Regulated hunting and conservation efforts saved white-tailed deer from extirpation at the start of the 20th century and has allowed them to rapidly recover. Since deer are now a common sight in Illinois, it brings into question what aspects have allowed deer to flourish.
Since 2018, Prairie Rivers Network has been documenting the effects of off-target herbicide exposure on Illinois’ plants and trees, logging more than 11,500 plant observations across 290 sites in Illinois. Everyone who cherishes the outdoors should be concerned as healthy habitats are the foundation of thriving wildlife populations and losing them to chemical trespass undermines conservation efforts, outdoor recreation and our shared heritage.
The serviceberry is truly a native plant for all seasons in Illinois. One of the earliest blooming shrubs in the spring, the blooms’ nectar and pollen provide an early source of nourishment to bees and other insects awakening from winter slumber. And come June, the fruits, which are actually called pomes, attract hungry American robins, cedar waxwings, turkey, quail and squirrels.
Regardless of the mechanism, it appears that the bison at Nachusa Grasslands are playing an important role in altering prairie habitat for species of concern, such as the Henslow’s sparrow. Learn how researchers are monitoring plant and animal community responses to grazing across the preserve to help unravel questions about the presence of bison on the prairie.
The nine-banded armadillo is not a commonly found species on the Illinois landscape. But that may be slowly changing! Since 1994, the nine-banded armadillo has been recorded as a rare visitor, with the number of observations slowly rising throughout the 2000s. Researchers at Southern Illinois University are studying the cause of this range expansion and what resources are required.
You don’t need to be a wildlife professional to make an impact! In fact, most beneficial changes, especially as it concerns migrating bird populations, can be done by individuals at and around their homes. Learn more about how you can make simple changes to better help migrating birds and minimize the impact of humans on wild populations of birds.
Humans have been describing and naming the world around them much longer than we’ve had scientific names for everything. This can lead to a precarious situation when colloquialisms are used to define the plants and animals around us. Read more to find out how common names came to be and how you can correctly identify these animals, despite only knowing their nicknames.
One of the most effective actions to take in combating invasive species is called Early Detection, Rapid Response. One way to improve our early detection capabilities is to review new invaders that may be coming to our area from elsewhere. While the species introduced in the article are already problematic on the landscape more broadly, early detection and rapid response in places where they are not yet widespread can reduce the overall negative effects and costs.
Tularemia, often called rabbit fever, is a zoonotic disease that has recently re-emerged in parts of Illinois. Here’s an overview of this bacterial disease, along with tips on how to empower yourself to safely enjoy your outdoor adventures and protect your dogs and cats.
The winter months are upon us. What are you seeing in your Outdoor Illinois? Read on to learn the seasonal activities of some of Illinois’ most iconic wildlife. Depending on your location in Illinois, some of the events reported may occur at different times. In this story, the seasonal activities reflect those observed primarily in the central part of the state.
