Visiting the Therkildsen Field Station

The Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon (TFSE) offers a variety of in-person and virtual programs and events open to the public throughout the year.

Annual Fulton-Mason Eagle Day

Held the first Saturday in February, Eagle Day features hands-on activities and wildlife viewing opportunities at multiple locations in Fulton and Mason counties. The next Eagle Day will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026. See event schedule below:

Dickson Mounds Museum, 10956 N. Dickson Mounds Road, Lewistown, from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
• World Bird Sanctuary’s Raptor Awareness programs, 1:00pm and 3:00pm
Located in the Dickson Mounds auditorium.
Tickets available on a first come, first served basis, beginning at 9:00 am at Dickson Mounds, day of the event. Tickets cannot be reserved in advance. Seating is limited. Admission is free.
• Arts & crafts and science activities
• Native and invasive species displays.
• Food available for purchase courtesy of The Lunchwagon

The Nature Conservancy’s Emiquon Preserve Wetland Observatory, off Hwy 97/78
• Wildlife viewing & walking trails
• Campfire, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon, 11316 N. Prairie Rd., Lewistown
• Guided hike of the Nature Conservancy's Ridge Trail, 10:00 a.m.
• Prepare to hike approx. two miles on uneven terrain. Closed-toe, sturdy shoes and weather appropriate clothing is recommended. Bring your own water and necessary supplies.

Lewistown Visitor Center, 222 S. Main Street, Lewistown, from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
• Wildlife Prairie Park presents a variety of live animals.

Mason County Activities

Havana Riverfront Park
North Schrader Avenue, Havana, park open dawn-dusk
• Self-guided wildlife, nature & eagle viewing
• Simulated Eagle’s nest for photos
• Hiking on Bellrose Island

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge 19031 E. CR 2110N, Havana, dawn-dusk
• Self-guided eagle watching from refuge nature trails
• Driving auto-tour & 100-foot observation tower climb, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m

Activities at some locations are weather permitting.

The event is free and open to all ages! Check out this article about the 2025 event featured in the Outdoor Illinois Journal.

Hike the Ridge

Periodically, guided hikes into a restricted area of the Emiquon Preserve will be offered. Along with staff, participants are welcome to hike The Nature Conservancy’s Ridge Trail, a 2-mile out and back hike, that leads to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the Emiquon Preserve. These free hike-and-talk programs may provide rich geological, archaeological, historical, and environmental information by experts in the field. Check back regularly for scheduled hikes.

Artist-in-Residence

Our ongoing Artist-in-Residence program provides artists with the opportunity to create works focused on the Emiquon Preserve. One of the goals of the program is to find additional ways of connecting people with the environment and in particular the Emiquon Preserve. Throughout the year, there are showings of the works that have been created, along with the opportunity to engage in discussions with the artists. Check back regularly for updates.

Open Houses

Throughout the year we invite the public into our lab and classroom spaces and offer a chance to learn about the work we do!  From virtual presentations to in-person lectures and outdoor experiences, we aim to engage youth and adults who want to learn more about the Emiquon Preserve.  

Be sure to check back regularly for upcoming program and event information!