New this Month - May 2024

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is holding an art contest featuring this summer's biggest attraction, cicadas! Guidlines for participating and information on how to enter the contest can be found here.

ENTICE workshops provide background information, networking opportunities, hands-on lessons, supplemental resources on the topic and the opportunity to work with resources professionals. Professional Development Hours are available. Correlations to relevant Next Generation Science Standards and/or Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards are provided. Shown below is a list of upcoming workshops through May 2024. Visit https://www.enticeworkshops.com for details, the complete list of workshops and to register. Experience ENTICE!

For more than 160 years the Chicago Academy of Sciences/Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum has been assembling and maintaining a variety of natural history specimens and collections. Teachers of grades PK-8 can learn about the collections of the Museum and what they can teach us about changes in Illinois ecosystems over time. We will discuss how the museum builds and maintains our collections, and provide guidelines for collecting natural materials and using living and preserved specimens in the classroom. Educators will be pinning dead invertebrates as part of this workshop. Teachers of other grade levels are welcome to register for this workshop but may need to adapt the materials for their students, as appropriate.

Scientific research requires standardized techniques that can be used to collect, analyze and share data. You can learn about some of these techniques and how to implement a few of them with your students to study local wildlife and wildlife habitats. Targeted to grades three through eight, the information and activities will assist you in meeting several Next Generation Science Standards. Teachers of other grade levels are welcome to attend but may need to adapt the information and resources. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. 

The only true flying mammals will be examined at this workshop for educators of grades one through four. Work with resource professionals as you learn about the life history of bats and their relationships to other species jn the environment. Experience hands-on activities that can be instantly implemented into your curriculum. After a short drive, the class will visit Illinois Caverns to learn more about caves and bats. Take home many Illinois-specific supplemental materials. Professional Development Hours are available. Educators of other grade levels are welcome to attend the workshop, but they will need to adapt the materials to the grade levels taught, as appropriate. 

In the game of life, what makes a winner? Survival! Walk, trot, fly, swim, or hop down to The Morton Arboretum and learn about the adaptations of plants and animals that ensure their survival. Collect data, analyze plants, observe animals, engage in fun activities, and even play a few games that bring the theme of adaptations to life in your classroom. Although targeted to teachers of grades second through fourth, all educators are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted, as appropriate. You'll take away several resources to use in your classroom! This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Professional Development Hours are available. Teachers of other grade levels are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the information as appropriate.

This workshop for educators of grades prekindergarten through 12 will provide an introduction to and educational resources about the wild amphibians in our state. We will focus on the life history of these species, and we will go on a hike to look for amphibians and their signs. We will show you how to use the topic of "Illinois wild amphibians" to support the teaching of several of the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards for Science and Next Generation Science Standards with your students. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

Invasive Carps are nonnative fishes that have invaded the waterways of Illinois and many other states. These species are responsible for enormous economic recreational and environmental impacts. At this workshop we will provide an introduction to their life history as well as data to quantify their effects. Containment methods being used in Illinois to keep the carp out of Lake Michigan will be discussed.

Explore the fish of Illinois with IDNR fisheries staff as we delve into the wet world they live in. Learn about fish biology, habitats, and adaptions. We will explore fish up close and personal by going hands-on with fish. One-day fishing license is required and will be issued as part of this workshop if a participant does not have one. No fishing experience is required as we will provide. Participants will be taught fishing basics, how to share with students, and how to learn about the environment while fishing. Come dressed for the weather and bring a hat, (we will provide soap and water to clean up afterward).

They buzz, flutter, and crawl and play a critical role in maintaining ecosystems and human food supply. Educators of grades kindergarten through eight are invited to register for this workshop to learn about the importance of pollination, the identification of Illinois pollinators, and the challenges they face in the modern world. Educators will take a walk to a pollinator garden on the IDNR Conservation grounds. You will participate in activities and take home many resources to add to your curriculum. Professional Development Hours are available. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The world is full of objects built by animals to help them survive. Attend this workshop for educators of grades prekindergarten through three and learn about beaver dams, spider webs, mussel shells, bird nests and so many other amazing objects constructed by animals in our local environment. Challenge the engineering skills of your students to create similar structures by using the resources provided and activities presented at the workshop. All educators are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted, as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the IDNR.

Join us for this workshop about the dragonflies and damselflies of Illinois! We will be working in the field and in the lab as we discuss the identification, life history and behaviors of these fascinating invertebrates, both as aquatic nymphs and as adults. Although targeted to educators of grades six through 10, educators of other grade levels are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted as appropriate. You'll be provided with several resources to use with your students. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. 

They buzz, flutter, and crawl and play a critical role in maintaining ecosystems and human food supply. Educators of grades kindergarten through eight are invited to register for this workshop to learn about the importance of pollination, the identification of Illinois pollinators, and the challenges they face in the modern world. Educators will take a walk to a pollinator garden on the visitors center grounds. You will participate in activities and take home many resources to add to your curriculum. Professional Development Hours are available.

