January 2026 Issue

Welcome to 2026—and a New Year of Outdoor Stories!

With a final feature of articles from our November 2025 issue, OutdoorIllinois Journal offers a compelling look at the science, history and innovation shaping Illinois’ outdoors—and sets the stage for an exciting year ahead. From wildlife recoveries to modern management tools, these stories showcase how thoughtful conservation and research continue to protect the landscapes, waters and species Illinoisans value. It’s a fitting way to begin a new year of discovery before OutdoorIllinois Journal returns with a brand-new issue in February 2026.

Readers will explore powerful conservation success stories, including the dramatic return of the eastern wild turkey after disappearing from Illinois for decades and the rediscovery of rare plant species once thought lost to the state. These articles highlight how long-term commitment, persistence and scientific fieldwork can reverse declines and reshape what we know about Illinois’ natural heritage.

This issue also dives into the fascinating details of wildlife biology and management. Learn how the American paddlefish’s unusual paddle-shaped rostrum helps it survive in muddy river systems, why the adaptable red-eared slider presents unique management challenges and how fisheries biologists use data to guide decisions that support both healthy ecosystems and a $900 million fishing economy.

Finally, readers will see how innovation is influencing conservation work on the ground, from quieter, safer electric tools used on public lands to research-driven strategies that benefit wildlife and people alike. Together, these stories offer insight into how Illinois is balancing tradition with progress—and why staying informed matters. We hope you enjoy this look ahead and invite you to join us again in February 2026 for the next issue of OutdoorIllinois Journal.

OutdoorIllinois Journal is a collaborative effort led by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Divisions of Wildlife Resources, Natural Heritage, and Fisheries; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration; and the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center. Funding for OutdoorIllinois Journal was made available through Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Project W-147-T, the Illinois Wildlife Preservation Fund and the Fish Management Fund.

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A Wild (Turkey) Century of Recovery

Once abundant, eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) numbers had plummeted in the Prairie State to the point that the 1903 Illinois General Assembly closed the hunting season for Illinois’ largest native game bird. That decision was a case of too little, too late. By 1910 turkeys were non-existent in the state. Not until 1970 would the story of the wild turkey take a dramatic turn when the population finally reached a level to support the modern-day hunting season.

by Kathy Andrews Wright

Wildlife | 100th Anniversary | Habitat Management or Enhancement | Hunting | Turkey

A researcher holds up a large fish with a long nose. She holds the fish with both hands while standing up in a boat on a large river. In the background a road crosses the river on a green bridge. A partly cloudy sky is overhead.

Why the Long Face: What is up with the big nose on paddlefish?

The American paddlefish is a unique fish, possessing a skeleton that is made of cartilage, nearly scaleless body and a large spoon-shaped rostrum. That rostrum isn’t a nose but rather an extension of its head and serves numerous functions, all strategies to help the remarkable paddlefish survive in the muddy Mississippi River.

by Shasta Kamara, Cory Suski

Aquatic Organisms | Fish | Regulations | Rivers and Lakes

A green and brown smallmouth bass fish swimming to the right in murky waters.

Using Long-term Data to Improve Sportfish Monitoring in Illinois Rivers

Fishing is not only a favorite pastime of people throughout the United States and in Illinois contributes an average of more than $900 million every year to local economies. Given the importance of fisheries in Illinois, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources strives to make informed management decisions using a variety of fisheries population and community data.

by Robert Mooney, Michael Spear, Brian Ickes, Andrya L. Whitten Harris, Jason A. DeBoer, David Glover, James T. Lamer

Research | Fish | Fishing | Research | Rivers and Lakes

A red-eared slider turtle basks on a log in the water.

The Invasive Red-eared Slider

Some might call the red-eared slider the “house sparrow of the reptile world.” While these turtles are native to Illinois, their ability to survive in low quality habitat coupled with their high reproductive capacity make them invasive species here as well.

by Laura Kammin, Scott Ballard

Aquatic Organisms

A close-up of yellow daisy like flowers. A purple flower is in the center. Green vegetation surrounds the flowers.

Decreased Energy Use, More Savings…and More Wildlife

The use of electric chainsaws, weed whackers and mowers is gaining momentum on Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ sites. Among the benefits are reduced noise and energy use, enhanced operator safety…and seeing more wildlife.

by Kathy Andrews Wright

Land | Climate Change | Prairie or Grassland

A close up of a sundew plant nestled in amongst green mosses.

Determining the Threat of Local Extirpations for Illinois’ Rare Plants

Working with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, botanists from the Illinois Natural History Survey set out to assess the threat of extirpation from Illinois for each of the 330 plants species designated as threatened or endangered. During their field work, 10 species were relocated that had not been seen in the state in more than 20 years.

by Brian Charles, Paul Marcum, Greg Spyreas, Eric Ulaszek, David Zaya, Brenda Molano-Flores

Land | Endangered and Threatened Species | Plants