Children and their parents enjoy participating in hands-on learning at the Family Eco Festival. The annual event takes place at Alto Vineyards and is hosted by Teachers from Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s River Region Master Teaching Fellows Program. (Photo provided)
April 08, 2026
Fifth annual Family Eco Festival supports hands-on learning, Southern Illinois teachers
CARBONDALE, Ill. – The public is invited to a free event on Earth Day that highlights nature, conservation and Southern Illinois’ unique ecology through immersive experiences – some of which feel out of this world.
Teachers from Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s River Region Master Teaching Fellows Program are proud to host the fifth annual Family Eco Festival at Alto Vineyards from 1 to 5 p.m. April 19.
During the event, attendees can participate in more than 20 engaging activities, such as science projects, arts and crafts, and environmental education programs.
“It will provide a unique opportunity for families to explore and learn together,” said Karen Renzaglia, SIU professor emerita in plant biology. “What could be more fun than to hold live snakes or explore the Spaceship Earth Globe, an impressive 16-foot-tall globe, from the SIU STEM Education Center?”
Attendees can also bid on silent auction items, shop an array of vendors, or listen to live music. John West will perform at 1 p.m., followed by Carr and Tejada at 3 p.m. Those 21 and older can sip Alto Vineyards’ wine selection; non-alcoholic options are also available for purchase.
“Each year, the event has grown,” Renzaglia added. “We are thrilled to expand activities, with musical entertainment and food, and expect to draw in an even bigger crowd on this Earth Day Sunday.”
Proceeds from the event will support the nonprofit organization Innovations in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education. The group awards competitive grants to K-12 teachers in southern Illinois, who use the funds to purchase supplies for STEM and sustainability-based projects.
During the 2025-2026 school year, the organization selected grant recipients from six different school districts. Their STEM projects included:
- A native plant pollinator garden for students with emotional disabilities.
- Exploring local bird species and building birdhouses.
- Utilizing hydroponics for plants.
- Creating a mini eco-house for sustainable living.
- Collecting data on local pollution levels.
- A forest ecology and history hike.
Since the festival’s inception, more than a thousand eager-to-learn students across Southern Illinois have benefited from the fundraiser. This year’s event will support a new round of educators and their classrooms for the 2026-2027 school year.
Sponsors include Alto Vineyards, the Illinois Education Association, StraightUp Solar, and Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Alto Vineyards is located at 8515 Illinois Route 127 in Alto Pass.