They buzz, flutter, and crawl and play a critical role in maintaining ecosystems and human food supply. Educators of grades kindergarten through eight are invited to register for this workshop to learn about the importance of pollination, the identification of Illinois pollinators, and the challenges they face in the modern world. Educators will take a walk to a pollinator garden on the visitors center grounds. You will participate in activities and take home many resources to add to your curriculum. Professional Development Hours are available.

Pollinator populations are in decline, but you and your students can take actions to help them. By planting a native pollinator garden at your school, you can provide food and shelter for pollinators and a place of learning for students of all ages. We will discuss what makes a successful pollinator garden and how to maintain it. Connections to learning standards will also be provided. We will show you how to apply for an Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant to help fund your project, too. This workshop is targeted to educators of grades prekindergarten through 12. Supplemental resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Soar on down to The Morton Arboretum this summer and gather ideas, resources, and activities for your classroom. This workshop will help educators bring the classroom outdoors and connect with green spaces in their community. Participants will identify birds, track butterflies, investigate the role of both in different habitats, and learn to utilize the natural world to bring science curriculum to life. Although targeted to teachers of pre-K through second grade, all educators are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted, as appropriate. Your curriculum will "take flight" with the resources you take home!

Wildlife is all around us, in large urban areas or small towns! Educators of grades prekindergarten through four are invited to participate as we learn where to look for urban wildlife, what you can expect to find, how to identify species, and how to improve urban wildlife habitat at your school. Natural resources professionals and educators will instruct about these topics and more, including how species adapt to the urban environment, how humans affect urban wildlife, and how to use urban wildlife topics as the foundation for locally relevant, place-based teaching. Receive supplemental educational materials to enhance your teaching.

coordinators and families are among the people who can successfully use these resources. A two week loan period is suggested. There is no charge to borrow the trunks/packs, although a refundable deposit may be requested. Click here to find the contact information to make a reservation and view the trunk/pack content lists.

Free Angler and Aquatic Education Programs for students: Teachers across the state are encouraged to contact their regional Urban Fishing Program Coordinator to learn more about how they can schedule free angler and aquatic education programs.

Chicago: Jonathan Schlesinger at DNR.urbanfishing.Chicago@Illinois.gov. Interested in Programs in Chicago, please fill out this form.

Northern Illinois: north of I-80, includes cities surrounding Chicago, Rockford, Moline, and Rock Island, Frank Sladek at Frank.Sladek@Illinois.gov.

Central Illinois: south of I-80 and north of I-70 (not including Alton/Grafton), includes cities of Quincy, Macomb, Peoria, Springfield, Champaign, Decatur, Danville, and Bloomington, Van Grissom at Van.Grissom@Illinois.gov.

Southern Illinois: South of I-70, including Alton, Edwardsville, Mt. Vernon, Carbondale, East Cape Girardeau, and Cairo please contact Scott Isringhausen at Scott.Isringhausen@Illinois.gov

Ever wonder where the big bass, plentiful panfish or massive muskie in your local lake come from? Come to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery in Topeka, Illinois, and find out! Now is a great time to visit Illinois' largest fish hatchery to see where many of your favorite sportfish begin their life. Jake Wolf Fish Hatchery accepts requests for scheduled tours, by appointment only, Monday-Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Tour groups are limited to 15 people. All ages are welcome. For more information on public tours please call the hatchery at 309-968-7531. For more information on the hatchery, visit https://ifishillinois.org/programs/hatchery.html or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JakeWolfHatchery/.

Thank you for choosing Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks as a field trip destination for your students, scouts and classmates! What better location to engage students in their natural surroundings than the trails, canyons and sandstone overlooks of these two state parks. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) offers FREE guided hikes/programs by request through the Natural Resources Coordinator. Can't make it to the park for an on-site field trip? The IDNR has educational trunks and packs available for loan to educators on topics such as mammals, birds, trees, insects, people of Illinois' past and more. Further information can be found here. Not comfortable using the educational trunks and curriculum? No problem, the Natural Resources Coordinator can come to you! Schedule a Classroom Visit or a Virtual Visit with a Naturalist here. Call or email to set up your field trip today! Lisa Sons, Natural Resources Coordinator, lisa.sons@illinois.gov, 815-667-5356.

Planning a trip to Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks? Check out the Parks new K-2nd Teacher Resource Packet for field trips.

Students are invited to submit poetry to Volo Bog State Natural Area’s Peatland Poetry Challenge. Volo Bog State Natural Area and Friends of Volo Bog are holding their second annual Peatland Poetry Challenge.

To request an entry form, email Natural Resources Coordinator Stacy Iwanicki at dnr.volobog@illinois.gov and request a Peatland Poetry Challenge submission form.

The following items are provided for your information only. They are not programs of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Should you have questions about them, please use the contact information provided with the items.

We are seeking high school science teachers to participate in a research study co-designing and delivering a lesson plan using digital mapping software to model the biological impacts of climate change. Participants will be asked to engage in 3 segments of this project (1) a 16-hour PD workshop in which they will learn to use GIS software, (2) co-design of a 2-week GIS based climate change lesson plan, and (3) delivery of the lesson in the fall of 2024. For more information contact Wendy Dorman, PhD Candidiate & Study Coordinator, wdorman2@illinois.edu.