ILLINOISDEPARTMENTOF NATURAL RESOURCES

J.B. Pritzker,
Governor|illinois.gov

Everyone Belongs in Nature: Where access meets intention

by José Burgos |  August 1, 2025 |  Recreation
A group of people stand in front of a tent with the Illinois department of Natural Resources "Everyone Belongs in Nature logo on the canopy of the tent. A mother holds a little boy and next to her stands her little girl. A woman sitting under the tent bring hers hands together in the shape of a heart. In the background people gear up to fish at a lake.

Photo courtesy of José Burgos.

On Saturday, June 14, 2025, William W. Powers State Recreation Area on Chicago’s Southeast Side came alive with families, laughter and discovery. More than 500 people, many visiting a state park for the first time, gathered for the second annual Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ (IDNR) Everyone Belongs in Nature Festival.

A young girl proudly holds up a silver and dark green fish on a hook attached to a fishing line connected to a fishing rod and reel in her other hand. In the background is a pond with many people and children fishing from the shoreline and some people in canoes paddling around in the middle of the pond.
Photo by José Burgos.

They didn’t just show up. They fully engaged.

Children and teens caught their first fish and proudly took home medals. They paddled canoes, tried archery, met wildlife up close and played flag football with former NFL players. Families learned about native species, wetlands and the importance of protecting Illinois’ natural treasures.

What happened that day is best expressed in two words: belonging and joy.

The Numbers

The festival saw an outpouring of participation, underscoring both the demand for and the impact of accessible, intentional outdoor events:

  • Canoeing grew from 47 participants last year to more than 200 this year.
  • Archery nearly doubled, from 45 to 92 participants.
  • More than 150 children and teens fished, many for the first time.
  • Over 600 meals were served.

More than 450 people registered online ahead of the event, and 500-plus attended in person. These numbers tell a clear story: when given access and a clear invitation, families show up and they engage.

A collage of many families, children and people enjoying a day outdoors, fishing and canoeing.
Photos by Jeramie Strickland.

One Family’s Story

Two men and a child sit in a canoe along the side of a canal about to push off and enjoy a paddle around a pond. In the background are more people paddling around in canoes. People are fishing from the shoreline way off in the distance.
Photo by José Burgos.

Among those who attended was Christina Ellison, who came with her two teenagers to celebrate her son’s 8th-grade graduation. She later shared her reflections with us, capturing the day’s spirit beautifully.

“The canoeing was such a major hit with the families in attendance. There was an extended wait, but it was worth it. While waiting in line we spent time with a nearby presenter where we learned about the true natural fish inhabitants of Illinois’ waterways and the importance of protecting our state’s natural resources. And when our turn to canoe came, we nervously put on our safety gear, listened to the instructions provided and for the first time ever rowed in a canoe. It was fun and exhilarating and my two teens are now eager to try it again!”

A group of children are taking direction and from two men as they wait for their next game of flag football. In the background is a tall tree in front of the shoreline of a lake.
Photo by José Burgos.

After canoeing, her teenagers ran straight to the NFL Flag Football field, where they played alongside other youth under the guidance of former professional players.

“They ran, sweated, jumped, and high-fived during the football game, encouraged by the adults running the activity. Teamwork, focus, consistency and belief in oneself are words I gleaned from the conversations. With smiles and out of breath, they still shuffled down the lane to fish!”

The fishing station, with support from partners who provided rods, guidance, and encouragement, was another highlight, especially for families who had never fished before.

Two women and one man pose together in front of a lake at a fishing festival. People in the background are paddling around the lake in canoes or standing at the shoreline fishing.
Photo by Jeramie Strickland.

Christina Ellison concluded her note with gratitude for the staff and the atmosphere created that day:

“From the music to the food, the atmosphere was safe and controlled, and the IDNR staff were both knowledgeable and engaging, especially with the children. This event was amazing, and it was great to see all the children taking an interest in non-electronic activities. The day ended with everyone helping to clean up and my teens, so tired from the day, sleeping all the way home. We are really looking forward to this event next year. We thank you, IDNR, for all you did to organize a great that was overflowing with fun and learning opportunities for many who would otherwise never experience these kinds of activities.”

Thank You

A young boy proudly holds up a fish he caught with his rod and reel. A man stands nearby to assist the boy. In the background is the lake and a grassy shoreline.
Photo by Jeramie Strickland.

The Everyone Belongs in Nature Festival was made possible through the dedication and partnership of many. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources thanks the Hegewisch Veterans Memorial, Sportsmen’s Alliance, Riverside Fishing Club, Shiloh Englewood Community Outreach, and the NFL Alumni Chicago Chapter, along with dozens of volunteers and educators who brought their time and talents to the day.

But most of all, we thank the families who showed up with curiosity, courage and the willingness to try something new.

What we saw on June 14 affirms what we believe: when access meets intention, families will not just come but they will belong, engage and create lasting memories.

We look forward to welcoming attendees next year.

Because everyone belongs in nature.

José Miguel Burgos serves as the Chief External Affairs Officer for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), where he leads the Office of Community Outreach to new heights, guided by the message “Everyone Belongs in Nature.” With a rich background in state government, community programs, and education, Burgos stands as a dynamic advocate for impactful change. In his role at IDNR, Burgos bridges the gap between the department and external stakeholders, fostering strategic partnerships that amplify the department’s mission. Burgos holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Illinois-Springfield and a Translation Studies Graduate Certificate from the University of Chicago.

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