09/16/2026
Press release from Regional Office of Education #33
GALESBURG, IL – For 40 years, fifth-grade students across Knox County have stepped outside the classroom to explore the natural world around them through the Regional Office of Education #33’s Outdoor Education Day.
On Thursday, September 17, 2026, the Regional Office of Education #33 will celebrate the 40th year at Lake Storey in Galesburg. In partnership with Nutrien Ag Solutions and dedicated volunteers, fifth-grade students and their teachers will take part in a day of hands-on environmental and outdoor education.
What began in 1985 has grown into a lasting tradition, bringing together educators, environmental professionals, community members, and volunteers to allow students to learn beyond the classroom.
This year, students will rotate through eight stations covering topics such as aquatics, renewable resources, butterflies and bees, Native American history, habitat exploration, weather, and fishing.
Regional Superintendent Kathryn Jennings said, “There is something truly magical about learning outdoors—curiosity comes alive, learning is authentic, and our students experience the world outside of their four classroom walls. We are grateful to the incredible community partners who invest their time and talents to create a memorable learning experience for our students.”
ROE #33 also recognizes the late wildlife biologist Ken Russell, whose lifelong commitment to environmental education left a lasting mark on students throughout the region. Russell participated in Outdoor Education Day as an Illinois Department of Natural Resources state fish biologist, spending years volunteering his time to educate children about wildlife, conservation, and the outdoors.
His dedication to environmental education eventually led former Regional Superintendent Jodi Scott to rename the event in his honor. Today, the event is officially known as the Regional Office of Education #33 Ken Russell Outdoor Education Day.
As the event reaches its 40th year, ROE #33 is also looking back at the people and memories that have shaped its history. Ken’s wife, Janet Russell, remembers visiting one of his presentations and watching students react as he pulled a large turtle from a tub. At the end of the presentation, Ken pulled out what looked like a snake, sending the students into a roar of laughter.
It was actually a rope.
For Janet, moments like that captured what made Ken’s approach to education so memorable.
“Children like to laugh, and they like to see silly things sometimes while they’re learning,” Russell said. “There’s no reason why you can’t do both.” That combination of humor, hands-on learning, and a genuine love for the outdoors continues 40 years later.
“Children 40 years from now are still going to need this,” Russell said. “So thank you very much to all of those who participate, who get it organized, who present.”
The Regional Office of Education #33 extends its appreciation to Nutrien Ag Solutions for its continued support, as well as the many volunteers who return year after year to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with students, including those who have been part of the event since its earliest years.
The Regional Office of Education #33 and Regional Superintendent Kathryn Jennings look forward to celebrating 40 years of learning, community, and a shared love of the outdoors.
