Starved Rock Foundation

06/16/2026

Over the next few weeks, we’re introducing the people who help make the Starved Rock Foundation possible.

First up is Frank Borkowsky, a longtime volunteer and dedicated board member who, along with his wife Kris, began volunteering at Starved Rock State Park in 2002.

For Frank, the mission is simple: protecting and supporting one of the most special places in Illinois.

“We are very fortunate to have a natural area as beautiful as Starved Rock in our backyard.”

Thank you, Frank, for your years of service to the park and the Foundation.

06/15/2026

Have a favorite photo from Starved Rock or Matthiessen? Submit it for a chance to be featured in the 2027 Starved Rock & Matthiessen Calendar!

Photo submissions are open through July 31, 2026. The calendar will be released this October, with proceeds supporting Starved Rock State Park.

Submit photos at link below;
https://www.starvedrock.org/calendar-submission

, Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks, Starved Rock Hikers

Each year, the Starved Rock Foundation publishes a stunning wall calendar celebrating the beauty of Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks — and every image comes from park visitors and photographers like you.

06/15/2026

A “Casting Memories” family fishing clinic will be at 9 a.m. Sunday, June 28, at Starved Rock State Park.

06/14/2026

The Starved Rock Historical and Educational Foundation has established its first scholarship, creating a new opportunity for Illinois Valley Community College students interested in pursuing conservation-related careers.

View the full release below;
https://www.starvedrock.org/post/starved-rock-foundation-launches-first-ever-conservation-scholarship

, Illinois Valley Community College Foundation & Alumni Association

Annual scholarship will support local students pursuing careers connected to conservation and the outdoors. OGLESBY, IL -- The Starved Rock Historical and Educational Foundation has established its first scholarship, creating a new opportunity for Illinois Valley Community College students intereste...

06/14/2026

Photos needed!
The visitor center is in the process of developing a new exhibit focused on the diverse habitats found within Starved Rock State Park. Currently, park staff are seeking photographers who are willing to contribute high-resolution images of the various habitats' characteristic of this region. If you are interested in sharing your photos and receiving recognition for your contribution, along with the opportunity to have one of your images featured in the exhibit, please reach out to the Natural Resources Coordinator, Lisa Sons, at [email protected]. The photos should be high resolution, suitable for a panel measuring 41" wide by 72" tall. They should capture a view into the habitat rather than close-ups, allowing visitors to feel fully immersed in the scene. While images of tallgrass prairie or oak and hickory forests do not have to be taken at Starved Rock State Park, they should be sourced from Central to Northern Illinois. The sandstone canyon and Illinois River photographs should be from the park. Example attached (example is not high resolution though)

Oak-Hickory Forest

Illinois River

Tallgrass Prairie

Sandstone canyon

06/13/2026

What's Going on at Starved Rock State Park!

Check out our upcoming programs, events, hikes, and workshops made possible by IDNR park staff and funding from the Starved Rock Foundation. Grab a calendar of events at the visitor center or download the brochure from IDNR website at https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.starvedrock.html.

06/10/2026

Calendar sales and dollar-for-dollar matching funds from Miller Group Charitable Trust has led to an eye-popping fundraising total.

06/10/2026

The Starved Rock Foundation announced a $16,288.50 donation from the 2026 Starved Rock and Matthiessen calendar fundraiser during a donation ceremony held Sunday, May 3 at the Starved Rock Visitor Center.

Additionally, photo submissions for the 2027 Starved Rock and Matthiessen calendar are open. Local photographers and park visitors are encouraged to submit their favorite images of Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park for consideration.

https://www.starvedrock.org/post/starved-rock-foundation-announces-16-288-donation-from-2026-calendar-fundraiser

, Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks

Local photographers, businesses, supporters, and Miller Group Charitable Trust helped turn park photography into meaningful support for Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks.OGLESBY, IL -- The Starved Rock Foundation announced a $16,288.50 donation from the 2026 Starved Rock and Matthiessen calen...

05/23/2026

Nature Quest for Young Explorers will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7 at Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center

05/23/2026

Junior Ranger Day will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 27 at Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center.