Come join us for a fun paddle at Devil’s Kitchen Lake to look at aquatic and wetland plants along the shoreline. This event is co-sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension Forestry Program and the Southern Chapter of the Illinois Native Plant Society. Participants can register for either the morning or afternoon session.  

Devil's Kitchen Lake is a deep, clear 810-acre impoundment in Williamson County. The lake is within the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and is surrounded by forests with an undeveloped shoreline. The southern portions of Devil's Kitchen Lake border the Crab Orchard and Panther Den's Wilderness Areas. This kayak botany tour will not only look at aquatic and wetland plants, but provide great views of the forests and bluffs that surround this lake.

Event Requirements

• All participants must provide their own kayak, personal flotation device, and equipment
• Since this event is on the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, participants will be required to have either a daily pass or an annual pass. Passes are available at the Refuge Visitor Center: 8588 Route 148, Marion, IL 62959
• Social distancing and face coverings are required for participation
• Recommended items to bring include: drinking water, a snack, sunscreen, sunglasses, a dry bag/case for protecting keys and phones, and a hat

Please note that this is a remote location without access to facilities.

Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, contact the program coordinator, Christopher Evans at cwevans@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your needs.