Illinois Department of Natural Resources

11/25/2023

Join us at the Oak Ridge Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 1 p.m. for a special ceremony to honor and remember the Illinoisans listed as prisoner of war or missing in action (POW/MIA) during the Vietnam War. Heart ornaments will be provided. Family and friends are also welcome to bring their own weatherproof ornaments for the tree.

https://fb.me/e/1HSebHfBG

11/24/2023

IDNR’s Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site in Springfield is offering special evening tours on Wednesdays and Fridays during the holiday season through Dec. 20. To learn more, visit https://dnr.illinois.gov/press-release.27322.html.

11/23/2023

IDNR wishes you and yours a safe and joyous Thanksgiving holiday.

As a reminder, IDNR offices are closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 23-24.

11/23/2023

IDNR has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the National Park Service to recognize significant African American heritage properties in southern Illinois.

Illinois was one of 21 projects in 16 states and the District of Columbia to receive funding from the Underrepresented Community Grants (URC) program through the Historic Preservation Fund administered by the National Park Service.

The project is a collaborative effort between the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office, a division of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and the CAI- Center for Archaeological Investigations at Southern Illinois University. Learn more here: https://dnr.illinois.gov/press-release.27329.html

11/22/2023

IDNR’s Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site, the oldest surviving capitol building in Illinois, will host public candlelight tours the evening of Saturday, Dec. 9 as part of the site's annual Christmas open house. The festivities are scheduled for 5-7 p.m. Learn more here: https://dnr.illinois.gov/press-release.27321.html

11/22/2023

IDNR is hiring a natural resources specialist based in Springfield. This position is responsible for inspecting aquaculture production facilities to ensure compliance with facility requirements, annual reporting requirements and adherence to permit conditions.

Deadline to apply is Nov. 27. To read the full job description and instructions for applying, visit

https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job/Springfield-NATURAL-RESOURCES-SPECIALIST%2C-OPT-1-IL-62702/1096136700/

11/21/2023

IDNR’s David Davis Mansion will again be featured on the popular Christmas at the Mansions tour in Bloomington-Normal on Saturday, Dec. 9. Learn more here: https://dnr.illinois.gov/press-release.27320.html

11/21/2023

IDNR is hiring an accountant based in Springfield. The person in this position will be in the Office of Fiscal Management, in the budget and payroll section. They will perform technical accounting including preparing and maintaining budgetary reports, records, and more.
Deadline to apply is Nov. 27. To read the full job description and instructions for applying, visit https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job/Springfield-ACCOUNTANT-%28UPWARD-MOBILITY%29-IL-62702/1096143000/

11/20/2023

Hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary statewide total of 262 wild turkeys during the 2023 fall firearm turkey season. The season dates were Oct. 21-29. Learn more here: https://dnr.illinois.gov/press-release.27319.html

11/20/2023

Seven snowmobile trail projects in Illinois have been awarded $392,150 for the development, rehabilitation, and maintenance the trails. The grants come from the Illinois Snowmobile Grant program (SNOW) and the Snowmobile Trail Establishment Fund Grant program (STEF). To read more, visit https://dnr.illinois.gov/press-release.27281.html

11/19/2023

IDNR is hiring a conservation grant administrator with a Spanish speaking requirement based in Springfield.

They will participate in the management of grant projects, preparation of grant contracts, contract billings, project amendments and tracking of grants in the departmental databases and spreadsheets.

Deadline to apply is Nov. 27. To read the full job description and instructions for applying, visit

https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job/Springfield-CONSERVATION-GRANT-ADMINISTRATOR-I%2C-SPANISH-SPEAKING-IL-62702/1096134900/

11/19/2023

IDNR has awarded two grants totaling $231,310 for the acquisition of land for off-highway vehicle recreation.

The off-highway vehicle grant program provides financial assistance to government agencies, not-for-profit organizations, and other eligible groups or individuals to develop, operate, maintain, and acquire land for off-highway vehicle parks, trailside facilities, and trails that are open and accessible to the public in Illinois, as well as for maintenance and repair of parks, trails and trailside facilities.

Learn more here: https://dnr.illinois.gov/press-release.27295.html

11/18/2023

IDNR is hiring a water allocation engineer based in Chicago.

