CARLYLE LAKE - April 17
On Friday, April 17th, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will host the 13th annual Celebrate the Earth event at Carlyle Lake. More than 3,500 students, teachers and parents from more than 15 local schools are expected to attend the event featuring sessions on a multitude of different environmental topics including wildlife, recycling, ecology and conservation. Forty-one environmental and safety professionals from organizations including the St. Louis Science Center, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, University of Illinois Extension Office, Cahokia Mounds, Wild Bird Sanctuary, Wild Canid Center and the Butterfly House will all be presenting sessions at the event. For more information: 618-594-2484
MARK TWAIN LAKE
- April 24-25 April 24 - Mark Twain Lake rangers will join representatives from University of Missouri Extension and the Ralls County Soil and Water Conservation District an Earth Day Celebration at an area elementary school. They are assisting the students in designing, growing and planting Grow Native plants in the city park located behind the school.
April 25 - Mark Twain Lake staff, partners and “green” enthusiasts will gather in the Frank Russell Pond Area for a day of wildlife planting, trees, flowers and food. For more information: (573) 735-4097
RIVERS PROJECT - April 26
The Rivers Project Office is participating in the 20th Annual St. Louis Earth Day Festival, the largest Earth Day festival in the Midwest.
Where: Forest Park on the Muny Grounds - 11 AM—6 PM
REND LAKE - Environmental Education Day - May 7 & 8
The Rend Lake Project Office will have a 2-day environmental education day to celebrate Earth Day. Our event will be held on May 7 and 8, 2009. The first day of the event is designed for 3rd grade students only. On May 8th students from the 6th grade will be the focus. The Rend Lake event will be held on the grounds of the Rend Lake Visitor Center. This outdoor event will draw a total of approximately 2,000 students from area schools. Approximately 35 presenters will present the hands on educational programming to the students. For more information: (618) 724-2493
WAPPAPELLO LAKE - Environmental Education Day - April 29-30
The Wappapello Lake Project Office will conduct a 2-day environmental education day for eighth graders to celebrate Earth Day on April 29 and 30. The first day of the event is designed for Butler County. On April 30, 8th grade students will participate from Wayne and Stoddard Counties. This event will be held in the Redman Creek, Visitor Center, Spillway, and Project Office Areas. Wappapello Lake staff and other federal and state agency representatives will provide hands on educational programming to the students. Mingo Job Corps will provide students to help serve as group leaders. For more information: (573) 222-8562
Upcoming Events for 2009
Birding events at the National Great Rivers Museum or Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Raptors Over Riverlands 9:00
- Every Saturday morning in Jan/Feb
A Ranger led program including eagle background, film, and eagle watching with spotting scopes. Lasts approx. 45 minutes (depends on size of group and how many eagles are out).
Meets at Environmental Learning Facility at Rivers Project Office. Free, no reservation required.
Wings of Spring- April 25 Where: Riverlands Environmental Demonstration Area When: 10 am - 4 pm
This annual Confluence Birding Festival features off-site birding trips, arts and entertainment, birding exhibits and vendors, family centered educational activities, live bird meet and greets, and much more. Free with some fees for off-site birding trips. For more information call 1-800-258-6645 or visit wingsofspring.org
Click here for a complete listing of events at the National Great Rivers Museum
All events and/or times are subject to change due to weather or extenuating circumstances.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Carlyle Lake Project Office at (618) 594-2484
Upcoming Events for 2009
June 27
Fireworks Spectacular Celebrate Independence Day at Carlyle Lake. Events and live music all day conclude with a fabulous fireworks display. The Fireworks are shot off from Point 1 and can be viewed by boat or by shore in the Dam West and Dam East Recreation Areas. Sponsored by the Carlyle Lake Chamber of Commerce.
July 11
Kaskaskia Duck Race
Watch as truckloads of rubber ducks are dumped from the dam to race down the Kaskaskia River. The fastest duck wins great prizes for its sponsor. The race can be viewed from the West or East Spillway Recreation Areas. All proceeds benefit the Healthcare Foundation.
September
12 & 13
Carlyle Lake Wine and Art Festival
This event will feature wine tasting from some of Illinois’ finest wineries and an art exhibition which will showcase many talented artists from around the area. Live music and food will also be available at this event located on the grounds of the Carlyle Lake Visitor Center and sponsored by the Clinton County Art Guild.
