Sign-up   Directions   StraightUp Solar employees, join us at the ParkLands Foundation's Moon Preserve near Lake Bloomington to remove the highly invasive Lespedeza cuneata before it spreads throughout the prairie.  Please wear long pants and bring water and work gloves, though we'll have extra of both on hand.  We will provide the loppers and waste bags

It's that time of the year!  Most of our cherished native plants gone to seed, and we need your help to collect them for dispersal at other sites.  Join us at a special remnant prairie to collect seeds original to this site before they are gone! We will meet at the BP gas station in

It's that time of the year!  Most of our cherished native plants gone to seed, and we need your help to collect them for dispersal at other sites.  Join us at a special remnant prairie to collect seeds original to this site before they are gone! We will meet at the BP gas station in

As if you need more reasons to get outside this weekend, we're offering one more. In support of the nationwide movement to #OptOutside the day after Thanksgiving, we're giving away gear to anyone who hikes TWO of our preserves on Friday. We'll call it the Two Preserve Challenge. I know... creative, right? Why #OptOutside 2020

Note:  This event was originally scheduled for January 1st, 2021 but was rescheduled due to weather. What better way to bring in the new year than time outside?  Join us at Lexington Preserve on December 31st for a guided hike through one of our best-kept secrets.  From a prairie wildflower garden to hulking bottomland trees,

  Whether you're a first time skier or a seasoned expert, join us Saturday February 20th for a cross-country adventure through one of central Illinois' finest landscapes.   Admission covers ski rental from WildCountry in Normal (optional), guidance from experienced skiers, refreshments afterwards, and fundraising support for the ParkLands Foundation.  Snowshoes are also available by choice

        The ParkLands Foundation’s first annual Earth Day Volunteer Challenge (April 22 - 25) aims to raise ecological awareness and make a collective impact on protecting the natural heritage of central Illinois.  Approximately 10 teams of 10 volunteers will compete across numerous ParkLands preserves to remove the most invasive plants, preserving the

A spring favorite is back!  Local naturalists, including ISU Distinguished Professor Emeritus, botanist, ecologist, and ParkLands legend Roger Anderson, will lead guided tours of Merwin Preserve's vibrant spring wildflowers on Saturday, May 1st.  Four sessions are available: 10:00am, 10:15am, 10:30am, and 10:45am. Register Here!  

Remove invasive sweet clover from the last 5 acres of original tallgrass prairie in McLean County .  Please bring water, work gloves, sturdy shoes and long pants.  Registration is limited to 10 volunteers due to limited parking and no trails at the preserve. Sign up to volunteer!   For more information: About Weston Cemetery Prairie

                                          Register here!   Admission is $5 per person to help cover cost and support the foundation.  Registration is limited to 20 guests per group, or 40 total guests.  This event is for ParkLands members

Save the date for our most popular event!  Supported out-and-back rides of varying lengths depart Lexington, IL and follow the Mackinaw River Valley to highlight the areas unique landscape, including several ParkLands preserves. For more information and sign-up visit parklandsfoundation.org/bikeride

Help fight back against woody brush invading the biodiversity of Sweeney Woods!  Involves some physical activity navigating unlevel ground, using loppers/handsaws, and handheld herbicide sprayers.  Please bring water, work gloves, sturdy shoes and long pants. Sign up to volunteer!   For more information: About Sweeney Woods About invasive brush removal How to identify silver maple trees