This position serves as the water allocation engineer for the Lake Michigan Management Program to include allocating Lake Michigan water to municipalities and other users in Northeastern Illinois in accordance with state law and the U. S. Supreme Court decree.

Deadline to apply is Nov. 27. To read the full job description and instructions for applying, visit

https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job/Chicago-WATER-ALLOCATION-ENGINEER-%28PUBLIC-SERVICE-ADMIN-OPT_-8E%29-IL-60601/1096131400/

11/18/2023

IDNR has announced the latest recipient of a grant for projects funded through the Wildlife Preservation Fund grant program.

The Wildlife Preservation Fund provides grants under the Illinois Non-Game Wildlife Protection Act.

Five percent of non-federal dollars deposited into the Illinois Wildlife Preservation Fund are committed to grants through this program.

The Act provides for a voluntary check-off designation on state income tax return forms, allowing individual taxpayers to make charitable donations to the fund.

Learn more here: https://dnr.illinois.gov/press-release.27280.html

11/17/2023

Looking for something to do in Springfield tonight? Check out IDNR’s Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site Festive Friday tours. These tours will be every 30 minutes from 4-7 p.m. Can't make it tonight? No problem, tours are happening on Nov. 24 and Dec. 1, 15, 22.

11/17/2023

Today Friday, Nov. 17 is opening day of firearm deer season. If you’re out in the field, we hope you have a safe and successful day! What are some of your favorite hunting traditions?

11/17/2023

IDNR is pleased to be part of collaborative efforts to bring a monarch protection specialty license plate to Illinois motorists. Many thanks to the Illinois Monarch Project Community Engagement Committee, which helped with the sticker design.

The monarch license plate is one of the many ways IDNR is committed to monarch conservation. The Illinois Monarch Action Plan was launched in September 2020. The plan details the strategies and actions to achieve Illinois’ goal to add 150 million milkweed stems by 2038. By putting milkweed and other native plants on the landscape it assists not only monarchs, but all native pollinators.

Some results of this plan have been:
🦋 May was officially designated as Monarch Month in Illinois in 2019.
🦋 3,270 Monarch Watch Waystations have been created in Illinois.
🦋 Between October 2019 and September 2022, the Illinois Natural History Survey used Integrated Monarch Monitoring Program’s protocols to quantify floral resources on 49 grasslands on 29 IDNR properties.

Learn more about monarch conservation by visiting https://illinoismonarchproject.org/

To order a specialty license plate, visit https://ILSOS.gov/monarch

11/16/2023

IDNR wants to remind hunters to always use a fall arrest system whenever they’re in a tree stand. Firearm deer season is Nov. 17-19 and Nov. 30-Dec. 3.

Read more here: https://dnr.illinois.gov/press-release.27298.html

Make sure to inspect your tree stand and equipment for any wear and tear before using it this firearm deer season.

11/16/2023

Interested in a mentored archery deer hunt? IDNR is taking applications for a mentored hunt for adults and youth at Kickapoo State Recreation Area in Vermilion County Dec. 12 through Jan. 7.

Hunters who wish to apply must have less than three years' prior deer hunting experience and not been successfully drawn in the mentored deer hunt program previously. Deadline to apply is Nov. 27.

Learn more here: https://dnr.illinois.gov/press-release.27285.html

11/15/2023

Firearm deer season is Nov. 17-19 and Nov. 30-Dec. 3. Remember that only one deer per firearm permit is allowed and that no hunter may harvest more than two antlered deer during a year. For more information, visit https://dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/hunttrapdigest.html

11/14/2023

Educators the deadline to submit your application for the Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant Program is Thursday, Nov. 30. Learn more here: https://dnr.illinois.gov/education/grants/grantsshag.html

Attention Educators! The application deadline for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant Program is approaching! Submit your applications by November 30th for your chance to involve your students in hands-on natural resources stewardship! Teachers, nature-center personnel, and adults who are youth-group leaders (grades prekindergarten through 12) in Illinois are eligible to apply. Click the link below for more information:

https://dnr.illinois.gov/education/grants/grantsshag.html

11/14/2023

Seven organizations have been awarded state Habitat Fund Project grants from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

This grant program enhances game and non-game wildlife habitat through projects developed by non-profit organizations and governmental entities.

