NEWSLETTER
FRIENDS OF Argyle Lake State Park
News From Friends
of Argyle
What’s up at the board meeting?

Continued need to generate new members

Annual Volunteer/Members Pizza Party

Maple Syrup Event

Lake event - great success


4 paddle boards purchased by FOA
Require membership for participation of Skiing, Kayaking &
Paddle boarding
Dues need to be paid by April

Volume 11, Issue 1
February 8, 2016
Work at the Park Calls for
Improvements
The lowering of the lake had
to be postponed due to
budgetary issues in the state
of Illinois. In addition, many
projects have been put on
hold. This includes, the roofs
on all shelters and shower house and the boat ramp
replacement. The dump Station is closed indefinitely due
to needed repairs and some pit toilets have been closed
due to health and safety issues.
Unfortunately many bills are going unpaid by the state
and the park is suffering as a result.
What’s happening at Lake Argyle?
Big things are going on
this winter and spring at
Argyle Lake State Park.
We hope you will find time to join us for our
biggest event of the year, the 19th Annual
Maple Syrup Festival. We are hoping that the
weather will cooperate
and we will be collecting
lots of sap that day.
Another busy year filled
with many programs and some new
adventures. We hope you will join Friends of
Argyle this winter & spring for all of our fun This is a fun filled day
and eventful programs. Please bring your
for children and adults. It
family, neighbors & friends to the events at the
is an educational experience
park.
for all who attend. Come enjoy
a hayrack ride to the maple
Keep your eyes & ears open for possible dates
grove and learn about the
for cross country skiing this winter. In order to
process, from tapping the tree,
use the FOA ski equipment this year, we are
to sap collecting, cooking
asking that you join our organization. This has
down the sap and tasting the
been changed in order to help maintain the
final product. Special
equipment since our grant funding through the
accommodations can be made
state has decreased dramatically. The annual
so that
membership fee is as follows:
everyone is able to
$10.00 (individual), $15 (single parent &
participate. Share with
family) or $20 (2 parents & family).
friends and neighbors.
Snapshot of the Upcoming Program Schedule for Argyle Lake State
Cross-Country Skiing Programs
Dates To Be Announced
(based on appropriate snow accumulation)
Skiers of any ability level will have the
opportunity to learn how to ski or refresh their
skills. Cross-country skis & boots will be
available for participants that do not have their
own skis to use during the programs. The skis and
boots are of various sizes, therefore we need
participants to pre-register and give us their shoe
sizes. The workshop will begin and conclude at
the park visitor center. For more information or to
be put on a contact list for the programs, please
email [email protected] or call the
park office at (309)776-3422.
Twigs, Buds and Bark:
Winter Tree ID Hike
Saturday February 13th
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Winter tree identification is possible; it merely
requires detailed observations of a tree’s many
unique characteristics – other than its leaves.
Budding naturalists of any age are welcome to
come and learn some tips for identifying trees in
winter at the Argyle Lake State Park visitor center.
After a brief indoor discussion, participants will
venture outdoors to practice their skills in the
campground and along the woodland edge at
Argyle while enjoying the winter scenery. For
more information, please call the park visitor
center at (309)776-3422.
Saturday, March 5, 2016
19th Annual Maple Syrup Festival
10 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Individuals attending the festival will
experience the tapping of the maple trees,
collection of the sap, boiling down of sap
into syrup, and a taste of the finished
product. Tours to collect sap at the maple
grove will depart regularly and several
children’s activities will be ongoing
throughout the day. Free refreshments will
be provided by Macomb Morning Rotary
and Friends of Argyle will have maple
syrup for sale at the event. This event is
being sponsored through the cooperative
efforts of the Friends of Argyle Lake State
Park and park staff.
Accommodations can be made if you have
any special needs.
For more information, please call the park
visitor center at (309) 776-3422.
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast
7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. –
The Colchester Lion’s Club will be hosting
a pancake breakfast at 207 S. Fulton St. in
Colchester from 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in
conjunction with this event.
‘First Day of Spring’ Hike
Saturday, March 19, 2016 – 1:30 p.m.
Hikers will witness nature’s rebirth
firsthand by enjoying the early blooms
and signs of emerging wildlife. This 12 mile hike will begin at the visitor
center.
Spring Wildflower Hikes
Saturdays, April 9 & 23, 2016 – 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 7 & 21, 2016 – 1:30 p.m.
Enjoy the first blooms of spring and the
peace and serenity of nature on these
afternoon nature hikes in the woods of
Argyle. These 1-2 mile hikes will begin at
the park visitor center.
Friends of Argyle Lake State Park –
Spring Exotic Plant Removal Workday
Saturday, May 28, 2016
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Come and spend a few hours outdoors
helping the Friends of Argyle and park staff
remove nonnative plants from the woods at
Argyle. Litter collecting is an option for
younger volunteers. Tools and gloves will
be provided or bring your own. Meet at the
park visitor center.
For more information or to register for
programs, call (309)776-3422 or email
[email protected].
Help preserve our State Park
The state of Illinois continues to have budgetary
issues. The Governor and our representatives are
facing another difficult fiscal year and may
have to make some tough decisions once again.
We need your continued support of our local state park.
The Shanty Shack II is a quaint,
full-service restaurant located on
the edge of beautiful Lake Argyle
with both indoor and outdoor deck
seating. The menu features daily
breakfast, lunch, and dinner
specials including delicious ribeye
steak specials on Saturday nights.
The lower level of the facility offers
a bait shop and boat rental, also
providing a few general store items
for people that may have forgotten
a few boating or camping
essentials for their trip (both
bagged ice and firewood bundles
are available).
Questions for menu, canoe and
john boat rental-please call the
Shanty Shack II (309) 776-3500.
Tell your friends and family about our organization. Participate in the programs offered
at the park. Bring friends and family out to the park for a fun day of adventure. Spend
the day hiking, sledding, exploring, stop by the visitors’ center &, check out the neat
displays, books and activities. Many books and puppets have been added with the support
from our friends group. See how our money has been used to enhance the facilities. Let
the family see what Bridget has been able to do with our assistance. It’s always great fun snow, rain or shine at Argyle!
Please use the park, we don’t want to loose it!
Our Friends organization wants to take this
opportunity to thank our local businesses and
volunteers for all of their help.
Walmart Supercenter, Hy-Vee, WIU students, University of
Illinois Extension master gardeners,
Farm King, The Shanty Shack II and All
Our Volunteers
Friends Of Argyle Lake State
Park
640 Argyle Park Road
Colchester, IL 62326
Park Phone: 309-776-3422
Email: [email protected]