Events & Activities
A guided walking tour to the top of Glass Hill, also know as Cypress Citadel, will highlight the area's early native American and unique natural history. Natural History biologist Mark Guetersloh will be the guide. We will meet at the Glass Hill Access parking area along Dongola Road, west of State Route 37.
Sunday Story Hour: Bats
Sunday, October 20, 2:00-3:00pm
Location: Cache River Wetlands Center, Cache River State Natural Area
Sunday Story Hour will run on the second to last Sunday of the month. This free program engages families with children ages 3 to 6, in which a naturalist reads a nature themed storybook to children. Each story will be paired with a game, hands-on activity, or outside nature walk. This week’s program features a story about bats.
Please pre-register with the Wetlands Center at (618) 657-2064, so staff can prepare activities for each child.
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.
National Bison Weekend
Sunday, November 2 and November 3, 11:00-3:00pm
Location: Cache River Wetlands Center, Cache River State Natural Area
We will host a free open house celebration about our national mammal, the North American Bison. The Wetlands Center will have hand-on activities including a touch table to investigate artifacts from these gentle giants. The Wetlands Center will also show “Thunder Beast,” a National Geographic from 2:00-3:00PM, where will learn more about these majestic creatures.
For more information call the Wetlands Center at (618) 657-2064.
Guided Hike to Max Creek
Saturday, Novermber 9, 12:00-3:00pm
Location: Shawnee National Forest, Max Creek
Join Molie Oliver, Cache River SNA's siter interpreter, to explore more of Johnson County as we travel to Max Creek which may not be another picturesque creek. This area is famous for the legend of a vortex where some hikers say they become somewhat disoriented, dizzy, or have uneasy feelings.
To register and get directions for the meeting location call the Wetlands Center at 618-657-2064. Register from October 9 to November 8.
Wildcat Bluff Wander
Saturday, November 16, 10:00-11:30am
Location: Lookout Point Trail, Wildcat Bluff Access, Cache River State Natural Area
Join conservation education representative, Kimberly Rohling for a 1 mile guided hike along Wildcat Bluff Nature Preserve. We will hike along a hillside prairie with spectacular views of the Cache River basin and floodplain forest identifying resident wildlife and flora. The trail conditions may be wet due to seep springs along the way so wear appropriate footwear. Bring binoculars to help spot wildlife. Meet in the parking lot at Widlcat Bluff Access.
For more information or to register call the Wetlands Center at (618) 657-2064.
Sunday Story Hour: Trees
Sunday, November 17, 2:00-3:00pm
Location: Cache River Wetlands Center, Cache River State Natural Area
This last story hour program engages families with children ages 3 to 6, in which a naturalist reads a nature themed storybook to children. Each story will be paired with a game, hands-on activity, or outside nature walk. This week’s program features a story about trees.
Turkeys on the Silver Screen
Sunday, November 30, 2:00-3:00pm
Location: Cache River Wetlands Center, Cache River State Natural Area
After stuffing yourself with turkey or tofurkey earlier this week, we invite you to visit the Wetlands Center to relax some more and to learn about wild turkey. We will host “My Life as a Turkey,” a 60 minute PBS Nature episode. This documentary is based on the book Illumination in the Flatwoods by Joe Hutto.
For more information 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.