Funding for the Illinois Habitat Fund Special Wildlife Funds Grant Program comes from the sale of habitat stamps.

To read more, visit https://dnr.illinois.gov/press-release.27277.html

11/14/2023

IDNR wants to remind people not to dump their personal garbage at state parks.

This a photo of some of the trash that was picked up by park staff this weekend at Kickapoo State Recreation Area. Discarding personal trash at state parks is not allowed and could result in a ticket.

Please help to keep IDNR state parks beautiful for everyone by refraining from dumping garbage.

11/13/2023

IDNR is hiring a natural resources specialist based in Kendall County. They will assist in planning and implementing the Aquatic Nuisance species management program. This position will assist other program staff with planning and budgeting, fish population assessments, sample processing, and more.

Deadline to apply is Nov. 27. To read the full job description and instructions for applying, visit

https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job/Yorkville-NATURAL-RESOURCES-SPECIALIST%2C-OPT-1-IL-60560/1096138900/

11/12/2023

The Illinois Nature Preserves Commission is celebrating its 60th anniversary by featuring protected sites monthly throughout 2023! To see the November selection, visit https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ee45bc1a5f7543f3af6a8b98f083cf08

11/11/2023

Are you a waterfowl hunter who lives in the south-central zone? Duck season is officially open for the south-central zone today, Saturday, Nov. 11, and remains open for the north and central zone. The basic daily limit is six ducks of any species; however, restrictions do apply. To learn more, visithttps://dnr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dnr/hunting/documents/hunttrapdigest.pdf

11/10/2023

Please join us on Sunday, Nov. 12 as the Dance Hall Doves close out the 2023 Sandburg Songbag season at the Carl Sandburg Historic Site in Galesburg. The concert will begin at 2 p.m.

A talented duo, the Dance Hall Doves feature two key players from the Galesburg entertainment scene. Director of the Orpheum Theatre Erin Glasnovich is known for her guitar playing and soulful vocals as Sullivan's daughter. Employed by Music Makers, Corie "Cow" Weisenberger lends his musical talents to such bands as the Memphis Dives. Combining their musical talent, the Dance Hall Doves feature a mix of bluegrass, folk, rock, oldies, and original tunes.

See the event details here: https://fb.me/e/3YcWQMOVH

11/10/2023

In honor of Veterans Day, IDNR offices will be closed Friday, Nov. 10. IDNR wishes to express gratitude to all who have served and who continue to serve our country, especially our colleagues at the department. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

11/10/2023

In case you missed it, here’s a photo from this morning’s sunrise showing the moon and Venus conjunction. 📷 by Chris Young

11/09/2023

Check your harvested deer for chronic wasting disease (CWD). IDNR is reminding deer hunters of locations where deer can be tested for CWD free of charge during the 2023-2024 hunting season. Learn more: https://dnr.illinois.gov/press-release.27184.html

11/09/2023

In honor of Native American Heritage month, the Illinois State Museum is hosting events throughout the month of November. Upcoming events include:

Curious Kids: Dancing
Thursday, Nov. 9, 9:30-10:30 a.m. In-person at ISM, Springfield.
Toddler crafts and stories including, Powwow Day by Traci Sorell and Finding My Dance by Ria Thundercloud.

What Was Ours: Film Screening
Tuesday, Nov. 14, 6-8 p.m. In-person at ISM, Springfield.
Showing of the documentary, What Was Ours, and a Q&A session immediately following the film.

Collaborating with Tribal Nations
Sunday, Nov. 19, 2-4 p.m. In-person at Dickson Mounds Museum, Lewistown.
Assistant Professor B. Jacob Skousen presents on the Noble-Wieting Archaeological Project.

Traveling the Wyandotte Removal Trail
Tuesday, Nov. 21, 6-7 p.m. Hybrid at ISM, Springfield - Virtual Registration Required.
Heather Miller talks about the removal history of her own Tribal community.

