Vermilion County Conservation District

20/10/2026

A collection of photographs from the Champaign County Camera Club are currently on display at the Kennekuk Education Center, Kennekuk County Park. The Vermilion County Conservation District welcomes the public to view the photographs and meet with the photographers at an exhibit open house on Sunday, October 25, from 2pm-5pm.

More than 40 photos depict awe-inspiring captures of nature, from butterflies to Bald Eagles to the dancing dwarf mangrove trees of Indonesia. Photographers showcasing their work include Theresa Adams, Shea Belahi, Mary Cattell, Linda Coleman, L. Mark David, Janise Dixon, Kurt Foster, Lisa Foster, Tom Frey, Steve Heater, Charissa Lansing, Doug Mills, Kim Ormsby, Rose Peters, Lynne Rudasill, Ray Silva and Allen Wehrman.

Founded in 1935, the Champaign County Camera Club provides photo-enthusiasts of all skill levels opportunities to sharpen photography skills, network with other photographers, and attend special workshops, events, and photography gatherings. More information about the club can be found at www.champaigncameraclub.org.

The Kennekuk Education Center is located at Kennekuk County Park, 22296 Henning Road, Danville, IL 61834. Other opportunities to view the Champaign County Camera Club Photography Exhibit are by appointment, calling 217-442-1691.

13/10/2026

This bright orange-colored fruit is rumored to predict the winter snowfall. To check, you cut one in half and look for a spoon that indicates heavy snowfall or a knife that indicates icy conditions. Learn more about historically foraged food resources at the Stardew Valley IRL (In Real Life) Fall Foraging program on October 17, 2-4pm, at Forest Glen Preserve. Registration available at https://fall_foraging.eventbrite.com

Safety comes first, so anytime you are looking to eat something, check with experts or research from fact-checked sources first.

04/10/2026

It's going to be a beautiful day to visit Forest Glen and Kennekuk today, Sunday October 4, from 1-4pm, to tour the following buildings, all staffed with VCCD volunteers!

At Forest Glen:
📸 Lowe's Photography Tour, by Jared Lowe Photography, celebrating the history of Vermilion County will be at the Gannett Education Center
🏚The Pioneer Homestead Cabin takes you back to the 1800's

At Kennekuk:
🦌 The Kennekuk Education Center has taxidermy animals of our past and present
🏫 The Red Oak School, Atwood Home, Bismarck Train Depot, Neff Grocery Store, Print Shop, and Barber Shop are all ready to show you life in the mid-1900's
🎼 The Redbud String Band will be providing live music out of the Gazebo

01/10/2026

It's time to order the BEST bird seed in town from the Middlefork Audubon Society's annual BIRD SEED SALE!

This is a fundraising event to help support education programs with the Vermilion County Conservation District, including the printing of the Outdoor School workbooks and the Live Raptor Program held on September 20 this year. Please help support our local Audubon group's effort to raise money for these local projects! Orders are due to Bob Schifo no later than October 7! Details are below -

29/09/2026

We have ONE more opportunity to tour the historic buildings and education centers at Forest Glen and Kennekuk this year on Sunday, October 4, from 1-4pm!

At Forest Glen Preserve, the Pioneer Homestead Cabin and Gannett Education Center will be staffed with volunteers and open to the public for visitors to learn about pioneer life and Vermilion County plants and animals with displays, exploration tables, and more. An additional bonus at the Gannett Education Center will be a special collection of Jared Lowe's, Lowe Photography, photos that celebrate the 200th anniversary of Vermilion County.

Forest Glen Preserve is located at 20301 E. 900 North Road, Westville, IL 61883.

At Kennekuk County Park, the Kennekuk Education Center and Bunker Hill Historic Area buildings will be staffed with volunteers and open to the public for tours as well on Sunday, October 4, 2026 from 1 - 4 pm.

The Neff Grocery Store, Atwood Home, Print Shop, Bismarck Train Depot, and Red Oak School take people back to the time period of 1890's-1940's. To add to the afternoon, the Red Bud String Band will be performing at the Gazebo located in the Bunker Hill Historic Area. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy an afternoon of nostalgia with tours of the buildings and live music!

Visitors to the Kennekuk Education Center can learn about Vermilion County plants and animals with displays, exploration tables, and more. Kennekuk County Park is located at 22296-A Henning Road, Danville, IL 61834.

This is the last time the buildings will be open in 2026!

28/09/2026

Commonly called Chicken of the Woods, this mushroom is a favorite among foragers. Learn more about historically foraged food resources at the Stardew Valley IRL (In Real Life) Fall Foraging program on October 17, 2-4pm, at Forest Glen Preserve.

Registration available at https://fall_foraging.eventbrite.com.

Safety comes first, so anytime you are looking to eat something, check with experts or research from fact-checked sources first.

16/09/2026

The schedule is here! 🇺🇸 Join us September 26–27 at Forest Glen Preserve for the Revolutionary War Reenactment and Pioneer Craft Day, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Enjoy living history, demonstrations, crafts, and a battle each day. Admission and all activities are FREE!

15/09/2026

Happening this Sunday, September 20 at Kennekuk County Park!

Have you ever seen a hawk or an owl face-to-face? Come out to Kennekuk County Park on Sunday, September 20 at 2pm for your chance! The Illinois Raptor Center will be bringing four of their feathered friends for an up-close opportunity to learn more about their behaviors and important role in our ecosystems. The program is open to all ages, free, with no pre-registration required and will be held at Kennekuk County Park's White Oak Barn. The program has been made possible by the Middlefork Audubon Society.

11/09/2026

Reminder that Waterfowl Draw Forms are due today -

The waterfowl draw for the 1st two weekends of the 2026 waterfowl season will be Monday, September 14, 2026.

If you would like to be entered in the drawing, please complete the form found online at https://vccd.org/2020-waterfowl-draw/ and return it to the Kennekuk Visitor Center by Friday, September 11, 2026 or email to [email protected].

All forms must be received by Friday, September 11, 2026.

The VCCD Staff will draw on September 14, 2026. You will be contacted after the draw to let you know which site(s) you were drawn for.