Illinois Mixed Bag: Tradeswomen’s Fishing at William Powers a hit

Chicago — The Illinois Conservation Foundation and DNR helped host the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance’s Tradeswomen’s Fishing Event, which took place earlier this month at William Powers State Recreation Area on Chicago’s far southeast side.

About 250 union tradeswomen participated in the USA’s women’s fishing event, which has quickly become a tradition, with participation quadrupling since it began in 2022. The event offers union members the chance to step away from the Annual Tradeswomen Build Nations conference, try something new and celebrate solidarity in the great outdoors.

“The fishing event was great. It was gratifying to see so many women dropping a line in a lake right in the city,” said Joseph Sellers, Jr., general president emeritus of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers. “Seeing their excitement come alive and knowing the USA is bridging the gap by making fishing accessible to everyone was inspiring. The new kayak ramp and fishing pier are great examples of the USA opening the outdoors to more people.”

MORE COVERAGE FROM ILLINOIS OUTDOOR NEWS:

Illinois pro Drew Gill lands two monster largemouths to open 2026 with big victory

Avid southern Illinois outdoorsman on goose hunt dies trying to save dog

Ralph Loos: Deer hunting brothers from Illinois have a great day, editor does not

Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Grants Total $40k

Springfield — Nearly $40,000 in grants for 24 schoolyard habitat projects throughout Illinois have been awarded by DNR and the Illinois Conservation Foundation for the 2026 application period.

The Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant Program supports the development or enhancement of wildlife habitat on school grounds and other public spaces. Funding is provided through donations to the Illinois Conservation Foundation and program sponsor the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation.

“This award is a great way for students to engage in creating native habitat spaces in their local area,” said DNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “By participating in these projects, students learn that their efforts can make a positive difference in the world, and they gain experience in problem-based learning by planning, developing and maintaining the habitat.”

Applications for the next grant cycle will be accepted later this spring through Nov. 30. Application materials and additional information are available on the DNR website. For additional information, call 217-524-4126 or email dnr.teachkids@illinois.gov.

ICF Seeking Applications for Annual Conservation Achievement Scholarships

Springfield — The Illinois Conservation Foundation is accepting applications for its 2026 Conservation Achievement Scholarships, which will award up to four one-time scholarships of $2,000 each to Illinois high school seniors committed to conserving the state’s natural resources. The scholarships recognize students who have demonstrated sustained, voluntary dedication to preserving, protecting, enhancing or promoting Illinois’ lands, waters and wildlife.

One scholarship is reserved annually for a dependent of an Illinois Department of Natural Resources employee.

Since the program began in 2005, the foundation has awarded $194,000 to 95 Illinois students. The scholarships are supported by donations from individuals and partner organizations committed to protecting Illinois’ natural resources for future generations.

Applicants must be Illinois residents and seniors enrolled in an Illinois high school during the year the scholarship is awarded. Applications must be received by March 1. More information and application materials are available at ilconservation.org/Scholarships.

Forest Preserve Receives Silver Ribbon Award

Joliet, Ill. — The Forest Preserve District of Will County has received a Silver Ribbon Award from Friends of the Chicago River for the Lockport Prairie and Prairie Bluff Ecosystem Restoration Project.

The award was presented during the 2026 Chicago-Calumet River Summit, themed “In Defense of Biodiversity.” The annual summit brings together conservation leaders, planners, designers and advocates to highlight projects that protect and restore the Chicago-Calumet River system and surrounding watersheds through the Chicago River Blue Awards.

Lockport Prairie protects globally rare dolomite prairie and provides critical habitat for federally endangered species like leafy prairie clover, lakeside daisy, and the Hine’s emerald dragonfly, she added.

The restoration of more than 600 acres at Lockport Prairie and Prairie Bluff preserves took six years of coordinated work by the Forest Preserve District, the Army Corps, and Resource Environmental Solutions LLC.