The kids are out of school and perhaps soon you'll also be out of ideas to keep them busy. You may want to consider planning an Illinois outdoor adventure. There are plenty of local opportunities for boating, hiking, fishing, picnicking and camping, which all offer opportunities to explore our natural world.

An outdoor adventure with your child or grandchild can also help them connect what they've learned in a school science lesson through hands on experiences at a creek or in a forest. In fact, with 80 percent of Illinois residents living in urban areas, a visit to a natural area can get adults reacquainted with a forgotten science lesson too!

I am not suggesting that you actually go to a nearby park and conduct a science experiment or lesson. Start with an afternoon fishing trip at a local lake, or a picnic in a nearby city or county park. Then before you go home, take time to walk a short trail and explore. You don't need to be able to identify wildflowers, trees or wildlife, just explore and learn together.

If you are ready for more outdoor adventures there are many lakes, parks and natural areas in central Illinois where your exploration can begin. Forest Glen or Kickapoo State Park in Vermilion County offer beautiful forests, trails and canoeing opportunities. Lake of the Woods and Homer Lake in Champaign County are great destinations for picnics, hikes and fishing, and educational programs are offered by the staff of the Champaign County Forest Preserve.

If you are ready for a weekend camping adventure in central Illinois try Lake Shelbyville in Moultrie and Shelby Counties, or Clinton Lake and Weldon Springs State Recreation Area in DeWitt County. In northern Illinois, you might be interested in a weekend outing to Apple River Canyon or Starved Rock State Park. If you want to head south, try exploring Rend Lake in Franklin County or Ramsey Lake State Park in Fayette County. To find out more about Illinois' state parks, recreation areas and natural opportunities, you should explore the Illinois Department of Natural Resources web site at http://dnr.state.il.us .

If you plan to explore the outdoors this summer remember to take a few precautions to have a safe trip. First, know the rules and regulations of the area you are visiting. Secondly take along a first-aid kit and sunscreen. Insects can sometimes be annoying, especially mosquitoes and ticks. An insect repellent containing DEET will help reduce your encounters with these insects. If you have young children, make sure you use a product that has a DEET percentage that is recommended for children. Finally, know how to recognize the poison ivy plant and teach the rest of your family how to recognize it too!

So, whether its fishing, camping, hiking or picnicking you prefer, take time to do something together in the ecosystem we call Illinois If you have any questions related to Illinois' natural resources call the University of Illinois Champaign Extension Unit office at 333-7672.

Upcoming Pond Management Seminar in Dewitt County

University of Illinois Dewitt County Extension Unit is co-sponsoring a pond management seminar on June 26^th from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. The seminar will be conducted outdoors and will include a fish shocking demonstration and presentations concerning fish and vegetation management. To get more detailed seminar information contact the U of I Extension Dewitt Extension office at 935-5764.