Summer 2025 Newsletter
Trail work updates, upcoming volunteer days, and seasonal highlights from across the forest.
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Est. 2010 · Southern Illinois
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Friends of the Shawnee National Forest
Supporting and preserving 286,000 acres of bluffs, wilderness, and wonder — through stewardship, education, and people like you.
Our Mission
Keeping Illinois’ only national forest wild, welcoming, and cared for.
Friends of the Shawnee National Forest is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit dedicated to promoting responsible outdoor recreation, tourism, environmental education, and land stewardship — working hand-in-hand with the U.S. Forest Service since 2010.
Visit the Shawnee
Plan a trip to Garden of the Gods, Bell Smith Springs, and beyond. Experience the wonders Southern Illinois has to offer.
Plan your visitEvents & Programs
From the Shawnee Plunge to First Friday Trash Blasts — stay up to date on the latest happenings in the community.
See what’s coming upVolunteer
Have extra time to give back? Join a trash blast, pull invasive species, or help maintain the trails. We’d love to hear from you.
Get involved
Our Impact
Boots on the ground, every season.
0
Pounds of trash removed in 2024
0
Years serving the forest
0
Designated wilderness areas
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Acres of national forest
Did You Know?
The Shawnee is one of a kind.
Only one in Illinois The Shawnee is the only national forest in the state — roughly 286,000 acres at the southern tip.
On the quarter The Shawnee is featured on an America the Beautiful Quarter — Camel Rock with a red-tailed hawk soaring overhead.
7 Wilderness Areas The largest is Lusk Creek Wilderness in Pope County; the smallest is Panther Den, south of Carbondale.
From the Forest
Moments worth protecting.
Projects, volunteer days, and the landscapes that make it all worthwhile.
News & Updates
The latest from the Friends.
Spring 2025 Newsletter
Garlic mustard pulls, the 4th Annual Shawnee Plunge recap, and what’s blooming this season.
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Trash Blast: 1,964 lbs Removed
Volunteers and Forest Service staff teamed up near the Iron Furnace to leave things better on the Shawnee.
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Thank You
A very special thanks to our Ash Members
- Beth & Trent Mohlenbrock
- Michael Ingold
- Mary Kasson
- Aur Beck
- John Ames
- Julie Ames
- Abe & Emily Ingold (in memory of Austin Davidson)
- Maddie Davidson (in memory of Austin Davidson)
- Pat York
Partner Spotlight
Thrive — Metropolis, Illinois
A proud community partner supporting land stewardship and outdoor education across Southern Illinois.
Become a Partner