The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and community partners will celebrate National Public Lands Day with a biking-themed event September 26th at the Rend Lake Project Office and Visitor Center.
Activities will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and are open to all ages and skill levels.
Park Rangers will lead a six-mile guided bike ride beginning at 10:30 a.m. Participants will travel north from the Visitor Center while learning about native plants and helping remove invasive species along the bike trail. A self-guided interpretive option will also be available.
A limited number of electric bikes will be provided by Southern Illinois E-bikes and Black Dog Bike Rentals. Pre-registration is required for the guided ride by calling the Rend Lake Visitor Center at 618-724-2493 or email rendinfo-MVS@usace.army.mil. Follow the Rend Lake Project Office/Visitor Center Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/rendlakeusace for updates on other events and activities throughout the year.
Other activities include free bicycle safety checks by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, information about the Rend Lake Bike Patrol, prize drawings, food vendors and information from the Core Friends of Rend Lake.
Participants in the guided ride are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes and bring water and insect repellent.