University of Illinois Extension is partnering with the US Army Corps of Engineers at Rend Lake Project Office to provide public pollinator garden stewardship opportunities at the Rend Lake Project Office and Visitor Center located at 11981 Rend City Rd, Benton, IL 62812 on 4th Wednesday mornings, monthly, from January to October.  

Volunteers will receive training of how to care for pollinator gardens, assist with garden stewardship, assist with garden education (as needed), meet other volunteers, and have fun!

Volunteer sessions begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. and will run until 11:00 a.m.  Sessions include 2 hours of garden stewardship tasks and a 30 minute educational program.  Registration is required so you can be notified if the garden stewardship day is cancelled due to inclement weather.  Volunteers will be asked to fill out volunteer paperwork to participate.  These opportunities are free and open to the public.  All are welcome.  Registration is limited to 15 participants, including staff, so tools can be provided.  Please bring your own knee pads or gardening pads and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated. Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, gardening gloves, and sturdy walking shoes are recommended.