HEROD/EDDYVILLE – The Leave No Trace organization has selected Shawnee National Forest a 2024 Spotlight site.
As outdoor areas all over the country are being impacted by record use, this new initiative from Leave No Trace shines a light on communities rising to meet this challenge with multi-day, onsite education and restoration initiatives.
From May 9-11, a Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Team will be in Herod, IL, with the Shawnee & Hoosier National Forests Service to work with the community and local land agencies to deliver Leave No Trace education as well as to partner on restoration and stewardship projects.
Sites are nominated for the Leave No Trace Spotlight initiative by local land agencies or community groups. The diverse sites chosen in 2024 span the country, each with unique environmental challenges. The goal of the initiative is to equip each Spotlight area with relevant Leave No Trace tools that address the impacts the site is facing and ultimately, to foster healthy lands and people.
“The Spotlight program is an amazing way to highlight the power of community and the difference people can make when they unite to protect the outdoors,” states Dana Watts, the Executive Director of Leave No Trace. “Spotlights put conservation into action. The three-day program, led by our Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Team, focuses on workshops, Leave No Trace education, and community engagement to ensure that every Spotlight host is empowered with the tools necessary to continue to protect and conserve the areas around them.”
“Like many public lands, the Shawnee National Forest has seen an uptick in visitation in recent years. Increased visitation of our national forests is a wonderful thing, but it doesn’t come without some impacts to natural resources. The “Leave No Trace” message is a great way to unite users and managers as conservationists. We are honored to be one of the 20 sites selected for a spotlight event and we look forward to a productive and fun-filled weekend.” – Chad Deaton, SNF recreation program manager.
The following events are free and open to the public and we encourage people of all ages to attend. For more information visit https://lnt.org/event/leave-no-trace-spotlight-shawnee-national-forest/.
Friday, May 10: Leave No Trace Pop-up Education & Outreach.
When: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Garden of the Gods Observation Trailhead
Join Leave No Trace and Shawnee National Forest staff and partners for engaging outreach and education, meet the Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Team, and play quick games and activities to learn more about Leave No Trace and how to protect Garden of the Gods and all your favorite outdoor spaces. Information and activity tables will set up along this popular trail for all to enjoy fun educational opportunities while on this short and scenic hike.
Leave No Trace Trivia & Social Hour
When: Shotgun Eddy’s, Eddyville, IL
Where: 6:00 -8:00 p.m.
Join us for this interactive game night to gauge your knowledge of Leave No Trace practices and principles while learning tips and techniques for protecting Shawnee National Forest and all your favorite outdoor spaces. Don’t miss this chance to participate in fun stewardship trivia and win some cool prizes!
Saturday, May 11: Volunteer Stewardship Project
When: 10:00 a.m. -1:00 pm
Where: Garden of the Gods, Indian Point Trailhead, Herod, IL
Join Leave No Trace and Shawnee National Forest staff and partners for a fun volunteer day and stewardship project. Volunteers will work on projects including trash and litter clean up, trail maintenance, naturalizing campsites, and other needed restoration work.
About Leave No Trace
Using the power of science and research, education for all, and stewardship to support and protect nature, Leave No Trace is on a mission to ensure a sustainable future for the outdoors and the planet. The Spotlight program is the newest education offering from Leave No Trace.
Learn more at www.LNT.org.
- Facebook: @LeaveNoTraceCenter
- Instagram: @LeaveNoTraceOrg
- Twitter: @LeaveNoTrace
- LinkedIn: @LeaveNoTrace
About Shawnee National Forest
The Shawnee National Forest includes over 280,000 acres of National Forest System land and is the single largest publicly owned body of land in the State of Illinois. The Forest sits at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers and is rich in history, reflecting the pioneer movement of Americans into the West. The Shawnee sits on top of a cultural crossroads, informing and enriching the Forest’s Heritage program and making the Shawnee a unique place to visit. So, explore our 280,000 acres of glades, barrens, prairies, streams, lakes, ponds, waterfalls, woodlands, rocky outcrops — and more!