Sibley, Ill -- The East Central Illinois Master Naturalists invite community members and families to participate and volunteer in the Sibley Burr Oak Grove Workday on Saturday, October 11, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Sibley Burr Oak Grove Nature Preserve.
This event offers participants a chance to explore the historical and natural importance of the grove while actively participating in its preservation by removing invasive plants that threaten biodiversity.
"Sibley Burr Oak Grove is the best remaining example of a mesic savannah, marsh, and prairie complex that we have in east-central Illinois,” said Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator Karla Griesbaum. “Ongoing restoration efforts will increase the quality of the site for wildlife habitat, ecosystem resilience, and human enjoyment."
Registration is required for this event at go.illinois.edu/SibleyGroveOctober2025. All attendees must sign a waiver—either digitally during registration or on the day of the event if unable to complete it online. Because parking on E 1250N Rd is limited, participants are encouraged to carpool.
For more information, visit go.illinois.edu/SibleyGroveOctober2025. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact Karla Griesbaum at kherzma2@illinois.edu or by calling 217-333-7672.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.