Nov 1, 2024
Even though muskrat harvest has declined, and their populations are lower today, there are still plenty of muskrats in Illinois. Grab some binoculars and perhaps a camera and get out and learn first-hand about muskrats and how these interesting animals utilize wetland habitats.
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An acorn fallen on a lawn doth not a mighty oak make. It was that fact that made me gather acorns and move them elsewhere. As I did so, I discovered that other creatures did likewise.
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The Bats in Small Cities Project was organized to learn how urban bat ecology relates to the context of the city, specifically to learn how bats respond to their environment in a city with lots of tree cover versus one with little tree cover. Check out the findings here.
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Several lines of evidence demonstrate the recurrence of fires in our past: layers of charcoal in sediments, burn scars on trees rings, journals of pioneers and historical records. Today, Shawnee National Forest personnel, along with numerous state and local agencies, non-profit organizations and private landowners, are increasing their use of prescribed fire to manage natural communities.
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A hard-working, collaborative team of volunteers and staff are embarking on a pioneering restoration at Volo Bog State Natural Area, Illinois’ only open-water bog. Sphagnum mosses, pitcher plants, calla lilies, orchids – along with countless rare fungi, spiders, butterflies, and other creatures adapted to this remarkable habitat – may depend on this effort to recreate a natural balance where invasive species have taken over.
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We continue learning about the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois River Bottomlands Natural Division as we delve into details about the nearly 225-mile shoreline of the Illinois River from the mouth of the river upstream to LaSalle.
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In the first part of our exploration of the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois River Bottomlands Natural Division we explore an area that stretches nearly 338 miles along the shoreline of the Mississippi River, from the Illinois-Wisconsin border to its confluence with the Missouri River.
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Since 2021, planning teams from around the nation developed large-scale initiatives for wildlife habitat restoration under the Working Lands for Wildlife model, with the northern bobwhite identified as a species of concern. A variety of programs offer landowners in west-central and south-central Illinois technical assistance and financial incentives to modify land management practices that improve farm productivity, sustainability and restore wildlife habitat.
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On June 7, 2024, the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge celebrated its first 100 years. It is the most visited national wildlife refuge within the National Wildlife Refuge System with more than 3 million visitors annually, and it provides unique habitats for many species of fish, wildlife and plants.
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On a cool summer morning, the author visits Pete Fandel’s farm to learn more about soil. It becomes clear to the author that Fandel’s healthy soil is affecting more than his bottom line. Read on to learn more about the impact of healthy soil on the environment.
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A message from Chief Mike McClelland
Welcome to the November 2024 edition of the online magazine OutdoorIllinois Journal, featuring timely, seasonally based stories about the Prairie State’s wildlife resources, with an expansion of content to include a broader range of subjects—including endangered and threatened species and Illinois’ unique, high-quality habitats and the people working to preserve, protect and manage these resources.
