There’s still time to visit Conservation World at the 2024 Illinois State Fair! The fair closes Sunday, Aug. 18. Come see IDNR staff and enjoy our numerous outdoors-themed activities and exhibits.

The first lottery for free public duck and goose permits is open through Aug. 31. Resident hunters may apply to receive site-specific permits. Learn more about the application, list of permits available, and information regarding application status at dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/waterf….

This week we hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Starved Rock Breakwater Project, part of #NESP. District Commander Col. Aaron Williams was joined at the event by Illinois DNR Asst. Director Todd Strole and representives from the offices of Tammy Duckworth & Congressman Eric Sorensen.

Visit IDNR at Conservation Village on Derby Lane at the Du Quoin State Fair through Sept. 2! Enjoy a free fishing clinic from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24. Locations marked by the green start and blue fish on the map. dsf.illinois.gov

Hey kids! Did we catch you fishing at the Du Quoin State Fair? The IDNR fisheries team is on site and ready to help young people discover the joy of fishing. Stop by the conservation tent 4-8 p.m. weeknights and noon-8 p.m. Sat., Sun. and Mon. (Labor Day). dsf.illinois.gov

"I've got my eyes on you!" Check out this stunning photo of a blue-faced meadowhawk dragonfly. These insects can be found in the southern three-quarters of Illinois. Learn more: bit.ly/3Mo61UR (Photo by IDNR Office of Resource Conservation Director Chris Young)

A worn female monarch near Springfield. This butterfly is probably not the generation that will migrate south as it gets colder. 📸 Chris Young

👀 Did you see all the fun activities we'll have at Eddie Fest this year! All that IN ADDITION to live music, community craft vendors, food trucks, and so much more! Make plans to join us tomorrow, 12-4 p.m.! #ChicagoLDP24 chicagolaborparade.com/about-2

Wish Smokey Bear a happy 80th birthday and take a photo with him Sunday at the DuQuoin State Fair. Look for Smokey at the IDNR Conservation Village tents off Derby Lane near the Exposition Building from 1-3 p.m. and again from 4-5:30 p.m. Green star on map = IDNR. 🐻🎈🎁📸

Conservation police will be out on Illinois waterways looking for impaired boat operators and reminding people to wear their life jackets this holiday weekend. Life jacket use is the No. 1 way to prevent drownings. #realboaterswearit #ReadySetWearIt

Smokey Bear was excited to visit the DuQuoin State Fair Sunday with IDNR staff to help raise awareness about wildfire safety.

This photo of a great blue heron at Sangchris Lake State Park near Springfield deserves its own post! 😍 Did you know the great blue is the largest heron found in Illinois? Herons are wading birds that have a long neck and a thick, pointed beak. outdoor.wildlifeillinois.org/articles/the-g…

As we say goodbye to another beautiful late-summer weekend, please enjoy these photos of the beauty and tranquility of Sangchris Lake State Park in central Illinois. Have a great Monday, everyone.

The youth waterfowl hunting lottery for duck and goose is open through Oct. 1. For more information regarding hunting regulations and how to submit your application, visit IDNR's public duck and goose hunting area permit information at dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/waterf…

Good morning from Illinois Beach State Park on the shore of Lake Michigan in Lake County, where our photographer was out at dawn and captured the breathtaking view. Have a great Friday, everyone.

State Park Spotlight: Ferne Clyffe State Park in Goreville While visiting Ferne Clyffe, you don’t want to miss out on all of the activities it has to offer. The park offers camping, fishing, hunting, a nature preserve, rock climbing, hiking and equestrian trails. #FerneClyffe