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Enjoy Trail and Water Activities in the Shawnee National Forest, IL

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ORGANIZATION: American Hiking Society

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Join American Hiking Society for a week of building & maintaining trails in exciting locations across the country. Volunteer Vacations foster public land stewardship and provide volunteers the opportunity to give back to the trails they love, meet new people, and have a great time doing it! Crews consist of 6-15 volunteers accompanied by a crew leader. Volunteer Vacations involve backpacking or day hiking and accommodations vary from primitive campsites to bunkhouses or cabins. Tools and supervision are provided by the host agency or organization. Experience nature up close. Travel to new destinations. Meet other outdoor enthusiasts. Take a vacation that nourishes your body & your spirit. Get Out. Give Back.

Project Specifics:

Join this project in the beautiful rolling hills of Southern Illinois to help maintain trails and install stone steps!

During your downtime, volunteers will have the opportunity to experience a variety of scenic hikes or get on the water by canoeing nearby lakes and rivers within a short driving distance of the dormitory-style lodging. Explore the Garden of the Gods, Jackson Falls, Bell Smith Springs, Inspiration Point, Cache River, Lake Glendale and more. There are multiple visitor centers in the area including Cache River Wetlands Center, Giant City Visitor Center, and Crab Orchard Visitor Center.

On this project, volunteers will help to maintain current trails through brushing, logging out with crosscut saws, and installing new trail features. The bulk of the work will be spent reinstalling large stone check steps (a simplified stair) by using hand tools such as picks, shovels, and rock bars. This work will require a short hike in, and a majority of the day spent in a remote Wilderness setting, away from bathrooms, running water, and other modern conveniences. A variety of tasks from heavy lifting and crushing rock to tamping dirt and lopping (cutting) branches will be completed.

Hiking/Access

Volunteers will drive approximately 30 miles to the work area and hike less than 3 miles to the worksite each day. The hike includes uneven terrain, slight elevation changes, and volunteers will be asked to carry hand tools as well as their personal gear for the day.

Area and Attractions

Explore the rolling Shawnee Hills where 289,000 acres await you to relax, unwind and explore the Shawnee National Forest. Here you will find vast forests, wetlands and rugged bluffs home to a variety of unique plants and animals. The natural beauty of the area is ideal for all types of outdoor recreation, including horseback riding, camping, hiking, water activities, and different kinds of outdoor education experiences

Accommodations Description

Volunteers will stay in a group lodge at Dixon Springs Agricultural Center. This dorm-like housing houses a community restroom, shower, and kitchen with a refrigerator, stove, and cooking utensils. There are 8 rooms, each room sleeps 2. Volunteers need to bring their own sheets, bedding, or sleeping bag; towels; and personal cup, bowl, mug, and eating utensils.

Trip Cost: $425 per person

Find More Information & Register Here: https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/shawnee-national-forest-il-volunteer-vacations-2025/

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About American Hiking Society

Location:

8403 Colesville Rd,Suite 1100, Silver Spring, MD 20910, US

Mission Statement

As the national voice for America's hikers, American Hiking Society promotes and protects foot trails and the hiking experience.

Description

Our nation’s trails need your help! Join American Hiking Society for a week of building & maintaining trails in exciting & diverse locations across the country.

Volunteer Vacations foster public land stewardship and provide volunteers the opportunity to give back to the trails they love, meet new people, and have a great time doing it!

Crews consist of 6-15 volunteers accompanied by a crew leader. Trips involve backpacking or day hiking and accommodations vary from primitive campsites to bunkhouses or cabins. Tools and supervision are provided by the host agency or organization.

Take a vacation that nourishes your body & your spirit.

Get Out. Give Back.

CAUSE AREAS

Animals
Community
Environment
Animals, Community, Environment

WHEN

Sun Apr 06, 2025 - Sun Apr 13, 2025

WHERE

345 State Highway 145 NSimpson, IL 62985

(37.44138,-88.6686)
 

SKILLS

  • Outdoor Recreation

GOOD FOR

  • Teens
  • People 55+

REQUIREMENTS

N/A

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