MARION, Ill. – Enjoy a relaxing paddle around Devil’s Kitchen Lake this August while learning about the native plants and trees that border this lake. This event is co-sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension Forestry program and the Southern Chapter of the Illinois Native Plant Society.
An experienced guide will lead the way 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.
Two sessions of the Kayak Botany Tour will be available Saturday, August 15 at Devil’s Kitchen Lake. Participants can register for either the morning tour from 8 to 11:30 a.m. or the afternoon tour from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the Registration Page. Early registration is recommended as only eight participants are allowed per session. Social distancing and face coverings are required.
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.
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.
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.
SOURCE: Christopher Evans, Illinois Extension Forestry and Research Specialist & Interim Master Naturalist Coordinator
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