Illinois Mixed Bag: Large river fisheries ecologist to speak in Alton

Alton, Ill. — The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center will feature Andrya Whitten Harris, large river fisheries ecologist for the Illinois Natural History Survey, as the guest speaker for the upcoming SEED Series event from 10 a.m. – noon May 20 at the Jerry F. Costello Confluence Field Station in East Alton.

This free public event offers a fascinating look into the fish communities of the Illinois River, which joins the Mississippi River just upstream from the Field Station.

Harris, based at the Illinois River Biological Station in Havana, brings a wealth of expertise through her work on the Long-term Survey and Assessment of Large-River Fishes in Illinois. Her research helps guide conservation priorities and evaluates native and non-native species trends using long-term ecological data.

In addition to learning about local aquatic ecosystems, attendees will have the chance to explore the ancient Japanese art of Gyotaku (fish printing). This hands-on activity provides a creative way to engage with science and celebrate the rich biodiversity of our rivers.

No registration is required. All ages are welcome.

THREE DNR WATERFOWL OPEN HOUSES REMAIN

Springfield — Waterfowl hunters are encouraged to attend one of DNR’s 2025 public open houses to contribute feedback on issues related to waterfowl hunting, including waterfowl hunting zones and future waterfowl season dates.

Input gathered from the public will be used to form dates for the 2026 through 2030 waterfowl hunting seasons. Hunters will have the opportunity to review information, provide comments on proposed waterfowl season recommendations, and speak with DNR biologists.

All public open houses will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a formal presentation at 6 p.m. Each open house will feature identical information, so hunters are encouraged to attend one session that is convenient for them.

Locations and dates for the remaining open houses: DNR field office in Olney (May 20), John A. Logan College in Carterville (May 21), and National Great Rivers Museum in Alton (May 22).

JIM EDGAR SET TO HOST SPRING WINGSHOOTING CLINIC

Springfield — Youth aged 10 and older and adults can now register online for the youth and family wingshooting clinic scheduled for 10 a.m. on June 8 at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area in Cass County. This clinic is designed for beginner and novice participants youth and adults of all skill levels. Parent or guardian participation is welcome and encouraged. Registration is required and there is a fee of $10 per participant.

Wingshooting clinics instruct participants to safely shoot a shotgun at a moving target with reasonable reliability. The clinic starts with a shotgun safety presentation at 10 a.m. and is followed by a hands-on shotgun orientation session. The clinics are taught by DNR or National Sporting Clays Association instructors.

Lunch is provided for participants. The afternoon is spent in the field shooting clay targets until approximately 4 p.m. Participants learn to safely handle and shoot a shotgun and that being skilled at shooting clay targets is a lot of fun.

For more information, visit the DNR website.

ILLINOIS FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES UPDATED

Springfield — The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued its annual update of advisories related to the consumption of sport fish caught in Illinois waterways. IDPH maintains an interactive Fish Advisory Map that includes consumption advisories for more than 100 publicly accessible bodies of water across the state.

Under this year’s advisories:

• Five Illinois bodies of water have been added to the list: Duck Creek Lake, Schuy-Rush Lake, Rock Run Rookery, Waukegan South Harbor, and Waverly Lake.

• Advisories for six bodies of water have been updated. The majority of updates were associated with mercury and continued PFAS testing, which was incorporated into statewide monitoring in 2023. Those bodies of water are: Cedar Lake, Chaminwood Lake, Dongola Lake, Dutchman Lake, Illinois River, Wolf Lake, and Indian Creek.

• Advisories were relaxed in four water bodies: Big Muddy River, Lake Bracken, Monee Reservoir, and Randolph County Lake.

While there is no known immediate health hazard from eating contaminated fish from any Illinois water body, there are concerns about effects of long-term exposure to polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and methylmercury in fish.

WILDLIFE PRAIRIE PARK MOVES ON ADDING CAMPSITES

Peoria, Ill. — The Peoria Journal-Star reported that Wildlife Prairie Park will undergo a $1.5 million expansion that will include a new campground, which will be located on the park’s west side and have space for 40 sites for recreational vehicles over 9.5 acres of land. Each campsite will include concrete pads along with water, sewer, and electrical hookups.

“We’ve done a lot of research to try to build the best RV campground in the state with features and amenities that will attract more people to our area,” CEO Roberta English stated in a release.

Renovations to the events venue will include the addition of a new kitchenette, bathrooms, laundry room, showers, a store and recreation space. The park also plans to renovate the exterior of the stone house, built in the 1800s, and the Bison Hump Pump Track is set to be relocated.

If approved by the Peoria County Board, Wildlife Prairie Park can seek necessary approvals and permits from other agencies including the Illinois Department of Health and DNR. Renovations are expected to be ready for guests by March 2026.