Sep 8, 2023
To continue adding to our understanding of wild turkey ecology, behavior, and their response to forest management activities, Illinois Natural History Survey researchers are studying hen turkeys in western, central and south-central Illinois.
MoreSep 8, 2023
El mejor escenario para criar a los jóvenes a menudo implica un esfuerzo comunitario, muchas personas trabajando juntas para proporcionar un entorno seguro. Esto se demostró notablemente en julio del 2023 cuando tres chorlitejos silbadores, una especie en peligro de extinción a nivel federal, fueron trasladados desde donde fueron criados en cautiverio hasta su lugar de liberación en Montrose Beach, Chicago.
MoreAug 1, 2023
Every August, one type of long-horned bee visits the ultraviolet blooms of ironweed along roadsides and in meadows. This pollen specialist represents one intimate relationship that exists between two distantly related organisms that have been dragged through time.
MoreAug 1, 2023
It was the complicated relationship between orchids and their fungal associates that first captured the attention of Dr. Betsy Esselman. Read on to learn more about the symbiotic relationship between fungi and the Illinois endangered spring ladies’ tresses.
MoreAug 1, 2023
Within the boundaries of Pyramid State Recreation Area grows a small floral wonder—the state endangered spring ladies’ tresses (Spiranthes vernalis). That this delicate orchid was found on a reclaimed mine site is evidence of the resilience of nature.
MoreAug 1, 2023
Among the numerous prairie legumes that fix atmospheric nitrogen is the highly regarded leadplant (Amorpha canescens). With distinct leadened-colored leaves, this deep-rooted prairie species is frequently described as an indicator species for high-quality prairie remnants. It attracts a wide variety of insects, birds and other wildlife.
MoreAug 1, 2023
Two students at Lewis and Clark Community College conducted separate projects on the bush honeysuckle to try and help land managers, volunteer groups and agencies manage and monitor this invasive shrub. Read on to learn about their techniques and findings.
MoreAug 1, 2023
Part 2 – Woodland Habitat Management
A great first step towards getting the most out of any wooded acreage is to work with a forester. After evaluation of the property, development of a plan will guide improvements beneficial to both the timber resource and a diversity of wildlife species.
MoreAug 1, 2023
A landowner, Jim Gillespie, and a researcher, Brenna Decker, both wanted to know how native bee populations respond to land management strategies that include prescribed burns of varied timing. Assessing bee populations on a 150 acre restored prairie enlightened both the landowner and researcher.
MoreAug 1, 2023
The northern bobwhite has experienced dramatic declines in abundance throughout their range. A multitude of partnership programs are working with landowners and farm operators to improve habitat conditions with the intent of reversing the downward bobwhite trend in the bobwhite population.
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A message from Chief Mike Wefer
Welcome to the August 2023 edition of the online magazine OutdoorIllinois Journal, featuring timely, seasonally based stories about the Prairie State’s wildlife resources. We’ve prepared a variety of stories for you in this edition. Look for articles on mergansers, white-tailed deer and wood ducks; muskies, trout and bass; and bees, piping plovers, orchids and leadplant. Hear from researchers about their work on current issues. Explore Illinois’ nature preserves, waterfowl hunting areas and other places to visit.
