | Iron Furnace (Forest Service Road 1901)

Shawnee National Forest, Friends of the Shawnee, and the Illinois Extension will be partnering to host our annual fall Trash Blasts! They will happen…
Times: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Dates: November 6, 2026
Contact information: Illinois Extension, cupquake@illinois.edu , 217-333-5900
USDA Forest Service Logo

Fee-Free Day: Veteran’s Day

The Forest Service waives recreation fees at most day-use sites on lands managed by the agency. Participation by concession-operated sites may vary. 
Times: All Day
Dates: November 11, 2026
Contact information: (573) 364-4621
USDA Forest Service Logo

Fee-Free Day: Veterans Day

On designated days, the Forest Service waives recreation fees at most day-use sites on lands managed by the agency. Participation by…
Times: All Day
Dates: November 11, 2026
Contact information: (906) 428-5800
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