Enjoy Trail and Water Activities in the Shawnee National Forest, IL

Join this project in the beautiful rolling hills of Southern Illinois to help maintain trails!

During your downtime, volunteers will have the opportunity to experience a variety of scenic hikes or get on the water by canoeing nearby lakes and rivers within a short driving distance of the dormitory-style lodging. Explore the Garden of the Gods, Jackson Falls, Bell Smith Springs, Inspiration Point, Cache River, Lake Glendale and more. There are multiple visitor centers in the area including Cache River Wetlands Center, Giant City Visitor Center, and Crab Orchard Visitor Center.

On this project, the crew will work on trail maintenance along the East Branch Cedar Creek trail on SNF property, addressing downed trees and branches across the trail from recent wind and ice storms, hardening creek crosses by constructing trail structures using cedar logs and creek rocks, addressing erosion issues, as well as ‘brushing’ of vegetative overgrowth encroaching into the trail corridor. This work will require a short hike in, and a majority of the day spent in a remote Wilderness setting, away from bathrooms, running water, and other modern conveniences. A variety of tasks from heavy lifting and crushing rock to tamping dirt and lopping (cutting) branches will be completed.

There is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here.