Events
Conservation Days for Spring 2026
Our conservation workdays are on Saturdays (usually) from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Everyone is welcome and no prior experience is necessary. We do not have formal membership or dues. Just come as often as you like and help us do our small part to maintain the health of woodlands, prairie restorations and native prairie remnants. Visit this page from time to time to get updates. To receive email notifications of updates and cancellations send your email address to Kenton at kemac76@gmail.com with a request to be added to the list.
We advise sturdy footwear and gloves at workdays. Tools are provided but personal tools are welcome.
Click to download a print-friendly PDF version of the Conservation Day Schedule for Spring 2026.
Spring 2026 Schedule
April 4th - Assist GPF – meet at Warbler Crossing (across from the Lake Charleston entrance.) Cross Blakeman Bridge. Next driveway on the left.
April 11th – Douglas-Hart Nature Center. Meet inside visitor center. 9-12 noon
April 18th – Woodyard MC
April 25th – Spring Wildflower Walk at Rocky Branch Nature Preserve. Parking is EXTREMELY limited. Carpool from Tingley's Lakeside Oasis (west side of Mill Creek Lake). Park in the gravel area west of building
May 2nd – Lafferty Park - park in back parking lot of Carl Sandburg school
May 9th - Lafferty Park - park in back parking lot of Carl Sandburg school
May 16th - Lake Charleston - meet at parking lot by pavilio
May 23rd - Lake Charleston - meet at parking lot by pavilio
May 30th – Woodyard MC
June 6th - Fox Ridge State Park – site TBD – directions emailed late
June 13th – Fox Ridge State Park – site TBD – directions emailed later
DIRECTIONS: (paste coordinates onto Google Maps, then use Directions to find site)
Grand Prairie Friends Red Shack is S. of Charleston off SR130. Just past Westfield Rd. Turn right onto Daileyville Rd. Follow curvy road until you see red barn and parking lot on right. 39.43675617690485, -88.14392591416302 Warbler Xing is across from Lake Charleston 39.45631193809776, -88.14633565249378
Woodyard MCA – S. of Charleston on 130 just past Nursery Rd. Turn left just before Lake Charleston. 39.461404955564724, -88.15622331665425
Reasor Park – Corner of Lover’s Lane and Reynolds Dr. in Charleston. 39.47157571689411, -88.19229711763981
Douglas-Hart Nature Center – N. of SR16 on Lerna Rd. (870E), then left onto 800N. Center is on Right. 39.49243605533567, -88.31097959696534
Lake Charleston – S. of Charleston on SR130. Turn left before Embarras River Bridge. Follow road to end by Pavilion. 39.460053525957484, -88.14084914654148
Lakeview Park – Turn left on McKinley across from EIU energy center. Go to parking lot at end past Water Treatment Plant. 39.47298269612942, -88.15015104874183
Lafferty Park – Behind Carl Sandburg School in Charleston. 39.478697555243805, -88.19276490775802
Fox Ridge SP – S. of Charleston on SR130 ~7 miles. 39.40282869600468, -88.13584095834867
Walnut Point SP – N. of Oakland 39.697228, -88.036976