Feb 3, 2025
On the timescale of nature, the passing of 100 years seems almost unimportant. But, the formation of the Illinois Department of Conservation, later to become the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, came at a time when coordinated action was needed to restore wildlife populations and manage those resources for the future.
MoreFeb 3, 2025
On a visit to a state park, the author and her companions found a pond that usually held water was dry. Scrambling down the bank, they employed their detective skills to explore the dry pond bed, discovering natural history evidence of life in an aquatic habitat.
MoreFeb 3, 2025
As a federally endangered species, piping plovers have a host of wildlife agencies and volunteers looking out for them. Illinois fans nervously await the plovers’ migratory return each spring. Fortunately, dedicated birders watch for the plovers throughout their migratory routes and on their wintering grounds.
MoreFeb 3, 2025
Oswald, a new addition to IDNR Headquarters in Springfield, is no stranger to wildlife conservation efforts and the outdoors. With past experience as part of a team working towards wildlife disease and damage management, Oswald hopes to promote a sense of teamwork and cooperation within IDNR to help wildlife biologists (and their projects) be successful in their conservation efforts.
MoreFeb 3, 2025
Regardless of the mechanism, it appears that the bison at Nachusa Grasslands are playing an important role in altering prairie habitat for species of concern, such as the Henslow’s sparrow. Learn how researchers are monitoring plant and animal community responses to grazing across the preserve to help unravel questions about the presence of bison on the prairie.
MoreFeb 3, 2025
Many birders struggle to distinguish a Cooper’s hawk from the confusingly similar sharp-shinned hawk. Recent taxonomic changes reveal that these two hawks aren’t as closely related as once thought. research about the genetic makeup of organisms is used by taxonomists to make more informed decisions about classifications.
MoreFeb 3, 2025
In the waters of Illinois exists a water bird that often poses a challenge for the observer as it disappears underwater and heads off to the refuge of dense shoreline habitat. Most likely you have encountered the mysterious pied-billed grebe.
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Environmental Science students at Pontiac Township High School have been deeply involved in conservation for several years. They’ve drafted legislation, monitored water quality, planned roadside plantings, and consulted with hospital and state agencies. Now they have taken leadership of implementing the 30×30 America the Beautiful initiative in Illinois.
MoreFeb 3, 2025
Building habitat on private land isn’t easy. That’s why when Barb Heyen wanted to improve part of the Hardin County property that has been in her family since the Civil War, she formed a “conservation team.” With the help of her team, 120 acres has been converted from low quality pasture to quail- and monarch-focused habitat.
MoreFeb 3, 2025
The serviceberry is truly a native plant for all seasons in Illinois. One of the earliest blooming shrubs in the spring, the blooms’ nectar and pollen provide an early source of nourishment to bees and other insects awakening from winter slumber. And come June, the fruits, which are actually called pomes, attract hungry American robins, cedar waxwings, turkey, quail and squirrels.
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A message from Chief, Division of Wildlife Resources Mike Wefer
Welcome to the February 2025 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.
