Johnson County, Ill. — Volunteers gathered at Dutchman Lake on June 5, 2026, for the fourth Trash Blast of the year, wrapping up the spring season of community-driven cleanup efforts focused on protecting and restoring the natural beauty of the Shawnee National Forest. The Shawnee National Forest, Friends of the Shawnee, and Illinois Extension partner together to rally Master Naturalists and Master Gardeners, along with community groups and members of the public, to work toward a shared goal of preserving public lands.
Volunteers broke into small teams and worked across wooded areas, along the lake shoreline, and near access roads, collecting litter both on and off established trails. By the end of the event, the 14 volunteers had helped remove 106.5 pounds of debris, which is a light day for some of these Trash Blasts.
At our first Trash Blast of the year at Forest Service Road 1901, just past Iron Furnace, a group of 7 people removed 1,020 pounds of trash. During the spring season, the group has removed and properly disposed of just over 2,000 pounds of trash. Items collected ranged from lawn mowers, couches, or even 35 tires to small pieces of micro-trash, like flosser, 1 oz shot bottles, and even a rooster saltshaker. This highlights the wide range of litter that can accumulate in outdoor recreation areas. Dutchman Lake has mild terrain changes, allowing participants to reach heavily impacted areas easily, where some heavily impacted areas are more remote and have large ravines, making removal more challenging.
Trash Blast events are designed to create immediate impact while also building awareness. Each piece of trash removed helps protect wildlife, improve water quality, and restore the landscape closer to its natural state. Volunteers of all experience levels are welcome, and supplies such as trash grabbers and buckets are provided to ensure participants can contribute safely and effectively. Attendees are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes, long pants, and bring leather work gloves, though gloves can be provided if needed.
Interested in getting involved in the next Trash Blast? Then join us this fall when the weather starts to cool back down. Trash Blasts will take place on the first Friday of each month from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at locations throughout the Shawnee National Forest:
• September 4: Bean Ridge (Alexander County)
• October 2: Turkey Bayou (Jackson County)
• November 6: Iron Furnace (Hardin County)
Each event is limited to 30 participants, so early registration is encouraged. To view upcoming dates, learn more, and secure your spot, visit go.illinois.edu/TrashBlaster.
For more information or to request accommodations, please contact Illinois Extension at cupquake@illinois.edu or call 217-333-5900. Early requests are encouraged to ensure access needs can be met.
WRITER: Jordi Oliver, Extension Staff, jordio2@illinois.edu
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 500 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 five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.