Registration is Open Now
June 20-22, 2025
Hosted by the Southern Chapter
The biggest impacts happen when we come together
The Annual Gathering is a weekend social event held in June each year where our grantees are announced and awards delivered, delicious meals are shared, and much fun is had during various unique field trips.
REGISTER NOWIf you have a complication with the registration form, please email webmaster@illinoisplants.org subject line AG REG ERROR.
Registration – $40
Grant Awardees –complimentary
Vendors – $25
Non-profit Vendor – complimentary
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Take a hike or a canoe!
The rolling hills of Southern Illinois will take center stage during the Illinois Native Plant Society’s Statewide Annual Gathering, held June 20–22 at Southern Illinois University’s Touch of Nature Center in Carbondale.
The event kicks off Friday evening with a keynote presentation by J. Schwegman, followed by an overview of field trip logistics in preparation for expert-guided excursions—two on Saturday and one on Sunday. Boxed lunches and beverages will be provided between Saturday’s trips, and additional programs are being planned to enrich the weekend experience.
Saturday evening features the Dinner Meeting, held on-site at Touch of Nature in the Freeberg Hall Cafeteria. Attendees will receive one drink voucher, and a cash bar will be available. The program includes a keynote address by John Schwegman “The Natural Divisions of Illinois, a pictorial look at some of their unique flora and fauna”, a presentation by Chris Benda, “Changes to the Illinois Flora”, along with project presentations from six INPS Grantees, which we are proud to showcase.
On Sunday, participants can choose between a landscaping tour of the Touch of Nature campus or a tribute hike at LaRue Pine Hills. The event concludes with lunch and closing remarks.
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CONGRATULATIONS
Grant Awardees
Awards ceremony to be held Saturday evening
Learn more about our grants program
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Meals & Cash Bar
Meals all weeked just $56!
– Vegatarian only option available
– Please let us know if you have allergies
Cash bar available Friday & Saturday night.
– One complimentary drink ticket with each paid registration
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Field Trip Options
We have a variety of field trips planned at exciting destinations!
There will be 2 field trip sessions on Saturday, morning & afternoon and one Sunday morning.
Ferne Clyffe State Park
Experience the Greater Shawnee Hills
The trails at the state park showcase the sandstone glades, barrens and dry woods unique to this division. Steep hills and expansive outcrops with rare communities make for an exciting opportunity to see plants that are not commonly encountered.Prescribed fire and tree thinning have been used to maintain these communities. This site falls on IDNR land.
This tour is provided at no extra cost.
Simpson Barrens
Experience the Lesser Shawnee Hills
Simpson Barrens has limestone glade and barrens communities. There are no established trails at the site and participants should expect uneven terrain. Management has taken place since the late 1980s with prescribed fire and thinning. There are many sun-loving asters and faboides ready for ID. This site falls on Shawnee National Forest land.
This tour is provided at no extra cost.
Sand Cave
Experience the transition between Greater and Lesser Shawnee Hills
Both historically and botanically interesting, this site features a sandstone bluff face with a cave carved out of it. This cave was once used during emancipation for the Underground Railroad. Participants should expect a smooth trail with occasional rocks. There is no known recent management at the site. This site falls on Shawnee National Forest Land.
This tour is provided at no extra cost.
Buttonland Swamp (Cache River)
Experience the Coastal Plains on a canoe trip
Home to the champion bald cypress tree, Buttonland Swamp has a boat trail that takes you through the backwaters of the Cache River in the coastal plains division. Participants should expect a leisurely roughly 2.5 mile paddle punctuated by asian carp encounters. Some of the buttonbushes were removed in recent years to encourage cypress and tupelo recruitment. This site falls on IDNR land.
Two sessions available —morning and afternoon on June 21—each with a capacity of 30 participants. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. (Only one session per person.)
This tour is available for an additional $25 per person, provided by Cache Bayou Outfitters.
Mohlenbrock tribute hike at LaRue Pine Hills
Experience the Ozark Hills in southern Illinois
As with many places in the Shawnee National Forest, the beauty we see today is rooted in geologic history. The area derives its name from the nearby tiny settlement of LaRue and the distinct short-leaf native pine stands on its blufftops. These massive bluffs extending roughly 5 miles along Highway 3 are as impressive today as they were to explorers Lewis and Clark in 1803.
This tour is provided at no extra cost.
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Landscaping with Natives at Touch of Nature
See landscaping efforts with native plants on the Touch of Nature campus
This tour is provided at no extra cost.
Lodging Options
Lodging isn’t included with registration, but we’ve got some great local recommendations—including a discounted option right on-site—to help you plan your stay!
Touch of Nature
1206 Touch of Nature Rd, Makanda, IL 62958
Stay on site with different lodging options.
Special booking offer after registration
Giant City Lodge
460 Giant City Lodge Rd, Makanda, IL 62958
Scenic cabins, but they book early!
Home2Suites
200 W Elm St, Carbondale, IL 62901
Central location in Carbondale.
Only a 20-minute drive to Touch of Nature.
Hampton Inn
2175 Reed Station Pkwy, Carbondale, IL 62901
On east side of Carbondale.
Only a 20-minute drive to Touch of Nature.
Holiday Inn
2400 Reed Station Pkwy, Carbondale, IL 62901
On east side of Carbondale.
Only a 20-minute drive to Touch of Nature.