May Newsbits from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is sharing the following upcoming events and noteworthy items for May.

Springfield | Sangamon County

The Illinois State Museum hosts Illinois History Day at the Bank of Springfield Center. Regional finalists will compete for a chance to go to the national competition in Washington D.C. 

Statewide

Applications for the Natural Areas Stewardship grant and the Illinois Endangered and Threatened Species Rehabilitation grant applications are accepted through June 14. Learn more online. 

Harrisburg | Saline County

The long-awaited Sahara Woods State Recreation Area off-highway vehicle trail in southern Illinois will open for the 2025 season on Friday, May 2. The park offers nearly 30 miles of off-highway vehicle trails on reclaimed mine land for riders' enjoyment. The site features a new visitors center, restrooms, and paved parking. Riders can register online and learn more about the trails.

Oglesby | La Salle County

Explore the wonderful trails, waterfalls, and wildflowers at one of Illinois' most popular parks. Learn more online. 

Springfield | Sangamon County

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and Illinois Department of Agriculture welcome fourth-grade students to the Illinois State Fairgrounds for a day of presentations and hands-on conservation activities. Representatives of IDNR's divisions of fisheries, mines and minerals, and education, along with Illinois Conservation Police and the Illinois State Museum, will host programming. Go online for additional information. 

Statewide 

Lottery applications for the fall turkey firearm season will be accepted May 6 through July 7 for Illinois residents. Go online to submit an application or for additional information. 

Hartford | Madison County

Reenactors, historic artisans, and more will commemorate the 1804 departure of explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Go online for additional details.

 

Springfield | Sangamon County

This lunch and learn style program with a Thomas Jefferson reenactor present his time during the American Revolution, his thoughts on being president, and his hopes for the "western lands" of Illinois. Go online for additional details.

Kewanee | Henry County

Join IDNR and representatives from the Illinois Smart Energy Design Assistance Center at Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area, 28616 Sauk Trail Road near Kewanee, from 10 a.m. to noon to learn more about electric outdoor equipment for both commercial and residential purposes. Workshop features discussion and hands-on demonstrations. Electric equipment available will include commercial and residential lawn mowers, weed trimmers, chainsaws, leaf blowers and more. Event is free and open to the public, but registration is required online. 

Statewide

Applications for urban and community forestry grants will be accepted May 15 through June 30. This grant helps local governments with the development of urban and community forests. Learn more online. 

Makanda | Jackson County

This presentation will introduce ideas for designing a landscaping plan that features Illinois native plants that nurture and feed native species. Learn more online. 

Bloomington | McLean County

Enjoy games, art, music, nature projects, treats, and more beginning at noon. Learn more online. 

Springfield | Sangamon County

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon of artistry in a truly historic setting. Materials will be provided. Just bring your creativity and love for color. Learn more on Facebook.. 

Statewide

The annual weeklong observance reminds boaters to brush up on boater safety skills and prepare for the boating season. Learn more about boater safety online. 

Waterloo | Monroe County

Explore spectacular cave formations including stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone. Find out more online, including rules and the permit that's required to explore the cave. Visit IDNR's YouTube channel for a recent video of what conditions are inside the cave. 

Statewide

IDNR offers hunter field days and hunter and boating safety courses. Visit the safety education class schedule online for all upcoming safety education courses. 

Statewide

IDNR offers teachers courses for continuing education credits covering a variety of nature and conservation topics, such as birds, pollinators, and other topics. In May, classes will be offered in Yorkville, Glenview, and Alton. View the full schedule and register online.

Follow IDNR on Facebook and its online calendar of events for further information.