It’s been rumored I have a book obsession, especially field guides and books related to the outdoors. By the looks of my overflowing bookcases, the piles on every flat surface, and my go-to stack of reference books on my desk, there may be some truth to that rumor. One of my favorite places to shop for books may seem unlikely….
(Bill Key)We’ve been eating invasive carp for a long time at our house. It’s all part of being a river rat and not letting anything go to waste. Consequently, long before DNR launched its rebranding and marketing of invasive carp as Copi, it was a staple in our house. Smoked carp dip is one dish that has always been a…
(Photo courtesy of Illinois State Police)If you have been following social media or reading the news reports and accompanying comments since mid-October, one would think that Illinois is just crawling with cougars. The current cougar saga began in Illinois when two things occurred. First, IDNR officials announced on October 17 that a mountain lion (Puma concolor – cougar) was struck…
Deer baits and food ‘supplements’ are readily available but, in most instances, are illegal to use in Illinois.
Ripe pawpaws don’t last long in the woods. Virtually every four-footed creature likes to dine on them.
Phragmites australis, also known as common reed, is a non-native grass that aggressively invades wetlands. Once established, it becomes nearly impossible to eradicate. It is not your friend.
Gov. JB Pritzker announced today that a long-awaited renovation of the popular Rend Lake Resort in Southern Illinois will get underway in 2023 with an investment of more than $17.5 million. The funding will renovate the conference center, restaurant, cabins, pool, and boatel, collectively enabling the resort to host lodging guests, conferences, and other visitors and events. “Rend Lake has…
New second edition Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of Illinois doesn’t disappoint.
Will help communities acquire open space and develop.
“What diner won’t be intrigued when they read Copi tacos or Copi burgers on a menu?”
The IMP Wings of Dreams is a great way to combine technology, citizen science, and some fun for the whole family.
The end goal of all this squirrel observing is to understand tree squirrel ecology better.
The indigo bunting is one of Illinois’ most colorful and common summer songbirds. (Gretchen Steele)Just call me a bird nerd, I suppose. I don’t think I fall into the hard-core birder category by any means; at best, I am a casual bird watcher. But, I love photographing birds, and my all-time love of waterfowl has led me to be fascinated…
Keep your eyes open as you traverse the late spring and early summer woodlands and other habitats.
Essentially two different natural resources careers in action – a site super and fisheries biologist. (Gretchen Steele)For the f irst time in what seems like years, we are finally starting to see job openings in a multitude of natural resources-related careers. My social media feeds and email inbox has been filled with job opening announcements from state and federal agencies,…
It’s time to look around our neighborhood with fresh eyes and hunt down those spots where we developed our love of the outdoors.
Spring is a beautiful time to get out there and resume your favorite warm-weather activity. Just remember to do your part to help stop the spread of invasive species.
MAKANDA, Ill. – Trail of Tears State Forest is now home to two new privies thanks to the local Boy Scout, River Michael Doss. Doss attends Marion High School. With the help of Boy Scout Troop 42 and volunteers, Doss built and installed two privy structures at Trail of Tears State Forest. The project kicked off with an initial planning…
It’s February and almost time for the Great Backyard Bird Count, so my bird feeders are full. I can easily waste most of a cold winter day watching the colorful songbird activity around the various feeding stations that I have scattered around the backyard. Heck, I even have feeders right outside my office window to distract me from the tasks at…
Once upon a time, outdoor enthusiasts and photographers commonly shared information about locations of particular interest. We shared unique places, sacred places, sensitive places. We shared with others we knew and trusted. We even encouraged them to visit certain spots. Sometimes the locations were shared through club meetings or printed newsletters. A few authors even wrote books outlining these special,…
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