The Piasa Palisades Group of the Sierra club invites members and friends to our Annual Summer Picnic on Saturday, August 6th at McCully Heritage in Kampsville, IL.
This 940 acre natural playground has something to offer every outdoor enthusiast: miles of hiking trails; wildlife and bird-watching; two fishing ponds; primitive campgrounds; a wetland with boardwalk; kids play area; and more.
Our friends at McCully will start the day hosting a guided Wildflower and Plant Walk at 10 a.m. We will meet at the pavilion.
We will enjoy a potluck dinner at 12:30 p.m. at the pavilion. Bring a dish to share, along with your own beverages, dinnerware, utensils, and drinking vessel. We will have water and tea for guests. Charcoal grills will be available for personal use and there is potable water on site.
After dinner, feel welcome to explore the project on your own or join us for canoeing on the Illinois River. We will meet at the pavilion at 2pm, collaborate, and car pool to the chosen launch area. We will paddle 2-3 miles on the Illinois River in canoes with gear provided by the Great Rivers Land Trust. The adventure should last about 2-3 hours. We will carpool back to McCully. If you have a PFD or life vest, please bring it. Also feel welcome to bring your own boats and safety gear.
The outdoor fun doesn't end there! We have reserved the upper pond area for those who wish to camp overnight waterside. Enjoy a campfire and falling asleep listening to the sounds of nature. We will collect the suggested donation to McCully of $10 per tent. There is a modern, ADA-equipped bathhouse available. For those who wish to camp close to the facilities, campsites are available with parking nearby. Campers, don't forget to bring food and drink, sunscreen, bug spray, tents, flashlights, a lawn chair, or any additional camping gear you need for a comfortable stay!
Feel welcome to come for one event, or for all. Campers and Canoeists must RSVP in advance. To RSVP or for more information, contact Amitie Flynn at amitieflynn@gmail.com or 618-946-1098 (leave message).
For more info on McCully Heritage Project visithttp://www.mccullyheritage.org/ Directions: Take the Great River Rd (Rt 100) to the junction of Rt 16. Turn left and continue on 16/100 across the bridge at Hardin. Turn right off the bridge and continue on 100 approximately nine miles to Crawford Creek Road. A McCully sign is located along the highway at the turn, just past the Crawford Creek bridge. Turn on Crawford Creek Road and go approx ¾ mile. The McCully Pavillion and parking lot will be on your right! Note: If you reach Kampsville, you have gone too far.
Amitie Flynn
