COLCHESTER, IL – Argyle Lake State Park has announced their Spring 2024 Interpretive Programs with fun and interactive options for everyone to experience including the 26th Annual Maple Syrup Festival.
This seasons’ programs include:
Twigs, Buds and Bark: Winter Tree ID Hike –Saturday, February 17 – 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Most people identify trees using their leaves, which can make tree identification a challenge in the winter. Winter tree identification is possible; it merely requires detailed observations of a tree’s many unique characteristics – other than its leaves. Budding naturalists of any age are welcome to come and learn some tips for identifying trees in winter at the Argyle Lake State Park visitor center. After a brief indoor discussion, participants will venture outdoors to practice their skills in the campground and along the woodland edge at Argyle while enjoying the winter scenery.
26th Annual Maple Syrup Festival & Colchester Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast – Saturday, March 2 (7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) and (10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
The 26th annual Maple Syrup Festival will be held at Argyle Lake State Park on Saturday, March 2nd from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Individuals attending the festival will experience the tapping of the maple trees, collection of the sap, boiling down of sap into syrup, and a taste of the finished product. Tours to collect sap at the maple grove will depart regularly and several children’s activities will be ongoing throughout the day. This event is being sponsored through the cooperative efforts of the Friends of Argyle Lake State Park and park staff. The Colchester Lion’s Club will be hosting a pancake breakfast at 207 S. Fulton St. in Colchester from 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in conjunction with this event. Free refreshments will be provided by Macomb Morning Rotary and Friends of Argyle will have maple syrup and other items for sale at the event.
First Day of Spring’ Hike – Saturday, March 23 – 10:00 a.m.
Celebrate the first day of spring by taking a hike in the Argyle Hollow Barrens nature preserve located at Argyle. Hikers will witness nature’s rebirth firsthand by enjoying the early blooms and signs of emerging wildlife. We will carpool from the park visitor center to the preserve.
Spring Wildflower Hikes –Saturdays, April 13 & April 27 & Saturday, May 4, 2024 – 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Enjoy the first blooms of spring and the peace and serenity of nature on these morning nature hikes in the woods of Argyle Lake State Park. These 1.5 mile hikes will begin at the park visitor center.
Friends of Argyle Lake State Park – Spring Exotic Plant Removal Workday – Saturday, May 25 – 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Come and spend a few hours outdoors helping the Friends of Argyle and park staff remove nonnative plants from the woods at Argyle Lake State Park. Litter collecting is an option for younger volunteers. Tools and gloves will be provided or bring your own. Meet at the park visitor center for supplies.
For more information about upcoming programs at Argyle Lake State Park, call the Park Visitor Center at (309) 776-3422.