Illinois Department of Natural Resources announces the  closure of Illinois State Parks and Historic Sites, which includes Fort de Chartres State Historic Site, in response to the current Covid-19 health emergency. Work in the Fort de Chartres Heritage Garden is currently suspended until the site reopens. The garden work continues through continuing research and the starting of heritage seeds in a home setting, preparing for the site’s eventual reopening. Thank you for your understanding. Please stay safe in this time of caution and protection of personal health and the health of all the members our communities.

Heritage Garden Seed Packets

Remember, being outside and working on our home gardens and properties can lift our spirits and help us prepare for the garden season ahead.  You can purchase the Fort de Chartres’ jardin potager’s 5 heritage garden seed collections for your garden and now is a perfect time to plan and begin this year’s garden journey. To view the Fort de Chartres Jardin Potager Heritage Seed Collections, please visit The Heart of the Illinois County Shop. Merci!

 

 

 

Update from Fort de Chartres Site Superintendent Shawn Chesnek:

IDNR press release

Effective Immediately: Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Closes All State Sites

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To further prevent the spread of COVID-19, and in accordance with the Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation issued on March 9, 2020, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) today announced the closure of all state parks, fish and wildlife areas, recreational areas, and historic sites as well as the cancellation of upcoming scheduled events.

IDNR will work tirelessly with the Governor’s office and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to provide information as to the schedule for safely reopening our facilities.

All Illinoisans impacted by a cancellation or closure are encouraged to call the IDNR’s Parks Administrative Information Line Monday – Friday at 217-782-6752. A complete listing of state sites can be found on the IDNR website at https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/default.aspx or https://www2.illinois.gov/…/Experi…/Sites/Pages/Default.aspx.

For more information on COVID-19, visit the IDPH website at http://www.dph.illinois.gov/. You may also contact the IDPH at DPH.SICK@Illinois.gov or call the COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-889-3931.