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Gretchen Steele

State-endangered orchid found in reclaimed strip mine lands in Illinois

Blogs, Featured, Illinois, Nature Page & Night Sky, Opinion /

It was in 2020 when I first heard whisperings of a state-endangered orchid species being found in the Pyramid State Recreation Area near Pinckneyville, Ill.
Typically, I would have dismissed this as next to impossible. I’ve been burning boot leather in the bowels of Pyramid State Recreation Area for so many years, even when it was still being actively mined. Lots of invasive species there, weeds, and few forests. Not an area I would expect to find a rare or endangered plant.

State-endangered orchid found in reclaimed strip mine lands in Illinois Read More »

Proposed project on Kaskaskia River in Illinois concerns waterfowlers, outdoor recreationists

Featured, Hunting, Illinois, National Hunting, National News, News /

A proposed project on the Kaskaskia River near Baldwin, Ill., has waterfowl hunters and outdoor recreation enthusiasts concerned about the future of a popular wildlife destination.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Kaskaskia Regional Port District hosted an in-person public meeting June 22 to discuss a navigation study for Kaskaskia Regional Port District Terminal 2. The Kaskaskia River Regional Port Small Navigation Project Feasibility Study, authorized through the Corps of Engineers, aims to improve navigational efficiency at Terminal 2. Options being considered include dredging two riverside channels to allow shipping and a barge turning area, a dredge disposal area, and a new dock as a local facility implemented by the port district.

Proposed project on Kaskaskia River in Illinois concerns waterfowlers, outdoor recreationists Read More »

What you need to know to take advantage of southern Illinois’ vast outdoor opportunities

Featured, Features, Illinois, Nature Page & Night Sky /

Southern Illinois is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts, offering diverse natural wonders and recreational activities. This region has something for everyone, from the stunning Shawnee National Forest to captivating caves and picturesque vineyards. To make the most of your visit, careful planning is essential.

What you need to know to take advantage of southern Illinois’ vast outdoor opportunities Read More »

Learning more about S3DA with National Conservation Coordinator Patty Reel

Blogs, Featured, Hunting, Illinois, Opinion /

One of the more exciting parts of the S3DA Eastern National Championship recently held at Rend Lake’s gorgeous archery course in Illinois was knowing that I would finally have an opportunity to catch up in person with Patty Reel.
I felt lucky that I would have some time to just sit and visit with Reel and learn more about S3DA and her role in the organization. S3DA’s mission is to foster, educate and guide youth in areas of 3D, and target archery, as well as teach ethical bowhunting practices.

Learning more about S3DA with National Conservation Coordinator Patty Reel Read More »

Archery range at Pyramid State Recreation Area in Illinois receives much-needed facelift

Blogs, Featured, Hunting, Illinois, Opinion /

The archery range at Pyramid State Recreation Area in Pinckneyville, Ill., is in the process of getting a much-needed facelift and renovations thanks to the cooperative efforts of DNR, the Perry County 4-H and Friends of Pyramid State Park. 
As DNR funding and staffing declined over the years and the maintenance backlog grew across the state, many sites were forced to prioritize what items in the parks received needed repairs and maintenance. Unfortunately, during that period, the archery range at Pyramid SRA had fallen into disrepair, the course and trail had become somewhat overgrown, and the targets had become largely nonexistent.

Archery range at Pyramid State Recreation Area in Illinois receives much-needed facelift Read More »

Retrievers Unlimited HRC in Illinois celebrates 35th anniversary

Featured, Features, Hunting, Illinois, National Hunting /

The day dawned with perfect southern Illinois weather when retriever enthusiasts from across the Midwest and South arrived at Peabody River State Fish and Wildlife Area in New Athens for the unique Retrievers Unlimited, HRC 35th Anniversary Spring Test.
As the dogs and handlers poured into hunt test headquarters early on a Saturday morning, it was a time filled with warm hugs and extended “hellos,” as many older and retired retriever handlers arrived to help celebrate the anniversary event.

Retrievers Unlimited HRC in Illinois celebrates 35th anniversary Read More »

Fishing? Scouting for deer? Get serious about preventing tick bites (on your dog too)

Blogs, Featured, Fishing, Hunting, Illinois, Nature Page & Night Sky, Opinion /

Ticks are more than just pesky little creatures that can ruin a delightful outdoor adventure. Not only are they annoying, but they also can potentially transmit some nasty diseases. So, how can you protect yourself and your loved ones from these tiny bloodsuckers? Let’s dive into some practical strategies to prevent tick exposures and bites.

Fishing? Scouting for deer? Get serious about preventing tick bites (on your dog too) Read More »

Shawnee National Forest benefits from fed’s Trails Program

Illinois, National News, Nature Page & Night Sky, News /

Two projects for trails in the Shawnee National Forest are among 98 projects that will receive funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service Legacy Roads and Trails Program in 2023.
In addition to improving roads and trails for communities, businesses, and visitors, the program creates jobs, including those in stream restoration, environmental design, and heavy equipment operations.

Shawnee National Forest benefits from fed’s Trails Program Read More »

Pushing ‘record’ button in your favorite woods helps Illinois research

Featured, Illinois, Nature Page & Night Sky, News /

I’ve always been a fan of citizen science. There are so many ways we can volunteer to help collect data, as just everyday folks. Whether we use iNaturalist, participate in bird, butterfly, or dragonfly monitoring, native plant monitoring, or assisting with sound recordings, most citizen scientist programs require very little training. They are a great way to give back to conservation and science with little effort.

Pushing ‘record’ button in your favorite woods helps Illinois research Read More »

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