For more information visit: https://www.illinoisstatemuseum.org/ism-system-content/illinois-state-museum-upcoming-events.html

11/08/2023

Last week IDNR’s Division of Fisheries, along with other researchers and biologists, tagged 4,600 young lake sturgeon at the Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery in Mason County as part of Illinois' Lake Sturgeon Recovery Project.

The young lake sturgeon were tagged with Passive Integrated Transponders, or PIT tags, that were placed just under the fish’s skin using a needle and syringe. The PIT tags will allow biologists and researchers to assess age and growth rates, as well as movement from stocking locations upon recapture.

These fish will be stocked into the Illinois River and its tributaries. The information learned from this project will aid in recovery efforts of this species not only in Illinois, but within the Upper Mississippi River Basin as a whole.

Lake sturgeon are one of three native sturgeon species in Illinois waters and are listed as endangered in Illinois. Lake sturgeon are unique in that they can live more than 100 years. They don't become sexually mature until they reach around 20 years old, they can grow to over 6 feet long, and they prefer a diet of snails, crayfish, mussels and insects.

Learn more about the state-endangered lake sturgeon at https://dnr.illinois.gov/education/wildaboutpages/wildaboutfishes/wafsturgeon/waflakesturgeon.html

11/07/2023

Don't miss the annual Native American Holiday Market Nov. 24-25 hosted by IDNR's Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville.

🎉 ANNUAL NATIVE AMERICAN HOLIDAY MARKET !

🗓 NOV. 24 & 25 (9 AM - 5 PM both days)

📍 Held in LaSalle Room @
Gateway Convention Center
1 Gateway Dr., Collinsville, IL 62234

🛍Over 45 Tribal Affiliated artists selling & demonstrating authentic Indigenous Arts & Crafts!

🎉 Items Include:
▪ Jewelry
▪ Beadwork
▪ Ceramics
▪ Woodwork
▪ Paintings
▪ AND MUCH MORE!

11/07/2023

IDNR is hiring an executive. The person in this position will work closely with the chief archeologist to operate a program for federal agency archaeological compliance of the National Historic Preservation Act.

Deadline to apply is Nov. 9. To read the full job description and instructions for applying, visit

https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job/Springfield-EXECUTIVE-I-IL-62702/1091911900/

11/06/2023

IDNR is hiring a site assistant superintendent for Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen State Park, and their satellite locations. This position serves as a full-line supervisor for a large staff of site maintenance employees.
Deadline to apply is Nov. 17. To read the full job description and instructions for applying, visit
https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job/Utica-SITE-ASSISTANT-SUPERINTENDENT-II-IL-61348/1094269300/

11/05/2023

Beauty and decay: Fall colors are fleeting. Enjoy these photos by IDNR’s Chris Young.

11/04/2023

A friendly reminder that Daylight Saving Time ends tonight, so don’t forget to turn your clocks back an hour. Hunters, remember to check the sunrise and sunset times.

11/04/2023

Interested in all things timber related? Wooden Dollars is a quarterly publication by IDNR’s division of forestry. This is a great resource for licensed timber buyers, forested landowners, and foresters for information about timber sales and the industry in general. Check it out here:https://dnr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dnr/conservation/forestry/wooden-dollars/wooden_dollars_vol1_issu1.pdf

11/03/2023

Illinois now allows hunters to use centerfire, single-shot rifles in certain calibers for deer hunting. Review our list of frequently asked questions and a list of legal cartridges at https://dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/law-change-that-affects-hunting-season.html

In addition, hunters can listen to Illinois Conservation Police Captain John Williamson discuss centerfire single-shot rifles, along with the life-saving importance of proper tree stand use, on Central Illinois Outdoors at this link: https://dewittdailynews.com/centralillinoisoutdoors-com/713500

11/03/2023

IDNR is hiring a natural resources coordinator. This position is the face of Jake Wolf Fish Hatchery and the first contact for the thousands of visitors every year. Responsibilities include giving tours, scheduling outreach events, and maintaining the largest hatchery museum in the Midwest. Deadline to apply is Nov. 9. To read the full job description and instructions for applying, visit

https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job/Topeka-NATURAL-RESOURCES-COORDINATOR%2C-OPT_-1-IL-61567/1091729100/