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.
Join a workdayOur 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.
Register to helpRiver 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 historyBat Night An October program introducing visitors to the forest’s bats and nighttime ecology.
Stewardship Week A week of hands-on work at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center with partners and volunteers.
Snake Road Sentinel Training Community-science workshops with Illinois Extension to monitor wildlife and visitors during seasonal closures. Learn more
Adopt-a-Trail Help keep a stretch of trail signed, clear, and welcoming throughout the year. Volunteer to adopt
Friends at Work
Recent work you can point to.
A snapshot of fundraising, stewardship, and partnership from the Friends at Work list.
Shawnee Plunge Held in March at Pounds Hollow Recreation Area. Income is split evenly with the Equality, IL Fire Department — first responders who often handle rope rescues and other emergencies in the forest.
Kid’s Fishing Derby Hosted the annual SNF derby at Oakwood Bottoms. 165 participants with parents attended in 2025; the Friends provided prizes and medals.
Reusable trash bags Distributed free bags in collaboration with Back Country Horsemen, the River-to-River Trail Society, the University of Illinois Extension Service, Clean SoIL, and the U.S. Forest Service.
Strategic planning A 3–5 year retreat in the spring with the full Board of Directors and guests from the River-to-River Trail Society, moderated by the University of Illinois Extension Service.
Invasives, graffiti, and trash Regular workdays with U of I Extension and the Shawnee National Forest. Thousands of pounds of trash removed; the Friends purchased a pressure washer for graffiti removal.
$110,000 trail grant Refurbished and created trails at Lake Kincaid and Cedar Lake. Friends also helped remove a decommissioned bridge at the Jackson Creek Recreation Area of Lake Kincaid with SNF staff.
Supporting the Forest Service Provided an $800 software package, and often supply items the agency is unable to buy.
Merchandise Sold more than $20,000 in merchandise year-to-date in 2025.
Made in Southern Illinois Expo Silver sponsor with a double booth hosting the Shawnee National Forest on July 18 at the Marion Pavilion. 4,000 attendees.
Allied Groups breakfast A quarterly meet-and-greet the Friends originated — more than ten groups, including U.S. Forest Service leadership, with shared ties to the Shawnee.
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.