BENTON – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rend Lake Project Office and the University of Illinois Extension are partnering to provide pollinator garden stewardship opportunities to the public at the Rend Lake Project Office and Visitor Center on the 4th Wednesday of each month from March through October. Volunteers of all interests and backgrounds are invited to attend. Volunteers will receive training on how to care for native pollinator gardens, assist with garden maintenance, and network with professionals and other volunteers. Volunteer sessions begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. and will run until 10:30 a.m.

Registration for the Rend Lake Pollinator Garden Stewardship Workdays is required, and volunteers will be asked to complete volunteer paperwork to participate. To register visit go.illinois.edu/RendLakePollinate. Registration is limited to 15 participants. Online registration will close the Sunday before each event, but participants may also register by calling the Rend Lake Project Office at 618-724-2493.

Stewardship Workdays are free and open to the public. All necessary tools will be provided. Volunteers should bring their own gardening pads, gloves, and water. It is recommended to dress appropriately for outdoor conditions. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, contact Kim Rohling at kimrohli@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your needs. For more information, contact the Rend Lake Project Office & Visitor Center at 618-724-2493.