Rend Lake Events 2011

 

 
Beach Blast
(South Sandusky Beach)
Thursday, June 9, 2011

The Best Dam BBQ Cookoff (sponsored by the Benton/West City Chamber of Commerce)

Fireworks at the Dam
 (Sponsored by the Benton/West City Chamber of Commerce held at the Rend Lake Visitor Center)

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Sunday, July 3, 2011

 
National Public Lands Day Celebration/R.L. Cleanup
(Rend Lake Visitor Center)
Saturday, September 24, 2011

Environmental Science Series (Rend Lake Visitor Center unless otherwise noted on flyer)

Each Saturday at 11 and 2:00 from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend - Call 618-724-2493 for more info.
What's New at Rend Lake
Kids Corner and Activities  
E-mail questions or comments

Useful Links to Help you Enjoy Your Stay
 
 
 

 

Earth Day is a day to take pride in your planet. The event's activities include educational programming such as live snake presentations; tree planting; recycling events and more. This event is dedicated to increasing awareness of our environment and the importance of preservation. Attendance at this event is by reservation only. Photos.

The Summer Beach Blast is a day-long event for the whole family. The day's activities include rescue demonstrations, children's games, face painting, scavenger hunts, sand castle building contests, prizes and displays. This event, held at the South Sandusky Beach, emphasizes the importance of safety in and around the water. No Day use fee will be charged at the South Sandusky Beach on the day of the event.

The Rend Lake Cleanup/National Public Lands Day is a day-long event which includes participation from scout groups, clubs, other organizations and individuals. This event, focusing on environmental protection and stewardship of public lands, is a cooperative effort between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and many local businesses who provide funding for the event. Participants begin the day by collecting litter from roadways, parking lots, recreation areas, and the shoreline of Rend Lake. Following the trash pickup the volunteers are provided with a free lunch, prize raffle, and awards ceremony. Picking up trash has never been so much fun!


Environmental Science Series Programs Schedule:

June 20 Intro to Canoeing: (10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.) This program will meet at the North Sandusky Boat Ramp. Learn basic paddling strokes, handling techniques, water safety and how to read the water. We'll explore Sandusky Cove and see the different plants and animals that live at the lake. Meet at the North Sandusky Boat Ramp at 10:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. for a two hour tour. Minimum age for this adventure is 6 years old.

June 27 Wildlife Rehabilitation: (11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.) Second Nature Wildlife Rehabilitation enlightens us on why some anmimals need our help. You will see some of the baby critters that come to the rehab center, learn how they are taken care of, and find out what you can do to help.

July 4 Fireworks Festival: Festivities begin at 4:00 and fireworks will be held at 9:30 p.m. Join us at Rend Lake to celebrate our nation's independance.Sojourn will play a variety of 1960's type music, food vendors will sell a variety of fantasic food and there will be plenty to keep the kids busy in the FREE kid's area. The kids area will feature blow up games, crazy hair up-do's, and the Whittington Clowns will be doing balloon animals and temporary tattoos. The Southern Illinois Concert band will play prior to and during the fireworks. A $5 donation for parking is requested for the event.

Julyl 11 Introduction to Fishing: Find out the basics of one of our greatest passtimes. You'll learn how to tie a secure knot, which baits to use, and how to handle a fish when you get it out of the water.

July 18 Camping 101: Come learn the basics of camping from setting up the tent to starting a fire. Join us for hands-on experience as Park Rangers help you learn what you will need to take with you, how to set up camp, and how to cook your meals on your first camping trip.

July 25 Geocaching - A Modern Day Treasure Hunt: (11 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.) Using GPS units, we will go on a modern day treasure hunt with Kevin Weston of Rend Lake College. We will learn what Geocaching is, the equipment used and how to find caches across the country or right here in your back yard.

August 1 and 2 Hunter Safety Course: (9:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. must attend all sessions, both days) This is a State of Illinois required course for anyone born after January 1, 1980 who wishes to purchase their first hunting license. This two-day course will also teach hunters how to be safe and ethical while in the field. Pre-registration is required by calling 618-724-2493. Class size is limited to 40 students.

August 8 Secrets to Nature Photography: (11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.) Andy Beebe of Shutter Splash Photography will present techniques of nature and wildlife photography. Preparation, equipment, and strategies for locating wildlife will be presented. Whether using point and shoot or digital SLR cameras, this course iwll help the student produce stunning outdoor wildlife images.

August 15 Bike Hike: (11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.) Strap on your helmet and pack up your bike for fun ont he trail. Join us as we hit the Rend Lake Bike trail. We will ride approximately 4.5 miles through a beautiful upland hardwood forest, through a wetland, along a slough then ride through one of Rend Lake's campground and day use areas. Safety helmets are required.

August 29 The Reptile Experience: (11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.) Come out and meet Serengeti Steve and see a variety of lizards, snakes, and more. This hands-on experience will let you get up close and personal as you pet, touch and even hold different reptiles as part of this educational program.

September 5 Let's Talk Snakes: (11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.) Ever wonder what kind of snakes are in your backyard and if they are venomous? Join us as we talk about snakes, learn why they are important and bust myths that keep some of us on edge.


                Southern Illinois Art and Artisan Shop schedule of events