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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026

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Gretchen Steele

Rough Fish Roundup in Illinois draws archers from across the Midwest

Featured, Fishing, Illinois, National Fishing, News /

It’s considered “old school” by some, and that’s exactly how bow anglers like it.
The annual Kaskaskia River Rough Fish Round Up Bowfishing Tournament in Illinois took place at the Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam, again doing its part to remove invasive carp from the lower Kaskaskia River. Each year, this “Average Joe” tournament draws participants from across the Midwest.

Rough Fish Roundup in Illinois draws archers from across the Midwest Read More »

Southern Illinois researcher utilizes citizen scientists for sounds of nature research project

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

A Southern Illinois University Carbondale scientist is asking the public to keep its ears open in the name of monitoring biodiversity.

Brent Pease, an assistant professor in the forestry program, kicked off the Sounds of Nature 2023 research season in late April. Sounds of Nature is a community research project aimed at understanding changes in biodiversity over time by recording and monitoring so-called “soundscapes.”

Southern Illinois researcher utilizes citizen scientists for sounds of nature research project Read More »

Here’s how to avoid spreading invasive species when recreating

Featured, Illinois, Nature Page & Night Sky /

As more and more people take to the great outdoors, the spread of invasive species becomes an ever-increasing concern. Invasive species can wreak havoc on ecosystems, causing damage to native flora and fauna and disrupting food chains.
Let’s look at some of the best practices for stopping the spread of invasive species while enjoying our favorite outdoor pursuits.

Here’s how to avoid spreading invasive species when recreating Read More »

The ethics of picking wildflowers on public lands: why respecting nature is important

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

I recently witnessed a near-bloody social media war on picking wildflowers on public land. As a practitioner of the Leave No Trace school of outdoor recreation, I was stunned by the number of people who felt it was perfectly within their rights to pick wildflowers or dig up and transplant plants from public lands.

The ethics of picking wildflowers on public lands: why respecting nature is important Read More »

Invasive species take over what not long ago was a paradise in southern Illinois

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

My heart began to sink just a little as I made my way to one of my favorite mushroom patches. All along the roadside and the fence rows, what was greening up and putting on a show was not the usual spring culprits.
It seems as though I’ve been watching invasive species eat southern Illinois alive for years. Still, somehow, the spread seems so much more virulent this spring, with no spot left unaffected.

Invasive species take over what not long ago was a paradise in southern Illinois Read More »

‘Pawsitively’ connected: The shared love of dogs brings hunters together

Featured, Features, Home Page News, Hunting, Illinois /

The retriever club I belong to is neck-deep in planning its 35th anniversary “Spring Hunt Test.” Even though I still haven’t been able to bring myself to take on a new pup since the loss of my long-time retriever last spring, I still stay active in the retriever club.
My friends in the retriever club ( Retrievers Unlimited, HRC) understand that Willie was my heart dog – that one dog out of all the dogs you own that bonds with you in an indescribable way.

‘Pawsitively’ connected: The shared love of dogs brings hunters together Read More »

A well-trained dog makes a great conservation tool

Blogs, Featured, Hunting, Illinois, Opinion /

Ask any hunter who hunts over a dog or engages in competitive dog events based on hunting. Most will tell you that our four-footed friends are one of the best conservation tools in our toolbox. We know that hunting dogs are an integral part of the hunting experience for many outdoorsmen. Still, their role in conservation efforts is often overlooked. In truth, we’ve learned that hunting dogs play a vital role in maintaining healthy wildlife populations and preserving our natural resources.

A well-trained dog makes a great conservation tool Read More »

Illinois’ Giant City State Park taps into hunter familiarity with forest therapy trail

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

Post Oak Trail is an accessible one third-mile loop trail. Seven “Forest Therapy” stations with signage help visitors fully embrace their time in nature in a guided, mindful fashion.
The Post Oak Trail offers all visitors a chance to enjoy the natural world around them while mindfully taking in even the tiniest inhabitants of the different ecosystems. Although the final details on the trail aren’t quite complete, it’s already proven to be a popular trail and is usable by visitors.

Illinois’ Giant City State Park taps into hunter familiarity with forest therapy trail Read More »

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