Silver Springs

In this series we examine Illinois state sites benefiting from sportsmen’s contributions through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration (Pittman-Robertson or PR) program. One of the largest, and longest running, projects is the Statewide Public Lands Wildlife Habitat Development Project (W-76-D), designed to create wildlife habitat on public lands, provide facility access and recreation opportunities, and establish wildlife management demonstration areas for Illinois citizens.

According to Illinois Department of Natural Resources District Wildlife Biologist Joe Rogus, the overall management goal for Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife is grassland and farmland management practices that emphasize habitat for upland wildlife species.

“The site is a combination of prairie, agriculture fields and fence lines, and this combination of habitats is ideal for many different types of upland wildlife,” explained Rogus. “To manage these habitats requires we mechanically control invasive species, such as autumn olive and honeysuckle, and the W-76-D program allows us to contract with local vendors who provide the critical herbicide application.”

Management of the grassland habitats involves implementing a variety of practices. Staff implement multi-aged grassland management which involves a combination of spring burns, conservation mowing, late season haying and growing season burns.

“Growing season burns are conducted late spring through early summer when warm-season herbaceous plants are actively growing,” said Rogus. “Grassland communities evolved with frequent fires, many of which occurred as a result of lightning strikes during summer storms. When sufficient dead material (thatch) is available grasslands will burn. Grasslands benefit because such burns often are most detrimental to invasive shrubs and trees.”

The Fox River runs through Silver Springs SFWA, and the site also contains two sport fishing lakes. Funding from the W-76-D program has been used for aquatic vegetation control, structures and sport fish management.

Available Game Species

Species available are dove, squirrel, deer (archery only), pheasant (two seasons, permit and non-permit), quail, rabbit and coyote.

Hunter Fact Sheet and Hunting Regulations for Silver Springs

https://huntillinois.org/sites/silver-springs-sfwa/

About the Site

13608 Fox Road, Yorkville, IL 60560

(630) 553-6297

County: Kendall

Website: https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/SilverSprings.aspx

Directions: Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area is located 5 miles west of Yorkville, turning on Fox River Road off of Illinois Route 47.

---

Kathy Andrews Wright is retired from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources where she was editor of Outdoor Illinois magazine. She is currently the editor of Outdoor Illinois Wildlife Journal and Illinois Audubon magazine.