Join the Boone County Conservation District for some fall family fun as we come together for a planting party to plant native shrubs and trees at LIB Conservation Area! Please register for a time to attend so we can plan parking and tools for the planting activity.

You are welcome to attend the event as a walk-in participant or group, but we may need to adjust your planting schedule if all available tools are taken when you arrive.

You will be invited to select a tree placed in a pre-dug hole. You will learn the proper way to plant the tree from BCCD Natural Resource Management staff and ensure that it is at the proper depth.

Stop by a booth to learn more about the benefits of trees in our community. You can participate in an art activity and get your photo taken with the tree you helped plant!

You are welcome to enjoy a treat from Edwards Apple Orchard after planting a tree.

This is a free event, but registration is required. To register, please visit https://www.bccdil.org/bccd-fall-celebration-event-for-national-public-lands-day/. For any questions comments, or concerns, contact the office at 815-547-7935 or email dgrelecki@bccdil.org.

*Funding support for this project was provided by the IRA through the USDA Forest Service Eastern Region. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. These funds are administered by the Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI).

The Coliseum Museum is honored to host a special collection of China by members of the Pickard Collectors Club. The club was founded in 1992 by Joy Luke of Bloomington, Illinois, who along with a small group of Pickard enthusiasts thought it was time to bring together collectors of Pickard porcelain and glass.

Wilder A. Pickard (1857-1939) started the company in 1894 by offering his customers hand-painted giftware, artware, and eventually dinnerware of the highest quality.

Today, Pickard, Inc., remains a family-owned business proudly producing high quality, hand-crafted china. Each Pickard generation carries on the tradition of producing Ivory and White porcelain for individuals as well as for government and corporate organizations, both domestic and international. For more information visit their website at https://pickardcollectorsclub.org

Les Allen
Taft Gallery, August 1 – September 30

Les Allen, an award-winning photographer based in Dixon, IL, specializes in Fine Art Traditional Black and White Photography. Using a large format camera, Les captures the surreal and abstract elements of the world around him.

In the world of analog photography, Les is a master printer, creating luminous and mesmerizing images that challenge perception and invite viewers into a dreamlike realm. His photographs, a manifestation of his deep connection with nature, convey his instinctual understanding of light, shadow, and composition. Evoking emotions, provoking thought, and inspiring viewers to explore their own intuitive connections with the world.

Rock River Valley Painters Guild Plein Air Art Show
September 2 – October 31
Lowden Gallery, Coliseum Museum

Sponsored by the RRVPG

​Artists participating in the 2026 annual show include Carol Bingham, Pam Bradford, Dick Cholke, Janice Conkrite, Charles Gregory, Anne Hilliard, Tom Linden, Nancie King Mertz, Sharon Saponari, Donna Smith, Terry Werntz, Lucinda Winterfield and Leah Zahn.

Awards will be presented by judge Jean Apgar, on October 9, in conjunction with the Moments in Monochrome Awards & Reception.

The RRVPG is a not-for-profit organization promoting local art and art education (North Central Illinois).

Janet Beiler
Feature Walls, September 1 – 30
Sponsored by Stillman Bank

“I am a full time artist pursuing my third career in life. I work in oils, acrylics, and watercolor medium and my artistic inspiration has been landscapes, florals, and narrative art, consignment on request. I exhibit at The Next Picture show in Dixon and The Loft in Morrison, IL. Currently you may view my art on Instagram Janet Beiler username Serafinas_window and on Facebook at art created by jbeiler.”

The 3rd Annual Pawpaw Festival in Paw Paw, Illinois will be held on Saturday, September 26, at the Veteran’s Memorial Park, hosted by the Paw Paw Lions Club and the Pizzo Group.

Schedule for the day:

10:00AM - Festival opens
Pawpaw Vendors, Food Trucks, Bake Sale, Kids Corner, Fest Market

11:00AM - Informative speakers begin at Education Tent (full speaker at pawpawfest.org) Trams Tours begin

11:00AM - Live Music at the Band Shell begins & Beer Garden sponsored by Resource Bank opens

Bands: My 80's Band (11-1), Marques Morel (1:30-3:30), and Sound Check 815 (4) - with house band Slow Cooker

11:00AM - A History of Pawpaws in Paw Paw - Neal Rogers

11:30AM - Growing Pawpaws from Seed - Austin Cliffe

12:00PM - Biggest Pawpaw Submission Deadline

12:30PM - Biggest Pawpaw Award

1:00PM - Pawpaws Role in Ecological Restoration - Jack Pizzo

2:00PM - Sensory Characteristics of Pawpaws - Dr. Melani Duffrin

2:30PM - Best Pawpaw Competition

3:30PM - Phantom Fruit - Pawpaws in Japan - Sabii, PopomoDAO

4:00PM - Closing Ceremony

6:30PM - Festival concludes

Like our Facebook page Pawpawfest in Paw Paw IL to keep up to date on the latest news and visit our website pawpawfest.org to find full details on the event.

Whether you’re new to pawpaws or a seasoned enthusiast, the festival offers something for everyone.