September
19 & 20
Whale of a Sail Regatta
Enjoy a mid summer regatta on Carlyle Lake hosted by the Carlyle Sailing Association. This fun filled weekend of good sailing will take place in Eldon Hazlet State Park at the Carlyle Sailing Association. For more information call (618) 281-1165.
September 24
Carlyle Lake Blood Drive
Stop in the Carlyle Lake Visitor Center and give a donation of blood that will save lives. One donation could save as many as three lives! Those donating will receive free camping.
October
16 & 17
Haunted Trail
Climb aboard a hay wagon at the Carlyle McDonalds and take a ride down to the Little Prairie Nature Trail where ghost and goblins hide. All proceeds benefit the 2010 Fireworks Spectacular.
November 8
Youth Pheasant Hunt
Young Hunters (accompanied by an adult) get the first chance at the designated pheasant hunt areas at Eldon Hazlet State Park. For information, contact the IDNR at (618) 594-3015.
All events and/or times are subject to change due to weather or extenuating circumstances.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Carlyle Lake Project Office at (618) 594-2484
All events and/or times are subject to change due to weather or extenuating circumstances.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Lake Shelbyville Project Office by phone at 217-774-3951.
All events and/or times are subject to change due to weather or extenuating circumstances.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Mark Twain Lake Project Office at (573) 735-4097
All events and/or times are subject to change due to weather or extenuating circumstances.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Rend Lake Project Office by phone at 618-724-2493.
Christmas Tree Recycling Program Bundling and placement of the trees will be accomplished in mid-March by Corps of Engineers employees, Illinois Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologists and volunteers. Volunteers with boats or fishing/outdoor organizations are encouraged to help place the trees in the designated locations. Anyone wishing to volunteer or wanting more information should contact Mike Edwards at the Rend Lake Project Office at 618-724-2493.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Birthday Celebration&National Get Outdoors Day
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Wappapello Lake invites you to attend the 6th Annual U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Birthday Celebration at the Redman Creek Recreation Area. This celebration will be in honor of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 233rd birthday. Many activities will be happening during this day long celebration, there will be a car and antiques tractor show, live music, children's games and informational booths from federal, state and local agencies. As a special bonus Wappapello Lake has been selected for one of the "National Get Outdoors Day" sites for this year. For more information regarding this special celebration visit web site http://www.getoutdoorsusa.org/
June 20
Kids Fishing Derby
If you were thinking about taking a kid fishing, then don't miss this opportunity! This event is free to the public and open to children 16 and younger, so don't forget to add this event to your schedule. No need to bring lots of expensive gear, all you need to bring is a big smile and a can do attitude! This event is free to attend.
July 4
Ranger Willie's Wet and Wild Waterfest
Come join us with activities including water tug-of-war, card board boat building contest, canoe races, inner tube races, watermelon eating contest, sand castle/sculpture building contest, and much more. The event is held from 10 am to 4 pm at the Redman Creek Beach at Wappapello Lake. The user fee is waived at the beach on this day, therefore admission is free to the public. Prizes are awarded to participants and everyone is a winner! This event is free to attend.
Sept. 19-20
Old Greenville Days
Enjoy arts and crafts displays and demonstrations, guided tour's of Memory Lane, homemade root beer and lemonade, bluegrass and gospel music, old time children’s games and much more. This living history event is held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free to the public, however no fee is required for each 10’x10’ to 10' x 20' booth for exhibitors and vendors. This event is free to attend.
Nov.-Dec.
Festival of Lights Auto Tour Check back for updated information
All events and/or times are subject to change due to weather or extenuating circumstances.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Wappapello Lake Project Office by phone at 573-222-8562.
... Army Engineers Built one of America's Most Famous Lighthouses?
Army Engineers were responsible for building hundreds of navigational aids along America’s coasts, lakes, rivers, and harbors; including one of the nation’s most beloved lighthouses. In 1868, Congress approved a measure to rebuild a lighthouse at Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. The original structure, which had stood on the outer banks for seventy years, had proven to be so ineffective as to warrant the construction of an entirely new lighthouse.
