URBANA, Ill. – There's much to learn about the native plants and trees near the shores of Illinois' lakes. University of Illinois Extension and the Southern Chapter of the Illinois Native Plant Society will guide a tour by kayak around Devil’s Kitchen Lake on July 30. 

An experienced guide will lead the group along the undeveloped shoreline of the lake that is located within the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Participants will learn about aquatic and wetland plants as well as the forests and bluffs that surround the pristine 810-acre lake. 

Participants must provide their own kayak, personal flotation device, and equipment. This is a remote location without access to facilities. Participants should also bring drinking water, a snack, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a dry bag or case for protecting keys and phones. 

Space is limited. Register at go.illinois.edu/KBT. The tour is free, but participants will need a day pass or annual pass to access the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Passes are available at the Refuge Visitor Center located at 8588 Route 148, Marion, IL 62959.

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.

SOURCE: Christopher Evans, Illinois Extension Forestry and Research Specialist 
WRITER: Judy Mae Bingman, Illinois Extension Marketing and Communications Manager

ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for the University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and communities to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.