Events & Activities
“Come Fish With Us” Fishing Clinics
Thursdays, June 13 & 20, July 11 & 18, 9-11am
Location: Cache River Wetlands Center
Youth catch-and-release fishing clinic instructors will present information on fish and other aquatic life; fishing rules and regulations; basic instructions on baiting a hook, tying a knot and casting; important tactics for catching fish; and how to return fish to the water. These free clinics are targeted to children ages 16 and younger, but anyone interested in learning basic fishing techniques can attend. Equipment and bait are supplied by IDNR. Adults are not required to have a fishing license to assist during this program.
Hike With a Swamp Geek
Thursday, June 20, 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Egret Slough Trail, Cache River Wetlands Center, Cache River State Natural Area
Did you know that today is National Hike With A Geek Day? Join Kimberly Rohling, Cache River SNA’s conservation education representative, for a serendipity hike along the Egret Slough Trail. We will go on a scavenger hunt through the pollinator gardens and be searching for sign of wildlife along the way. If you don’t have a pair a of binoculars at home, pre-register to borrow binoculars from the Wetlands Center. If you attend the hike, consider posting your photos with #NationalHikeWithAGeekDay.
For more information or to register call the Wetlands Center at (618) 657-2064.
Invasive Species: Identification & Management
Saturday, June 22, 9:30-noon
Location: Cache River Wetlands Center
Erin Medvecz, University of Illinois Extension, and Nick Seaton, River to River Cooperative Weed Management Area, will share tips and tricks for easily identifying invasive species found in southern Illinois. Learn about the options and tools needed to improve the quality of your land by successfully managing these unwanted invasives. This program will include indoor and outdoor components.
Questions, call the Wetlands Center at 618-657-2064.
Walkabout West Route 37 Access
Saturday, June 29, 9:30-11:00am
Location: West Route 37 Access, Cache River State Natural Area
Join Kimberly Rohling, Cache River SNA’s conservation education representative, for a serendipity hike along West Route 37 Access. We will walk through old field and second growth forest habitat. The guided hike will begin at the West Route 37 Access parking lot. Remember to bring a pair of binoculars to get a closer look at wildlife. If you don’t have a pair at home, pre-register to borrow binoculars to make for a more enjoyable hike.
For more information or to register call the Wetlands Center at (618) 657-2064.
Beat the Heat Summer Movie Series: TBA
Sunday, June 30, 2:00-3:00pm
Location: Cache River Wetlands Center, Cache River State Natural Area
Our ruby-throated hummingbirds are in full swing at the Wetland Center feeders. Come watch an afternoon matinee film about hummingbirds, a bird that can only be found in the Americas and Caribbean. We will show a 60 minute PBS Nature episode.
Nature Note Cards
Saturday, July 13, 10am-noon
Location: Cache River Wetlands Center
Use a creative technique to bring nature into your life! Learn how to use pressed flowers and a variety of other natural items to create personal note cards. Each participant will have the opportunity to create two note cards with envelopes.
Questions, call the Wetlands Center at 618-657-2064.
Reptiles in the Neighborhood
Saturday, August 24, 1-4pm
Location: Cache River Wetlands Center/Heron Pond Trail
How familiar are you with the common reptiles of southern Illinois? Can you tell a venomous snake from a non-venomous one? Do you know which skink has a blue-tipped tail, or why some male turtles have longer nails? Join us for an up close and personal interaction with reptiles native to southernmost Illinois. The one-hour indoor program concludes with an optional hike to look for cold-blooded creatures at Heron Pond.
Nature Fest at Cache River Days
Saturday, September 7, all day
Location: Ball Park, Ullin, IL
Join us for a full day of festivities in the Village of Ullin! Celebrate the Cache with live wildlife exhibits, nature activities, arts and crafts, live music, food, and more. Cypress Creek Wildlife Refuge will provide free canoe tours throughout the day.
Which Grass Is Which?
Saturday, September 7, 10am-noon
Location: Cache River Wetlands Center
Identifying grasses can be tricky! Join Erin Medvecz, University of Illinois Extension, to learn tips and techniques to help identify 30 different grasses in southern Illinois. After the presentation, take a hike with Erin to identify grasses around the Wetlands Center.
Questions, call the Wetlands Center at 618-657-2064.
Monarch Phenomenon
Saturday, September 21, 10am-1pm
Location: Cache River Wetlands Center
The magnificent monarch butterfly migrates up to 2,500 miles from North America to central Mexico for the winter. Monarch Watch Association has been tagging and monitoring migrating monarchs since 1992. Join us for a program from 10-11am to learn the monarch’s natural history, and then spend the rest of the day capturing, tagging and releasing monarch butterflies.
Questions, call the Wetlands Center at 618-657-2064.
Senior Van Tour via Tunnel Hill State Trail
Friday, October 25, various departure times
Location: Tunnel Hill State Trail Parking Lot, Tunnel Hill, IL
Come along on a guided van tour for senior citizens and persons with physical limitations to share stories and enjoy the wildlife, native plants and fall colors along the Tunnel Hill State Trail in the Saline River Watershed. The tour will explore a section of the trail between Tunnel Hill and New Burnside, IL.
For departure times and required reservation, please call the Wetlands Center at 618-657-2064.
Boo at the Slough
Sunday, October 27, 1-3:30pm
Location: Cache River Wetlands Center
This program engages elementary to middle school-age children on a guided trick-or-treat adventure through the Wetland Center and Egret Slough Trail. The 0.5 mile hike offers a chance for families to interact with misunderstood creatures of the swamp and to enjoy the magic of Halloween. Children are welcome to wear Halloween costumes.
To register, please call the Wetlands Center at 618-657-2064.
Annual Christmas
Bird Count
Monday, December 16, 6am-sunset
Location: Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge
This annual all-day census of early winter bird populations has been conducted by thousands of volunteers throughout the U.S. for more than 100 years, resulting in the longest-running database in ornithology. The Audubon Society and other organizations use data collected in this census to assess the health of bird populations; so, by participating, you’ll be making a tangible contribution to bird conservation efforts. All ages and skill levels welcome. Questions, call Cypress Creek at 618-634-2231.