Agencies
Services
New this Month - April 2026
What's New!
ENTICE Registration Site is Getting an Update!
The ENTICE registration site is getting a fresh look and update starting April 6. The site will be down for two days as we switch over to the new system. If you have any trouble on the new system, please contact us at dnr.entice@illinois.gov.
Illinois Historic Sites Field Trip Grant is open!
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources Historic Sites Field Trip Grant is now open for the 2026 - 2027 School year! Click here for the IHSFTG information and application page.
Highlighted ENTICE Classes - Northern Illinois
What do bald cypress, bog goldenrod, dragonflies, bluegill, and mallard ducks have in common? They are all part of a healthy wetland ecosystem. Discover the fascinating world hidden within Illinois' wetlands and explore the interesting organisms that live in them. We will discuss the life history, adaptations, and identification of wetland species. Get hands-on experience through wetland sampling and comparing the types of organisms found in the different habitats in the wetlands found at The Grove. This workshop is for grades 2nd to 9th, but can be adapted for other grades.
Central/Southern Illinois
Learn about the ecology of Illinois woodland habitats. We will learn how plants, animals, and trees interact and depend on each other to create a healthy forest woodland ecosystem through classroom discussions and a 1-mile hike. Although targeted to educators of grades 3 through 8, educators of other grade levels are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available.
When does spring start? When do the flowers bloom? How does nature know when to start a different time of year? It's all about the phenology or timing. Learn about this concept and how you can bring it to your students in your classroom. Explore different ways to collect data with students of all ages and help them understand nature in new ways.
Register Now for Upcoming ENTICE Workshops
Register soon for ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) professional development workshops for educators sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
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 June 2026. Visit https://www.enticeworkshops.com for details, the complete list of workshops and to register. Experience ENTICE!
Hop on over to The Morton Arboretum and join us for this workshop about Illinois frogs and toads. Designed for educators of grades prekindergarten through four, you'll learn about these amazing creatures and receive many Illinois-specific resources. Anuran life history, identification, relationships to other organisms and adaptations will be among the topics covered. Although targeted to teachers of grades PreK 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. Professional Development Hours are available.
Learn about the ecology of Illinois woodland habitats. We will learn how plants, animals, and trees interact and depend on each other to create a healthy forest woodland ecosystem through classroom discussions and a 1-mile hike. Although targeted to educators of grades 3 through 8, educators of other grade levels are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available.
What makes a reptile a reptile? Explore the wild reptiles of Illinois, learning their life history and taxonomy. Discover through a hike how to look for reptiles and their signs. This workshop for educators of grades prekindergarten through 12 will provide an introduction to and educational resources about the wild reptiles in our state. We will show you how to use the topic of Illinois wild reptiles 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.
What do bald cypress, bog goldenrod, dragonflies, bluegill, and mallard ducks have in common? They are all part of a healthy wetland ecosystem. Discover the fascinating world hidden within Illinois' wetlands and explore the interesting organisms that live in them. We will discuss the life history, adaptations, and identification of wetland species. Get hands-on experience through wetland sampling and comparing the types of organisms found in the different habitats in the wetlands found at The Grove. This workshop is for grades 2nd to 9th, but can be adapted for other grades.
When does spring start? When do the flowers bloom? How does nature know when to start a different time of year? It's all about the phenology or timing. Learn about this concept and how you can bring it to your students in your classroom. Explore different ways to collect data with students of all ages and help them understand nature in new ways.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to float down the Mississippi River on a barge? Well, now is your chance! Join us as ENTICE takes on the mighty Mississippi aboard the Living Lands and Waters floating river barge, tied up, of course. Discover what animals live in and around the mighty Mississippi River. Explore the fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and invertebrates that call this river home during the summer months.
What is a fish, and what fishes do we have in Illinois? Explore the different types of fishes we have here in Illinois with a focus on game fishes and fisheries management at the Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery. Learn about fish biology, habitats, and adaptations as we delve into the wet world they live in. We will explore fishes up close and personal by going on a behind-the-scenes tour at the hatchery.
Join NGRREC educators and researchers to explore Illinois' native herpetofauna, frogs, salamanders, turtles, and snakes. Participants will learn about current research on bird-voiced treefrogs, salamanders, timber rattlesnakes, and Blanding's turtles. You will get the chance to be in the field and participate in wetland sampling, frog call ID, and radio telemetry.
What makes a bird, a bird? Educators will get an introduction to common Illinois birds. Learn how to identify birds and how scientists investigate their behaviors. Join us for a hike to look for birds and signs of their presence. Discover ways to attract birds and take away plants to get started. Participate in activities that use birds as the phenomenon to support the Illinois Early Learning Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. This workshop is for grades PreK to 5th grade, but can be adapted for other grades.
What do geology and herpetology have in common? Join us as we discover the geology and herpetology of the Chicago Region. This workshop will emphasize how geological forces have shaped the ecology of local reptiles and amphibians. Explore the connection between the shape of the land effect the different species of reptiles and amphibians that live in the Chicago area. The focus will be on current species and include how we can follow changes in species through fossil remains. Up to 1.5 miles of easy to strenuous hiking is involved.
