CARBONDALE (SIU NEWS) — Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s STEM Education Research Center is hosting two upcoming volunteer service-learning days in the Shawnee National Forest’s Panther Den Wilderness area in Union County.

The separate events, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22, and on Sunday, March 22. The service-learning days are open to the public, particularly SIU Carbondale students, faculty and staff.

Participants will spend the morning assisting with trail maintenance and the early afternoon enjoying a guided hike, said Stephen Gariepy, outreach coordinator and experiential education specialist with SIU’s STEM Education Research Center. Volunteers should bring lunch, a water bottle, weather-appropriate clothing, and be ready to learn.

Patrons will meet at the Panther Den Trailhead at 9:00 a.m. Online registration for both days is required. Additional directions to the trailhead can be found on the U.S. Forest Service Panther Den webpage.

To register for the Feb. 22 service-learning day.

To register for the March 22 service-learning day.

For more information, contact Gariepy at mammoth@siu.edu or 618-453-4216.