Nov12
Next up
Event4:00 PM
Non-native invasive species pull at Snake Road
Snake Road North Entrance
View DetailsEst. 2010 · Southern Illinois
ScrollFriends of the Shawnee National Forest
Supporting and preserving 289,000 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 involvedOur Impact
Boots on the ground, every season.
0
Pounds of trash removed in 2024
0
Serving the forest since
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Designated wilderness areas
0
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 289,000 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’s Den, south of Carbondale.
From the Forest
Moments worth protecting.
Projects, volunteer days, and the landscapes that make it all worthwhile.
Upcoming Events
What’s next on the calendar.
Volunteer days, programs, and gatherings — soonest first.
Swipe for more upcoming events
Nov12
Nov17
Nov21
Dec6
Nov12
Nov17
Nov21
View Full Calendar
And more on the calendar — see everything coming up.
News & Updates
Browse the BlogThe latest from the Friends.
Stories, project notes, and seasonal updates from the forest.
Grrrr...Graffiti
Our go-to product is Elephant Snot (yes, really). It earns the name: it looks and behaves just as you'd imagine. While I can't say I've ever seen actual elephant snot, I'm fairly confident in the comparison.
Read moreSummer 2026 Newsletter
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.
Read moreThank 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 PartnerPartners
