Events

Beautiful scenery, super fast course on the Tunnel Hill State trail. Perfect place for a first 100 or 50 miler, or a personal best. durb417@gmail.com

With the vegetation out of the way, it’s a great time to look for birds in Giant City! Join Vicki Lang-Mendenhall, park volunteer and Southern Illinois Audubon Society member, as she guides participants along the 1/3 mile accessible Post Oak Trail. This program is free and open to the public Read more

Learn the ABC's of a CBC: Is this your first time on a Christmas Bird Count (CBC)? This workshop will set you on the path for success. Did you know some counts in southern Illinois are almost 30 to 50 year traditions? As a CBC participant, you will coordinate with Read more

Pope county is the ‘Deer Capitol of Illinois’ and the bucks are what legendary trophies are made from, you have to celebrate the opening day of deer season with a holiday. Prize-winning bucks abound in Pope County where the joke is, deer easily outnumber humans ten to one. Deer Festival Read more

The annual Touch of Nature Buffalo Tro at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center. Those attending the Tro can expect a fun night of good food, local beer and wine, and a chance to support Touch of Nature. The meal features a steak cooked over hot, stacked hardwood with a Read more

LOCATION: General John A. Logan Museum located at 1613 Edith St. in Murphysboro, IL Visit the historic neighborhood and enjoy live holiday music, visit historic homes, holiday craft activities for all ages, witness craftsmen at work, enjoy an old fashioned puppet show great for the whole family, warm up with hot Read more

Wreath Making Workshop, Presenters: Anne Townsend and Erin Garrett. 1:30–3:00 p.m.  (618) 657-2064

Come make a wreath to decorate your front door during the holiday season! Learn from Master Gardener and Master Naturalist volunteers as they demonstrate how to make your own holiday wreath using foraged materials like evergreen branches, pinecones, dried plants, and more. All supplies will be provided for you to Read more

First Day Hikes – Ring in 2027 with Nature! Illinois Department of Natural Resources in partnership with America’s State Parks. Join us as we kick off this historic year with the nationwide First Day Hikes initiative! From coast to coast, individuals and families will welcome the New Year by stepping outdoors, Read more

Held at the Pavilion, Marion, IL.  boats, trailers, campers, fishing tackle, educational sessions, family activities, and more!  

Join us at Touch of Nature for a full day of learning, networking, and outdoor fun! This free event explores the growing outdoor economy in Southern Illinois, with presentations covering topics like forest management, outdoor education, regional economic development, community wellness, and more. Enjoy a complimentary lunch sponsored by SI Read more