The Illinois Department of Agriculture announced on March 13 that new recreational route signage and tree identification markers have been installed at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds. The updates include a sign titled RECREATIONAL ROUTES, which features maps for three different paths ranging from 1.2 to 2.08 miles, designed for walking, jogging, or biking. The sign is located inside Gate 4 at the Jackson Street entrance.
The improvements aim to encourage public use of the fairgrounds’ natural spaces and promote outdoor activity as spring approaches. Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, said, “The Du Quoin State Fairgrounds are a safe and beautiful location for recreation. We invite the public to take full advantage of the routes, trails and natural spaces throughout the year, but especially as spring weather brings more people outdoors.”
Students from the Du Quoin FFA Chapter contributed by launching an interactive Tree ID Trail known as “Bark Codes.” This student-led project allows visitors to identify native Illinois trees along the trail using plaques that display each tree’s common and scientific names, images of leaves and fruit or nuts, and QR codes linking to additional information on the fairgrounds’ website. Blake Asbury, Secretary of the Du Quoin FFA Chapter and head of its Environmental Committee within the National FFA Organization, led this initiative beginning in November 2025. Asbury said, “What I hope visitors take away from exploring the nature area and using the tree identification trail is a greater appreciation for the environment and the natural resources around them. I hope they leave with new knowledge about tree species, a stronger connection to nature, and a sense of pride in the efforts being made by local students to improve and educate the community.”
Luke Davison, manager of the Du Quoin State Fair, also acknowledged these efforts: “These historic grounds have so much to offer for year-round recreation. We are grateful to the FFA students for their hard work and proud to showcase their contributions.”
The Illinois Department of Agriculture manages funding through initiatives like Partners for Conservation to support sustainable agriculture and soil conservation according to its official website. The department supports Illinois’ economy through agricultural promotion that contributes over $51 billion annually while sustaining nearly one million jobs in food and fiber industries according to its official website. It utilizes facilities at state fairgrounds in Springfield as well as offices in DeKalb and DuQuoin according to its official website.
Operating as a department within state government according to its official website, it employs more than 300 staff members statewide with an annual budget exceeding $100 million according to its official website. The agency promotes agriculture while delivering regulatory services aimed at protecting consumers, supporting industry growth, and conserving resources according to its official website. It also manages programs focused on consumer protection, resource conservation, industry oversight, economic growth through product marketing and job support in crop and livestock production; it administers laws and partnerships fostering sustainable practices according to its official website.
Further information about developments at Du Quoin State Fair can be found on their social media channels.
