Hi all, due to significant rain showers back on September 28th, the 2024 Garden of the Gods National Public Lands Day trash blast was cancelled. As a result, we are going to attempt it again on November 23, 2024. National Public Lands Day is held annually on the on the fourth Saturday in September and is the largest single-day volunteer event for public lands. Join us and the Friends of the Shawnee National Forest at Garden of the Gods main parking lot at on Saturday November 23, 2024 at 9:30 AM to celebrate National Public Lands Day by helping to clean up the trash in area after the fall tourist season.

Depending on the number of volunteers that register, we plan on having several groups picking up in various areas. Because this is also the first Illinois deer firearm season, areas to be cleaned will be limited accordingly and it is highly recommended everyone bring a bright orange vest. These could include below the observation trail, picking up along the observation trail and around the parking lots and a third group picking up around the campground. If you are planning on volunteering please plan on bring your own gloves, orange vest, water, trash pickup tools and snacks needed for the event. This trash blast may involve bushwhacking around the base of the observation area and in the woods below parking the parking lots.

It is requested that volunteers call or email Chris Drone (618-926-3250 or chris.drone@gmail.com) to register your participation. Please leave a message if no answer.