Join us at Starved Rock Nature Preserve in Ottawa, Illinois, for a joint foray hosted by the Illinois Mycological Association and Prairie States Mushroom Club! This event is free, but please register to attend so we have a way to communicate. We will meet at the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center Parking Lot. See more info below!
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/starved-rock-foray-psmc-x-ima
Some of us will be camping on-site, which we recommend if you are driving long distance! Each campsite can accommodate 2 tents and 4 people maximum. You can secure your campsite here: https://recreation.exploremoreil.com/IllinoisWeb/Default.aspx
Starved Rock Foray with the Prairie States Mushroom Club
Saturday October 24th 12-3 PM
Starved Rock is known for its bluffs and difficult terrain. The Nature Preserve where we’ll be is no different. Trails are minimal and some of these sites will be off trail exploration. Please tread carefully! There are wood nettles, poison ivy, and burs. It is recommended downloading area maps previous to your visit as the bluffs can interfere with cell signals. There may be hunters, Hi Vis vests will be provided, but please wear bright clothing. Fences and signage for the Nature Preserve are our boundaries. Please stay with your group and be mindful of the time and distance covered.
We will be meeting at the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center Parking Lot near this pavilion. There are bathrooms at the Visitor Center and Lodge. Entry into the park is free and there are food options at the Lodge. Please arrive early so we can break off into groups and carpool to our sites. There are single entry points at each of the 3 sites. Please review the following options and have one in mind for the day of.
This site is across from the St. Louis Canyon Parking Lot. There are large potholes in the lot so be wary. The site is an old campground along a deep ravine that has some structures still on site. The ravine gets deep very quickly and turns into a creek.
Site 2 - Nature Preserve Central
This site has a small amount of off street parking. There is a short hike through a tall prairie to access the woods. Terrain is more gently sloping with less deep ravines.
Most accessible but furthest away from the staging area. Small parking lot and street parking available. Will likely have the most established “trail” that follows the rocky outcropping adjacent to the road. Gentle slopes here as well. Very tall wood nettles at this site, so I would recommend long sleeves.