The River-to-River Trail Society announces that, in conjunction with the Saline County Tourism Board and the Shawnee Trails Conservancy, it is raising funds for a monument to honor John O’Dell, educator, outdoorsman, minister, community leader, and father of the River-to-River Trail. The idea of a hiking and equestrian trail across Southern Illinois and joining the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers had languished for over half a century, until John assembled his maps to find a route, put on his boots, and went out on foot to mark the whole length of the trail. Although portions of the Trail have been changed over the years, either to make them more sustainable or to address private property issues, the Trail today stretches 158 miles from Battery Rock and Elizabethtown on the Ohio River to Grand Tower on the Mississippi. Thanks to John, the River-to-River Trail is one of the premier hiking and horseback trails in the Midwest, and is enjoyed daily throughout the year by locals and visitors alike.

To honor John, the Society and its partners propose to erect a granite monument setting out some of his achievements at a visible place along the Trail. (See included concept design) Donations in any amount are requested from those who love Southern Illinois or the outdoors. The fund-raising drive will run through April 30, 2021. Please mail your donation, payable to the River-to-River Trail Society, to William Gilmour, 2998 Massac Creek Road, Metropolis, IL 62960. Please indicate that the contribution is for the O’Dell Monument. Because the River-to-River Trail Society is a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization, all contributions are tax-deductible. Please forward or share this message with anybody who might be interested.