Events

'Tis the season for Garlic Mustard! Come help remove this invasive weed from the North Chinquapin Preserve. This activity will include bending over and removing plants. Please wear long sleeves and long pants sturdy shoes and bring gloves if you have them.  Bring water, suncreen and bug spray. Please sign up  HERE    

'Tis the season for Garlic Mustard! Come help remove this invasive weed from the SouthChinquapin Preserve. This activity will include bending over and removing plants. Please wear long sleeves and long pants sturdy shoes and bring gloves if you have them.  Bring water, suncreen and bug spray. Please sign up   HERE

ParkLands Foundation is hosting an open house at the Lexington Land and Water Reserve from 9:00am-2:30 pm. You may enjoy exploring the Lexington Land and Water Reserve on your own or join a guided hike. We ask that if you choose a guided hike please register through this FORM.  There are two hike options and several time slots for each type. Wildflower Hikes: About 1 hour, 1/2 mile long. Enjoy looking for wildflowers, such as Virginia Bluebells, Prairie Trillium, and Spring Beauties, plus "hug" a 200 year old Sycamore Tree and view the Mackinaw River Prairie Hikes: About 1.5- 2 hours, 1 mile long. Come enjoy a leisurely walk along the prairie and savanna, while learning about the Dorothy Shelley Memorial Wildflower Garden. You could see beaver activity along Turkey Creek, and learn about tree planting, and land stewardship activities.

Goals: Remove invasive trees, bushes and plants. No experience is needed and tools are provided. Please wear work clothes and bring work gloves, water bottle and eye protection if you have them. Moon Preserve Lead Steward: Janet Wiser. 309-532-4652 or email, Jlpwiser@yahoo.com Moon Preserve google maps location: https://maps.app. goo.gl/3AD79aFLS9oCxWLN9 Please sign up HERE  

  ParkLands Foundation invites you to attend our annual Wildflower Walk at Merwin Preserve. Local naturalists will guide you on a tour of vibrant spring wildflowers. Make this a springtime tradition for your family. There is a $5 registration fee per family. Caution: The trails have uneven terrain. There will be four sessions available: 10:00

Goals: Remove invasive trees, bushes and plants. No experience is needed and tools are provided. Please wear work clothes and bring work gloves, water bottle and eye protection if you have them. Moon Preserve Lead Steward: Janet Wiser. 309-532-4652 or email, Jlpwiser@yahoo.com Moon Preserve google maps location: https://maps.app. goo.gl/3AD79aFLS9oCxWLN9 Please sign up HERE  

Goals: Remove invasive trees, bushes and plants. No experience is needed and tools are provided. Please wear work clothes and bring work gloves, water bottle and eye protection if you have them. Moon Preserve Lead Steward: Janet Wiser. 309-532-4652 or email, Jlpwiser@yahoo.com Moon Preserve google maps location: https://maps.app. goo.gl/3AD79aFLS9oCxWLN9    

Goals: Remove invasive trees, bushes and plants. No experience is needed and tools are provided. Please wear work clothes and bring work gloves, water bottle and eye protection if you have them. Moon Preserve Lead Steward: Janet Wiser. 309-532-4652 or email, Jlpwiser@yahoo.com Moon Preserve google maps location: https://maps.app. goo.gl/3AD79aFLS9oCxWLN9    

Come enjoy all the nature that ParkLands Preserves have to offer during the Nature Quest Challenge. Visit any of our 5 featured preserves (Letcher Basin, Chinquapin South, Merwin, Lexington Preserve, and Moon Preserve) between June 20th and July 26th, and use the iNaturalist app to document the nature you see. Prizes will be awarded for

The bike ride will return on July 18th, 2026. Look for a sign up link in the early spring.  

Join us for the yearly event on the Mackinaw River. Participants will scour the river for mussels and identify them with the help of IDNR biologist Eric Smith.   Participants should be prepared to get wet in the river! River shoes and swimsuits or clothes that can get dirty are required. SIGN UP WILL BE POSTED