New Reusable Water Bottle Program Supports Starved Rock Foundation

Fill It Forward initiative turns each refill scan into a donation supporting Starved Rock State Park

UTICA, IL - The Starved Rock Foundation is proud to be the nonprofit beneficiary of a new reusable water bottle initiative launched as part of Heritage Corridor Destinations’ Appetite for Adventure summer program.

New this year, the program includes complimentary Fill It Forward reusable water bottles designed to encourage sustainability while supporting local conservation efforts. Visitors who receive a bottle can scan the QR code on the bottle each time they refill it. Every scan triggers a donation to the Starved Rock Foundation, the official nonprofit partner of Starved Rock State Park since 1991.

“Helping save the planet with these stylish reusable water bottles while also supporting the Starved Rock Foundation is an easy and effective way to give back,” said Mike Toohey, Vice President of the Starved Rock Foundation. “A big thank you to Heritage Corridor Destinations and Enjoy Illinois for creating and supporting this program.”

Water bottles are currently available at the Starved Rock Country Welcome Center in downtown Utica and will also be available while supplies last at Join Us Out Here: Refill for the Parks on Thursday, July 10, from 5:00–8:30 p.m. at Hike + Camp, located at 107 Mill Street in Utica.

The free community event will include reusable water bottle giveaways, s’mores around a campfire, an opportunity to explore the new outdoor retail space, and a chance to connect with hikers, campers, park supporters, and outdoor enthusiasts.

The reusable water bottle initiative is part of the larger Appetite for Adventure summer program, which encourages visitors and residents to explore LaSalle County through the free digital Adventure Passport. The passport features 135 local businesses, state parks, attractions, restaurants, breweries, wineries, and shops across the region. Participants can earn prizes by checking in at participating locations, with rewards available after five and 10 check-ins.

The Adventure Passport is available at StarvedRockSummer.com, and prizes can be claimed at the Starved Rock Country Welcome Center in Utica.

About Heritage Corridor Destinations: Heritage Corridor Destinations (HCD) is the certified destination marketing organization for six north central Illinois counties — Will, Grundy, Livingston, LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam. Through regional tourism initiatives and partnerships, HCD promotes travel and tourism throughout the I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor, Starved Rock Country, and The First Hundred Miles of Route 66. Visitors to the Heritage Corridor can enjoy heritage communities, local shopping and dining, scenic outdoor recreation, and the essence of Midwestern hospitality. 

About the Starved Rock Foundation: The Starved Rock Historical and Educational Foundation is the nonprofit organization for Starved Rock State Park located in North Central Illinois. The Foundation includes a volunteer program which staffs the Visitor Center information desk and leads interpretive hikes, provides educational materials, and conducts special events and presentations. It also raises monies for appropriate materials, equipment, and the improvement of Starved Rock State Park through memberships, donations, and profit from the 100% volunteer-run LeRocher Book Store and Gift Shop in the Visitor Center. Over $500,000 has been donated over the past 30+ years by an elected board of directors.