Explore Fulton County

09/11/2026

💪🦪Putting some muscle into Friday!

The Mussel Trail is taking shape! Today, we're out installing some of our new mussel statues at their future homes around Fulton County.

These guys are strong, colorful, and ready to make a splash. 👀

More mussels are coming soon… stay tuned!

The trail officially opens the first weekend in October!

08/04/2026

Join the UIS Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon on Sunday, August 23, from 1–4 p.m. for Artist-in-Residence: Projects Unveiled, a free public showcase featuring original works created by this year's Artists in Residence.

Inspired by the Emiquon Preserve, the showcase includes paintings, sculpture, music, illustration, creative writing, and live performances. Meet the artists, hear the stories behind their work, and discover how one of the Midwest's most remarkable landscapes continues to inspire creativity.

The event is free and open to the public at the UIS Therkildsen Field Station, 11316 N. Prairie Road, Lewistown.

05/29/2026

05/29/2026

I’ve been keeping something under wraps, and now I finally get to share it… 🎨👇

Take a look at this **5-foot-tall** fiberglass structure that just landed in my workspace. It’s a giant freshwater mussel shell!

I was recently selected as one of the winning artists for the Spoon River Mussel Sculpture Trail, and my shell will be installed on the public art trail in London Mills.

But before I dip my brush in the paint, I want to see who can guess which historic London Mills landmarks—past and present—and local scenery will be making an appearance on this giant shell.
Drop your best guesses in the comments! 👇

And stay tuned! I’ll be sharing progress updates as this project comes to life.

A big thank you to Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development for investing in public art and bringing projects like this to our communities.

Explore Fulton County

02/07/2026

🦅 It’s Eagle Day! 🦅
Come hang out with us TODAY at Illinois State Museum-Dickson Mounds for Fulton-Mason Eagle Day!

✨ Vendors
🎨 Crafts
🦉 Raptor show
…and lots more!

And bonus excitement: the eagles were ACTIVE in the nests this morning down at Emiquon 👀🪺
Don’t miss your chance to spot them at the Emiquon viewing area!

See you out there!


Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon

01/27/2026

🦅 Experience the Magic of Eagle Day — February 7, 2026!

The Fulton-Mason Eagle Day returns on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 9 AM to 4 PM — and it’s packed with exciting, FREE activities for all ages!

Explore the great outdoors with wildlife viewing, hiking, kids’ crafts, and hands-on learning, happening across multiple locations in Fulton and Mason counties.

Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon
Illinois State Museum-Dickson Mounds

⭐ A special highlight:
World Bird Sanctuary’s Raptor Awareness Program featuring a LIVE American Bald Eagle at 1 PM and 3 PM at Dickson Mounds Museum.
🎟️ Free tickets are available starting at 9 AM on event day — first come, first served. Seating is limited, and tickets cannot be reserved in advance.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a family looking for a fun day out, or just curious about our local wildlife — this is an event you won’t want to miss!

🔗 Learn more and plan your day:
https://www.uis.edu/emiquon/visit-emiquon