Nearly a Ton of Trash, Gone
How volunteers and Forest Service staff removed an estimated 1,964 pounds of trash near the Iron Furnace in a single day.
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Stories from the Forest
Blog
Project recaps, trail notes, seasonal guides, and voices from the Friends community. Sample posts shown for design purposes.
Summer on the Shawnee: Beat the Heat
Shaded canyons, springs, and swimming holes — the best places to explore when Southern Illinois summer sets in.
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Five Fall Hikes You Can’t Miss
From the Observation Trail to Lusk Creek — where to catch the Shawnee’s best autumn color this year.
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Leave No Trace: A Camper’s Checklist
Seven simple habits that keep the forest wild for the next visitor — and the next generation.
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Kid’s Fishing Derby Recap
Rods, reels, and big smiles at Oakwood Bottoms — highlights from this year’s derby with the Forest Service.
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Summer 2025 Newsletter
The full quarterly issue: project updates, member spotlights, and the calendar for the season ahead.
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