Backyard Campout and Owl Prowl at Rend Lake

Press Release from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Rend Lake Project office  

BENTON, IL – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Rend Lake will be hosting a backyard campout and owl prowl program at the Rend Lake Project Office/Visitor Center on June 24, 2017.

The fun begins at 8:00 p.m. as Rend Lake Park Rangers assist with making s’mores over a campfire and leading campfire songs. Throughout the night there will also be backyard games to entertain people of all ages. Then, put your senses to the test as we “sniff” for spiders.

To end the night, Park Rangers will lead a walk through the woods for an “Owl Prowl” to see “Who” we might find. Listen to the calls of our native owls and maybe spot other nighttime creatures along the way. So join Rend Lake Park Rangers and various creatures of the night at the Rend Lake Project Office/Visitor Center on Saturday, June 24 from 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for the Backyard Campout and Owl Prowl.

This program is an outside excursion so it is recommended to bring lawn chairs, bug spray, and a flashlight.

Then join us Saturday July 1 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. for the annual Fireworks Festival. This event is hosted by the Benton/West City Chamber of Commerce and the Corps of Engineers. The fireworks will be shot from the Spillway Event area beginning approximately at 9:30 p.m. Kids’ activities, music, and food vendors will be available on the east end of the Rend Lake dam from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

For more information on the Environmental Science Series programs presented at the Rend Lake Visitor Center call the Rend Lake Project Office at 618-724-2493.