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Illinois Outdoor News columnist Gretchen Steele reflects on receiving outdoor hall of fame honor

Gretchen Steele was recently named as part of the 2023 induction class of the Illinois Outdoors Hall of Fame. Steele became a writer and photographer in the outdoors later in life after starting her professional career as a nurse. (Contributed photos)

When Coulterville’s Gretchen Steele ventured into the field of outdoor writing in the early 2000s, she felt a bit out of her element.
Not just a fish out of water, but “a carp in a bird bath,” as she eloquently stated.
“I didn’t go to journalism school,” Steele said. “It’s not something I set out as a career path. I didn’t have the same educational background. I always just felt like I was some batty old lady that ran around the woods and did strange stuff.”
Well, Steele can make more room in that bird bath now. She was recently named as part of the 2023 induction class of the Illinois Outdoors Hall of Fame.

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