As the only national forest in Illinois, the Shawnee provides abundant outdoor opportunities across 287,000 beautiful acres. Following/RTs don't=endorsement.
Each year, the Forest Service is responsible to plant as many trees as we harvest.
Learn more about Forest Service reforestation efforts
here 👉 https://t.co/7pEQDaoyYm
June is Great Outdoors Month! Get outside, explore your public lands and reconnect with your wild side.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy the outdoors? (Forest Service photo.)
Get outside & explore @ShawneeNF w/ Woodsy Owl’s Photo Scavenger Hunt! Hike 4 trails, complete quick challenges, snap pics, & earn a prize.
📅June 1–14, 2026
🏆Complete all 4 & earn 1 FREE night of camping at any non-electric site
📍Trail list + details: https://t.co/r2gsH8c8st
It’s National Fishing and Boating Week! Grab a pole or dust off the boat and enjoy the water. The Forest Service manages 220,000+ miles of fishable streams and rivers, plus 10 million acres of lakes and reservoirs. Check for free fishing days near you!
#DYK the Forest Service has more than 90 Hotshot crews — the nation’s elite.
We are the strongest and most prepared wildland firefighting organization in the world and we are ready. Here’s how we are prepared for fire season: https://t.co/Aehge13qJa
Today, we signed an MOU with the historic @BC_Club1886 to advance wildlife conservation efforts across our 193 million acres of national forest land – this means sustaining public access for millions of hunters and anglers! https://t.co/OENUZxL88I
For more information on horseback riding on the Shawnee National Forest, visit 👉 https://t.co/ELDlUmseQd
Want to get out, but don't have your own horse? Visit our website for a list of outfitters & guides that are permitted to operate in the forest 👉 https://t.co/YkMiVKreOP
Horseback riders have been exploring our national forests for generations. With miles of trails for every skill level, there’s plenty to enjoy. If you’re riding this season, stick to designated routes, respect wildlife and help keep these trails in great shape.
Horseback riders have been exploring our national forests for generations. With miles of trails for every skill level, there’s plenty to enjoy. If you’re riding this season, stick to designated routes, respect wildlife and help keep these trails in great shape.
Forest Service offices will be closed today in observance of the federal holiday, but national forests and grasslands remain open for your enjoyment.
Stay safe, pack out what you pack in and enjoy your big backyard!
Wildfire response is always coordinated, unified and centered on public safety. Everyday. Everywhere. For everyone. Here’s how we are prepared for fire season: https://t.co/Aehge12STC
Big Creek Bridge, near Iron Furnace rec site in Hardin County, is reduced to a single lane due to deteriorating conditions, until the bridge is replaced.
Do not move cones or go around barriers. There is a 14-ft width restriction.
More info: https://t.co/HcLGgjEeVQ
New campground, big smiles and a long weekend to enjoy it. This moment from 1958 reminds us how long communities have gathered on national forests to celebrate the start of summer. Pack the car, grab the cooler and head for your big backyard.
(FS photo by Henry Williams.)
Memorial Day Weekend is a time to get outdoors and enjoy our nation's great landscapes, and with increased use means increased responsibility.
Help prevent wildfires by being cautious with campfires, equipment, and anything that can spark a fire.
If you see smoke or flames, don’t assume it’s been reported. If it’s safe, call 911, share the location, and move to a safe area.
This Wildfire Awareness Month, let’s enjoy our public lands responsibly and help keep them safe for everyone.
Photo by Sean McPharlin
Make the soft hum of this bee your soundtrack for World Bee Day. These tiny workers play a huge role in supporting wildflowers and healthy forest landscapes.
(Forest Service video.)
If you plan to help with search & rescue at Little Grand Canyon please remember terrain is steep, uneven & slippery, unprepared volunteers can become another emergency.
For info, contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at 618‑684‑2177
Trail details https://t.co/7ouBgb1OGK
Stay safe this summer by following a few heat safety tips.
In extreme heat, dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays. #HeatSafety
Today we honor the eight Forest Service officers and one K‑9 who have given their lives in the line of duty while serving the public. Each is recognized at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. Learn more: https://t.co/1bKLci764J
Our crews train year-round and maintain equipment to be ready when wildfires start. From Hotshot crews to airtankers, our team is prepared for rapid, aggressive responses this fire season. Learn what that means for you: https://t.co/Aehge13qJa
Last year we planted 22 million+ trees with partners like National Forest Foundation, American Forests, Arbor Day, and One Tree Planted, contributing nearly $8 million toward seedlings and reforesting 285,000+ acres.