The Prairie: Then and Now

Macon County History Museum 5580 North Fork Road, Decatur, Illinois

Using his almost-finished tenth book, The Prairie: Then and Now, Dr. Dan Guillory, Professor Emeritus of Millikin University, will give attention devoted to the first Caucasian visitors who arrived when the big bluestem towered upwards of ten feet in some places.  He will also spend time on more recent and contemporary inhabitants of this unique landform.  The theme is the transformative power of the prairie, the way it defines our perspective on ourselves and the way we live, the way it changes our imagination.  Prof. Guillory has recently presented this program at two previous venues in Decatur, and, just recently, in Carlyle, Illinois at the Clinton Co. Historical Society.  He will read poems and use large-scale photographs to enhance his talk. You are cordially invited to attend and help celebrate the Illinois Bicentennial, which could not exist without the Prairie.

Hazen Bridge Workday

Hazen Bridge 301 CR2600N, Mahomet, Illinois

Join us for a workday at the historic Hazen Bridge. We will mostly work on the grounds, cleaning and clearing. We will also attempt to improve the canoe launch point at the river. Some tools will be available for all, but please bring your own tools if you prefer.

Illinois Water Trail Conference

Four Rivers Environmental Education Center 25055 W. Walnut Lane, Channahon, Illinois

The purpose of the conference is to educate attendees on the economic, educational and environmental benefits of water trails, and to promote their development and expansion within Illinois. The target audience is representatives from state, county, municipal governmental organizations, stakeholders of river/watershed groups and many more. We anticipate an audience of more than 70 attendees from a variety of governmental, private and nonprofit groups. Host Organization: Illinois Paddling Council Event Location:  Four River Environmental Education Center, 25055 W. Walnut Lane Channahon, IL 60410 Event Date: 10/15/18 Event Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Central Time Registration: Through paper (printout from website) or online. Click here to register Cost: $40.00 More Information:  More information available here

$40

Lincoln Memorial Parkway Landscaping Project

Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park and Memorial 39.805351, -89.104150, Decatur, Illinois

A public celebration of the plantings and partnerships with the Macon County Highway Department and many volunteer citizens and organizations. Read more.....  

Prairie Rivers Network Annual Dinner

I Hotel & Conference Center 1900 S. First Street, Champaign, Illinois

Join us on October 26, 2018 for Prairie Rivers Network’s 20th Annual Fundraising Dinner as we celebrate Illinois’ Rivers, Wildlife, and Biodiversity! Where: I Hotel and Conference Center, 1900 S. First Street, Champaign, IL 61820 A block of rooms under Prairie Rivers Network have been reserved at the I hotel if you plan to visit late into the night or are joining us from out of town. When: Friday, October 26, 2018 Reception – 6:00 pm – Enjoy our cocktail hour with complimentary wine and appetizers plus a silent auction. Dinner – 7:30 pm – Celebrate river conservation accomplishments, hear about our vision for the future, and enjoy an exciting talk about wildlife with our guest speaker. Desserts with Friends – 8:45 pm – Enjoy some delicious desserts with more time to visit with  friends. Price: $60 per person or $500 for a table of 10 RSVP: Click here it REGISTER NOW. RSVP deadline is October 17, 2018. 

$60

Sangamon Watershed Celebration – November 10, 2018

Richland Community College-Shilling Center Decatur, Illinois

The Agricultural Watershed Institute and the new Sangamon River Alliance are pleased to invite you to the ‘New and Improved’ Sangamon Watershed Celebration! The 2018 Sangamon Watershed Celebration will be held on Saturday, November 10, at the National Sequestration Education Center building on the campus of Richland Community College in Decatur, Illinois. The day will be packed with a variety of enjoyable, educational and community-building activities and speakers. 9 AM – 12 PM: Family-oriented displays and activities 12 – 1 PM: Lunch available for purchase 1 – 5 PM: Concurrent sessions on topics related to local history, recreation, and environmental stewardship 5 – 7:30 PM: Dinner ($15 per person payable online or at the door) followed by a presentation and discussion of the documentary film “The Sangamon River: A Sense of Place” led by UIS Professor Emeritus Charles Schweighauser. PAY for DINNER HERE on the Agricultural Watershed Institute website!! Event Flyer Event Schedule