The guided tour takes place Saturday, Oct. 3 at noon and participants should meet at the north end of Snake Road at the Winters Pond parking lot. October is oak awareness month in Illinois and the Forest is celebrating this majestic tree species with a guided hike along the Rim Rock Trail. Join Beth Shimp and Shannon Sharp, both Forest Botanists with the Shawnee National Forest as they interpret the many oak species of southern Illinois. Participants will learn about the life cycle of this beautiful tree species and its importance within the natural ecosystem.
Interested participates should meet at the Rim Rock Trail parking lot on October 7 at 2 pm. The hike does involve some steps and steep inclines and will last about 2 hours. No pre-registration is required for either of these tours but its recommended that participants wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and bring comfort items such as water, snacks, binoculars and a camera, etc.
For more information contact the Shawnee National Forest headquarters at 618-253-7114 or visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/shawnee.
The Snake Road is a 2.5-mile road and is closed bi-annually for the protection of migrating snakes and amphibians as they make their journey from their summer swamp habitats to their winter hibernation areas (or visa versa in the spring). The road will remain closed until October 31st. Though the road is closed to vehicular traffic, the ability to travel to the migration area by foot is available. The gradual, two-month migration event has attracted people from across the country eager to witness the rich diversity of reptile and amphibian species along this single stretch of road.
For more information about the snake migration and/or the LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond Ecological Area, contact the Shawnee National Forest office in Jonesboro, IL at 618-833-8576.
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