Invasive Species Removal
Ongoing removal of garlic mustard, autumn olive, and other non-natives at Garden of the Gods, Snake Road, and the East Trigg site — in partnership with the USFS and U of I Extension.
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Our Impact
Accomplishments & Projects
Real work, measured in pounds of trash hauled out, acres of invasive plants cleared, and miles of trail kept open — powered by members and volunteers.
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lbs of trash removed in 2024
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lbs removed in a single season at 4 sites
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Invasive autumn olive cleared at Garden of the Gods
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Volunteer events since 2010
Current Projects
What we’re working on now.
First Friday Trash Blasts
Monthly clean-ups across the forest. In March 2025 alone, volunteers removed an estimated 1,964 pounds of trash near the Iron Furnace.
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River to River Trail
Signing, rerouting, and improving Illinois’ premier long-distance trail — including the Cedar Lake reroute and multi-day loop trail maps.
Read our history
Past Accomplishments
A track record you can walk on.
Shawnee Plunge Four annual plunges at Pounds Hollow Recreation Area and counting — our signature cold-water fundraiser every March.
Kid’s Fishing Derby Hosted each May at Oakwood Bottoms with the Forest Service, introducing the next generation to the outdoors.
Trail Maps Printed the first hiker-equestrian trail maps for the Herod/Eddyville area and developed multi-day hike loop maps.
Graffiti & Restoration Removed graffiti at Bell Smith Springs and Cove Hollow; supported the Cedar Lake Revitalization Project.
Education & Scholarships Master Naturalist certification scholarships, school programs, lecture series, and Leave No Trace workshops for hikers and riders.
National Public Lands Day Annual September stewardship events with the River to River Trail Society and Shawnee Saunterers — nearly 350 lbs of trash removed in one 2022 event.