Upcoming Events
We sometimes ask participants to register for Clifftop-sponsored events so that we may contact you should weather or other circumstances cause a cancellation or postponement, and, in the case of seminars and workshops, so that we are able to have sufficient materials prepared for you. Registration information and deadlines are included with event descriptions.
Please save the following dates and then check back with us for detailed program and field trip information for more events!
Chainsaw Technique & Safety Workshop, Saturday, June 6, 2026, 9:00 am until 3:30 pm. White Rock NP, 6438 Bluff Road, Valmeyer, IL. University of Illinois Extension Foresters will lead this workshop focused on the safe use of chainsaws and the techniques used for thinning nuisance trees and eliminating invasive species. Attendees will be instructed on safe practices, chainsaw safety features, personal protective equipment, and safe felling techniques to cut down woody species. We will also demonstrate maintenance and sharpening techniques. We will have equipment for participants to use, but if participants wish, they may bring their own chainsaw and personal protective equipment (goggles, ear protection and chainsaw chaps). Leather boots that come above the ankle are required. Attendance is limited to 15 participants. Call or email Joann to reserve your spot. 618-340-1772 cliffmbr@htc.net
Take Your Child to a Conservation Workday, Saturday, June 20, 9:00 until 11:00 am. Paul Wightman Subterranean NP, 3325 G Road, Fults. This event is focused on young families who would love to volunteer at one of our beautiful nature preserves but are so busy with children and work that attending can be very daunting. Is this perhaps, you? If so, you and your children, age 6 years old and up, are invited to attend. Clifftop site stewards and volunteers will take the adults out into our beautiful 535 acre native wildflower and tall grass prairie and woodlands to perform some very needed conservation tasks. The children will gather under our large pavilion for some crafts and simple lessons on what is found at PWSNP and why it is an important ecological preserve. We will take the children on short walks, following craft time, to see and perhaps hear some of the nature preserve residents and enjoy the prairie wildflowers. Clifftop will provide simple snacks and drinking water plus all craft materials for the children. Adults will be provided with all hand tools needed to complete assigned tasks under the direction of PWSNP site stewards. Adults need to wear long slacks, long sleeved shirts, closed toe shoes, a sun hat and work or garden gloves. Children may wear shorts but please have them wear only fully enclosed shoes; no crocs, or sandals. Bug spray and sunscreen are a good idea to bring along with you. Adults may wish to bring a water bottle to carry with them out on the prairie.
Email Joann Fricke at cliffmbr@htc.net with your RSVP. Attendance is limited to 10 children, so please let us know how many will be in your party, # and ages of children and any food allergies.
Other events will be posted when details are available.
Except when noted, all programs and field trips are free and open to the public.