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The Trip

The Shawnee National Forest has a unique unglaciated landscape with abundant natural wonders. Spring is a time of beautiful wildflowers, greening forest awakenings, and great wildlife-spotting. Spectacular views can be seen from the many hills and valleys in this region of Southern Illinois between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Oak-hickory is the predominant timber, and more than 500 wildlife species can be found within the forest.

The area also includes the northernmost bald cypress swamp in the country, which is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The Cache River State Natural Area is situated within a floodplain carved long ago by glacial floodwater of the Ohio River. Among the outstanding natural features found within the area today are massive bald cypress trees whose flared bases, called buttresses, exceed 40 feet in circumference. Many are more than 1,000 years old, including one that has earned the title of state champion bald cypress because of its huge trunk girth, towering height, and heavily branched canopy.

The climate and beauty in the area are especially charming in spring with wildflowers, returning migrant songbirds, green forests, and clear running streams. Who knows -- we may even discover an elusive morel mushroom or two. Cultural resource sites abound in the forest, which makes public ownership and protection critical for many to enjoy.

The Project

We will work on land managed by the Shawnee National Forest and also the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, located in the eastern part of the of far south tip of Illinois. Our work will vary from day to day. We will build trails with the expert crew in the National Forest on state-of-the-art trails for both hikers and equestrians, plant trees in the Cache River State Natural Area swamp, eradicate invasive species such as garlic mustard, and perhaps even explore and clean out bluff shelters. No specific skills are required, but you should come with the notion of seeing some unique wilderness areas that Illinois offers, and having fun with other like-minded people.

Our campground is on Lake Glendale, within easy driving distance to our work sites. It is car-accessible with a shelter for eating and gathering, and plenty of room for tents.

Itinerary

Day 1: We will meet Sunday afternoon at the Goose Point group campsite in the Lake Glendale campground in time for our first meal together at 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Days 2-6: We will work three to four days, with other days devoted to exploring the area to hike or joining an organized tour of special locations. There are archeological, prehistoric, and historic sites to visit.

Day 7: Saturday will be our last day, with breakfast and lunch provided.

Getting There

Lake Glendale is on Highway 145, about 25 miles south of Harrisburg and two miles north of Dixon Springs State Park. The closest big airports are St. Louis, MO and Nashville, TN. Smaller airports are Marion, IL, Paducah, KY and Evansville, IN.

Accommodations and Food

All meals are provided from dinner on day one through lunch on day seven. The menu is primarily hearty vegetarian with a few meat options and lots of variety. There will be plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Everyone will share daily cooking and cleaning duties.

Trip Difficulty

Most activities will be moderate, with occasional strenuous activities such as lifting, digging, or carrying. Good physical condition is required to best enjoy these outdoor activities. Expect a variety of weather conditions. Be prepared for warm sunny days, with the chance for cool and rainy weather.

Equipment and Clothing

• Tent with rainfly (please seal the seams)
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• Work boots (broken in)
• Work gloves
• Full raingear (not ponchos)
• Warm jacket, such as fleece
• Hat
• Long-sleeved shirt with lightweight long pants
• Day pack
• Water bottle
• A storage container for lunch items
• Plate, cup, and eating utensils
• Bandana for napkins and all-purpose camp activities
• Flashlight

References

Web sites:

• Shawnee National Forest: http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/shawnee/index.html
• Illinois Department of Natural Resources: http://dnr.state.il.us
• Cache River Natural Area: http://www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R5/Cachervr.htm
• Friends of the Cache River Watershed: http://friendsofcache.org
• Illinois Sierra Club Chapter website describes what the Sierra Club is doing to protect this special area: http://illinois.sierraclub.org
  

Conservation

The Sierra Club has a long history of fighting for strong protection of the forest resources. Major issues in the region include: expanding the current Wilderness system, protecting Natural Areas from non-native invasive plants species infestation, the development of an extensive trail system to accommodate both hikers and pedestrians to help maintain the integrity of this special place, and protection and restoration of 60,000 acres along a 50-mile corridor of the Cache River.

Trip Price

See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy.

The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.

Staff

Leader:

Paul Saindon has been a Sierra Club member since 2000 and a lifetime member since 2007. He is currently semi-retired after working in information technology. Paul is certified in Wilderness First Aid and Adult CPR and a graduate of the Sierra Club's national leadership training program. He is a leader for the Sierra Club's Illinois River Prairie group. While backpacking and hiking are Paul's favorite activities, he is at home just being outdoors. Other interests include outdoor photography.

E-mail: paul@pauls.us

Co-Leader:

Linda Sullivan fell in love with the Shawnee National Forest many years ago when she visited her sister who attended college nearby. She has tried to get to the Shawnee every spring and fall since. She is an avid hiker, backpacker, kayaker, world traveler, and advocate for the out-of-doors through Sierra Club's citizen lobby and political teams. This will be her fifth service trip to the Shawnee as a participant or leader.

E-mail: lsullivan23@hotmail.com

Cook:

Tom Borchard, a member of the Sierra Club since 1989, serves on the Executive Committee of the Northwest Cook County Group. This is his second year on this trip, but he has led many local trips to in the Midwest, including the very popular annual Shawnee Trash Bash co-sponsored by the US Forest Service, Beautify Southern Illinois, and the Sierra Club. He has attended National Outings Leader Training and wilderness first aid training.

E-mail: tfborchard23@hotmail.com

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General Notes About Sierra Club Trips

• Carbon Offsets
• Carpooling
• Electronic Devices
• Equipment
• How to Apply for a Trip
• Leader Gratuities
• Liability Release and Assumption of Risk
• Medical Issues
• Non-discrimination Statement
• Participant Approval
• Reservation and Cancellation Policy
• Seller of Travel Disclosure
• Travel Insurance
• Trip Feedback
• Wilderness Manners