The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rend Lake Project is partnering with University of Illinois Extension and Illinois Department of Public Health Educators to provide a morning of stewardship at the Rend Lake Visitor Center.

The morning will begin with an educational component about seed collection, followed by a soilSHOP screening demonstrating how to test for lead in soils. Volunteers will then form groups to remove target species, gather seeds, and plant native wildflowers in mulched garden beds. 

Participants should wear closed-toe shoes and bring their own water bottles. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will provide personal protective equipment like gloves and any tools needed for the stewardship activity. 

To register, visit go.illinois.edu/RendLakePollinate and select the Wednesday, September 23 session. For any questions, contact Olivia Barclay at olivia.c.barclay@usace.army.mil