Snake Road Sentinel Spring 2026 Workshop
Shawnee National Forest is seeking volunteers to assist with data collection on Snake Road during the spring season road closure. Snake Road Sentinels will be responsible for surveying the wildlife observed and monitoring visitor usage.
This year's workshop will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 10:00 am at the Mississippi River Bluff Ranger Station. Alternatively, you can complete the training online. During the workshop, Alyssa Macuiba, Wilderness Technician/Volunteer Coordinator, and Mycah Scoggins, Wildlife Biologist, will explain the data they aim to collect, the methods for collection, and the scheduling for the spring season.
The workshop will also cover previous results, rules, and ethical guidelines for being a Snake Road Sentinel. Additionally, federal and state law enforcement personnel may stop by to meet everyone and provide a brief talk. After the workshop, there will be an optional visit to Snake Road for a brief introduction to the area. If you have volunteered at Snake Road in the past, you are not required to attend the field demonstration. However, all new and returning volunteers must attend the workshop, either in-person or online, to complete the required paperwork.
**To register, you will need to have, or create, an Illinois Extension User Account. Your username and password will be necessary to access your online resources and the virtual training course. Whether you attend the training in person or online, you will have access to the online course through Learn @ Illinois Extension. If you need assistance with registration or accessing Moodle, please contact Anne Townsend at cupquake@illinois.edu. **
If you would like more information about this program or require reasonable accommodations to participate, please contact Alyssa Macuiba at alyssa.macuiba@usda.gov. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.