Feb 1, 2024
A love of waterfowl hunting helped to ignite a passion for wildlife conservation in Lux. As a District Wildlife Biologist for Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Lux uses his lifelong passion and extensive background in natural resources conservation to serve his assigned counties: Adams, Fulton, Hancock, McDonough and Schuyler.
MoreFeb 1, 2024
Working in concert with a variety of partners, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is on track to reduce the agency’s carbon emissions to zero by 2050. In conjunction with the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center at the University of Illinois, more than 70 people from all facets of the agency developed a Climate Action Plan. Pilot projects will be undertaken to test new ideas before they are rolled out to the whole agency. The actions will create a brighter, greener future for IDNR and the people of Illinois.
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Through his role as a District Wildlife Biologist for Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Albert’s devotion to a career in conservation will continue. Within his assigned counties of Brown, Morgan, Pike and Scott, Albert will also oversee the improvement of many public land sites.
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For nearly 55 participants there is joy in experiencing something new, whether it is touching a fish, reeling in their first catch or riding on a pontoon boat. And for the 250 volunteers helping with a day of fishing on Lake Springfield, it is day that most vow to never forget.
MoreFeb 1, 2024
While most outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers understand that tick bites can result in various infectious diseases, they may not be aware that some of these bites can also induce a dangerous meat allergy, particularly to red meat. Alpha-gal syndrome is a relatively unknown food allergy linked to the bite of the Lone Star tick, and it’s made its way to Illinois.
MoreNov 1, 2023
Curious visitors strolling past Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo stop and marvel at the large birds clustered just over the fence. Illinois-endangered black-crowned night-herons have nested at the Park for 17 years, providing a wild and magical encounter for passersby.
MoreNov 1, 2023
Working within an urban landscape, teams of boat crews survey the fisheries of the Chicago River each spring and fall. These surveys are designed to assure that bighead, and silver have not breached the downstream electric barrier and harvest efforts in place to prevent these invasive species from approaching Lake Michigan.
MoreNov 1, 2023
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ new Waterfowl Program Manager, Doug McClain, grew up in Ohio hunting geese with his father and grandfather, which he attributes to his desire to pursue a career in waterfowl management. After earning a Master’s degree researching nest site selection of wood ducks across the Cache River watershed, and working in a variety of positions in waterfowl management, he’s excited to work on improving waterfowl management across Illinois.
MoreNov 1, 2023
“Everyone Belongs in Nature,” the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ newest theme, came to life in late September at a Chicago White Sox game where a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Night occurred. Loyal baseball fans were reminded—or perhaps introduced—to another aspect of spending time outdoors, outdoor recreation.
MoreNov 1, 2023
As the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Illinois Nature Preserve System is coming to a close, Amy Doll, Executive Director of the Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves poses an excellent question: What will Illinois nature look like in 40 years when we celebrate the 100th anniversary?
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A message from Chief Mike Wefer
Welcome to the February 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.
