The Piasa Palisades Group of the Sierra club invites members and friends to our Annual Summer Picnic on Saturday, August 4th at McCully Heritage Project in Kampsville, IL.
Don’t miss this day in the country…we will enjoy a potluck picnic, canoeing, hiking, camping and more!
McCully is a 940 acre natural playground and 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.
The day will begin with a potluck dinner at 12:30 p.m. under 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 canoe 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 life vest, or canoe please bring it. Also feel welcome to bring your own boats and safety gear.
The outdoor fun doesn't end there! For those wishing to camp there are primitive sites with a modern shower house close by. However if we get enough RSVP's in advance, we will rent the the Watkins House on the south side of the project. This area provides solitude, access to the south trails and excellent wildlife watching. We will have a campfire and tent camp under the stars in the large yard. The house offers access to a full bath and kitchen, and beds are available for special needs guests. We will be accepting donations of $10 per tent or person.
Campers, don't forget to bring food and drink, sunscreen, bug spray, tents, flashlights, a lawn chair, musical instruments, 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).