Free Pere Marquette Programs Connect Children With Outdoor Discoveries
IDNR's Scott Isringhausen believes night owl hike, educational fishing programs have lasting impact on children.
PERE MARQUETTE - Children can fish at a pond and families can take a nighttime hike to listen for owls during free educational programs Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, at Pere Marquette State Park.
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The programs will begin at the park’s Visitor Center and introduce participants to fishing and creatures they might hear while outdoors at night.
At 4 p.m., on Friday, Nov. 13, Scott Isringhausen, an urban fishing coordinator covering Southern Illinois for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, will lead a talk about fish and fishing. Afterward, young children can fish at Blue Gill Pond next to the Visitor Center.
Isringhausen said the fishing opportunity could give some children a chance to catch their first fish, an experience he described as “pretty special in that aspect.”
At 6:30 p.m., a second program will focus on owls and other creatures people might hear while fishing, camping or hiking at night. The group will then take an approximately 2-mile hike to listen for owls and other nighttime sounds. Part of the route will be uphill.
A hot dog and marshmallow roast will follow the hike. Refreshments and drinks will be provided, and participants are asked to bring one flashlight per family.
"We could see up to eight species of owls along our two-mile hike," Isringhausen said. "We try to call owls. We should see a Barred Owl. This is something I have done for over 30 years and I love having this special night. It gives many children an opportunity to fish and see owls when, otherwise, at this point in their lives, they may never get that chance. It means a lot to me."
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