Leave No Trace Spotlight: Shawnee National Forest

Join Leave No Trace in Shawnee National Forest, IL – May 9-11, 2024

We hand-select nominated outdoor spaces that need our collective care and attention. By designating them as Spotlights, we’re rallying the local community to step up, join forces with Leave No Trace, and make a meaningful impact that can revitalize and protect these special places where we recreate, enjoy one another’s company, and elevate our health physically, mentally and emotionally. 

Shawnee National Forest has been selected as a 2024 Leave No Trace Spotlight. The Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Team will be at Shawnee National Forest May 9-11 collaborating with hosts and partners on a variety of programs including stewardship projects, workshops, and community outreach.

Opportunities to Get Involved:

Friday, May 10:

Leave No Trace Pop-up Education & Outreach, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, Garden of the Gods Observation Trailhead

Join Leave No Trace and Shawnee National Forest staff and partners for engaging outreach and education, meet the Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Team, and play quick games and activities to learn more about Leave No Trace and how to protect Garden of the Gods and all your favorite outdoor spaces. Information and activity tables will set up along this popular trail for all to enjoy fun educational opportunities while on this short and scenic hike.

Leave No Trace Trivia & Social Hour, 6:00-8:00 pm, Shotgun Eddy’s, Eddyville, IL

Whether you are new to Leave No Trace or consider yourself an expert, join us for this interactive game night to gauge your knowledge of Leave No Trace practices and principles while learning tips and techniques for protecting Shawnee National Forest and all your favorite outdoor spaces. Don’t miss this chance to participate in fun stewardship trivia and win some cool prizes! Local partners will also have information tables set up to share more information about opportunities to get involved locally.  Advance sign up is encouraged but not required. 

Saturday, May 11:

Volunteer Stewardship Project, 10:00 am-1:00 pm, Garden of the Gods-Indian Point Trailhead, Herod, IL

Join Leave No Trace and Shawnee National Forest staff and partners for a fun volunteer day and stewardship project. Volunteers will work on projects including trash and litter clean up, trail maintenance, naturalizing campsites, and other needed restoration work. Advance sign up is required.