wooden sign that says Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site fall trees in background
Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site in Menard County will muster a reenacted version of the New Salem Militia with an encampment in the historic village April 24-25. This will be the first militia event at the historic site in more than a decade. www.illinois.gov/content/dam/...
turkeys in the woods
Illinois youth turkey hunters set a new record, harvesting a preliminary total of 2,318 birds during the 2026 Illinois youth season. The total surpasses last year’s record of 2,099 birds and marks the third consecutive year of record-setting youth turkey harvest in Illinois.
Cahokia Mounds
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, part of the IDNR family of sites, will host its annual Spring Native American Market April 24-26, bringing together some of the nation’s most talented Native American artists.
Read the press release here: www.illinois.gov/content/dam/...
IDNR’s Coastal Management Program is excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for our 2026 Coastal Grants Opportunity. The deadline to apply is May 20, 2026 at 5 p.m. For more information, visit dnr.illinois.gov/cmp/coastalg...
wingshooting clinic. participant aiming firearm with instructor and people in blaze orange watch.
Sign up today for the Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area Introductory Wingshooting Clinic, on Saturday, May 2! This hands-on clinic is designed for beginner & novice youth & adult participants. No prior experience is required.
Register here: givebutter.com/shabbona-lak...
man and boy fishing
Have you bought your hunting and fishing license yet? Annual licenses purchased prior to March 1, 2026, are for the 2025 license year and expired March 31, 2026. Purchase your 2026 license today! dnr.illinois.gov/lpr.html
Lake
IDNR will delay the traditional April 1 opening of Heidecke Lake in Grundy County to boaters this year because of unusually low water levels caused by ongoing drought conditions. Bank fishing will be allowed in the interim.
Check out our Wildflower Walk from last year! www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqJF...
Enjoy the beauty of spring in southern Illinois during upcoming Spring Wildflower Walks at Giant City State Park on Saturday, April 4, Saturday, April 11, and Friday, April 17. Each walk is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Register for these free walks by calling 618-457-4836.
It’s that time of year! Youth turkey season opens this weekend, Saturday, March 28. Youth spring turkey season is open statewide for the next two weekends, March 28-29, and April 4-5. For more information regarding youth season regulations, visit huntillinois.org/turkey/#seas....
gala recipients
Thanks to everyone that participated in the annual Illinois Conservation Foundation gala. It was a fantastic night with Hall of Fame inductees and Outdoor Excellence Award recipients being celebrated! Learn more about these incredible recipients here: www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
The 2026 Illinois spring trout fishing season will open Saturday, April 4 at 58 ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state. An early opportunity at select trout sites – the spring catch-and-release fishing season – will open Saturday, March 21. ifishillinois.org/Pages/Resour...
A woodcock at IDNR HQ in Sangamon County.
The Illinois State Museum is seeking volunteer judges for the 2026 Illinois History Day state contest!
This year’s state contests will take place at the Crowne Plaza Springfield on Monday, April 27 for the senior division and Monday, May 4 for juniors.
www.illinoisstatemuseum.org/ism-system-c...
Love camping and helping others? IDNR needs campground hosts for 2026! Hosts greet visitors, assist campers, and get free camping at state parks. Apply at your chosen site. Details: www.illinois.gov/content/dam/...
Educators! Join us at Fort Massac State Park on Sat, Mar 21, 9–3, for an ENTICE workshop exploring early French fur trapping in Illinois. Interdisciplinary, standards‑aligned, with PD hours + resources. Preservice teachers welcome. Register: www.enticeworkshops.com
Exciting summer job opportunity! Illinois’ Urban Fishing Program is seeking 2026 Summer Fishing Clinic Instructors statewide. Apply here: bit.ly/IDNRjobs Look for “fishing clinic instructor.”
Congratulations to CPO Amanda McKune for winning the NWTF Wildlife Officer of the Year Award! Learn about it here: www.nwtf.org/content-hub/...
First lottery for 2026 deer firearm & muzzleloader season is open through April 30. For IL residents only limit of 1 application per hunter. Landowner deer firearm permit recipients not eligible for a firearm permit but may apply for muzzleloader permit. huntillinois.org
Becoming an Illinois Conservation Police Officer is far more than choosing a job; it’s choosing a life built around public service, outdoor stewardship, and protecting the places where the pavement ends. Learn what it takes in Outdoor Illinois Journal: outdoor.wildlifeillinois.org/articles/wha...
IDNR is hosting a field day on Sat, March 21 at 7:30 a.m. in Sangamon County at the IDNR building. If you're under 18 & completed the online hunter safety course, a field day is required to get your hunter safety certification. More info: 217‑785‑4217 or shelli.jones@illinois.gov.
A squirrel enjoying a snack.
Illinois is gearing up for the nation’s 250th birthday with the first-ever Passport to Illinois. A free travel journal highlighting 56 historic sites, museums & monuments that shaped our nation. Download the digital passport, and start your journey: www.il250.org/passport
Join us for the James Orlandini Foundation Wingshooting Clinic, Saturday, April 4! This hands-on clinic is designed for beginner & novice youth shotgun shooters and their parents or guardians. No prior experience is required.
Learn more and register here: givebutter.com/springfield-...
Celebrate the birthday of President Abraham Lincoln from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 at Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site in Lerna.
Author Stacy Lynn will discuss and sign her book, “Loving Lincoln: A Personal History of the Women Who Shaped Lincoln’s Life and Legacy.”
IDNR is hiring a design and construction section manager for the Office of Water Resources in Sangamon County. Deadline to apply is Feb. 13. To read the job description and apply, visit illinois.jobs2web.com/job/Springfi...
IDNR is seeking a vendor for a 3-year golf course management contract. A mandatory attendance pre-bid meeting for the Eagle Creek Golf Course on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 10 a.m. to be held at the Eagle Creek State Park Office located at 2341 Eagle Creek Rd, Findlay, IL.
Are you interested in winter tree identification? Join IDNR staff on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 10 a.m. at the Argyle Lake visitor center in McDonough County for a discussion about trees in winter and how to identify them. Then set off on a hike to test out your identification skills.
Don’t miss Lincoln’s birthday celebration at the Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site in Fayette County on Saturday, Feb. 7. The event will take place between 2 and 4 p.m. in the House of Representatives chamber where Abraham Lincoln served.
It’s Groundhog Day! Did you know that groundhogs are also called woodchucks?
These celebrated creatures can be found statewide in Illinois in brushy or weedy areas, forest edges, fence rows, railroad embankments and earthen dams.
dnr.illinois.gov/education/wi...