Dive into the deep, dark, mysterious world of caves! Many different species call the caverns of Illinois. How do they live? How do they survive? Explore this mysterious world with hands-on cave exploration. Part of this class will be a visit to Illinois Caverns to learn more about caves and the animals that live there.
Rusty snaketail, prince baskettail, and eastern amberwing all have one thing in common: being an Illinois dragonfly! Take part in field work and lab studies as we discuss the identification, life history, and behaviors of these fascinating invertebrates, both as aquatic nymphs and as adults. This workshop is for grades 6 to 10 but can be adapted for other grades.
Grants from IDNR Education
2026 - 2027 Illinois Department of Natural Resources Historic Sites Field Trip Grant is now open.
2027 Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant application will be available soon.
2027 Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant application is now open.
Dana-Thomas House Field Trip Grant
You can apply at any time of the school year. Application must be received at least 30 days prior to the planned trip date. It is the responsibility of the teacher requesting the grant to contact Dana-Thomas house and make arrangements for the field trip. Click here for Dana-Thomas House Field Trip Grant application.
Educational Resources Trunks and Packs
Other IDNR Sites
Check out these field trip sites and ways to connect with IDNR. See what they offer for teachers during this school year!
Illinois Urban & Community Fishing Program
Educators across the state are encouraged to contact their regional Urban and Community Fishing Program Coordinator to learn more about how they can schedule free angler and aquatic education programs.
Please contact your regional coordinator to discuss program opportunities.
Chicago: Jonathan Schlesinger at DNR.urbanfishing.Chicago@Illinois.gov. Chicago teachers who are interested in Urban Fishing Program can fill out this interest form https://forms.gle/ynb8PqtmBdy5S8fu6
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
Tours available at IDNR's Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery
If you’ve ever caught a northern pike or a muskellunge in Illinois, it very likely started its life at a hatchery in Mason County! Every year, IDNR stocks these prized fish all over Illinois, and right now, the newest ones are receiving specialized care at one of the largest fish hatcheries in the country! Visiting in early spring means you will get to check out the tiny pike and muskie, and you might still have time to check out the salmon and trout before we send them to Lake Michigan in May. If you want to learn about fish life cycles and how we raise these popular sportfish at the hatchery, call us to reserve a tour.
In addition to scheduled tours, our walk-in visitor’s center is open every day from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, with several informational displays and windows overlooking the production areas of the hatchery. All ages are welcome, and tours are completely free! 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/.
Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks Educational Programming
Choose 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. Check out what Starved Rock has to offer for teachers. Call or email to set up your field trip today Lisa.sons@illinois.gov, 815-667-5356.
Tour of Little Grassy Fish Hatchery
To scheduled tours, our walk-in visitor’s center is open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm and Wednesday and Thursdays 8:30AM -2PM with several informational displays and views of the production areas of the hatchery. Our new site interpreter Mark Denzer also does local outreach to local and regional schools referred to as Fish Journeys! All ages are welcome! For more information on public tours or the Fish Journeys Program, please call the hatchery at 618-529-4100 or visit Little Grassy Fish Hatchery website.
Illinois State Museum
ISM Teacher’s Lounge: Teaching Climate Change (virtual program). April 16, 2026, 6-7 pm. Please register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-ism-teachers-lounge-presents-teaching-climate-change-virtual-program-tickets-1985835236650?aff=oddtdtcreator. Join the ISM Teacher’s Lounge for an engaging book chat on Teaching Climate Change.
Check out family and children programs at https://www.illinoisstatemuseum.org/welcome-ism-springfield/ism-springfield-upcoming-events.html
Mini Explorer’s Club: Get Your Kicks on Route 66, April 7, 14, 21 at 9:30 am.
STEAM Saturday: April 11, 9:30 am & 12 pm. Fee
Nature Walks at Lincoln Memorial Gardens, April 11, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
Day of the Kid, April 26, 1-4 pm.
From Partner Agencies
Illinois Climate Education Hub is launched!
SubjectToClimate launched the Illinois Climate Education Hub a ready-to use resource designed by teachers, for teachers. It includes:
- Standards-aligned lesson plans
- Student news and activities
- Real examples of how climate change is impacting Illinois
Everything is free, vetted by educators and scientists, and aligned to state standards. Check it out at https://illinoisclimateeducation.org/ Check out the 3 free climate modules and other professional development at https://illinoisclimateeducation.org/professional-development.
Earth Day Toolkit for Teachers from Illinois Climate Education Hub
As we approach Earth Day, our free Earth Day Teacher Guide is a great tool for educators to bring climate topics into core subjects. It’s packed with ready-to-use lessons and activities for K–12 classrooms. Share it widely to help teachers bring climate learning to their students. https://illinoisclimateeducation.org/teacher-guides/earth-day-2026
DoIT STEAM Newsletter is out!
You can view the current DoIT STEAM Newsletter and previous volumes online on the DoIT STEAM Newsletter webpage. Additional resources can be found on the DoIT STEAM website. If you have any questions or comments, please email DoiT STREAM at DoIT.Steam@Illinois.gov.
Connect with Illinois Afterschool Network!
Check out their three FREE and virtual trainings at https://www.ianetwork.org/distance-learning-sessions-2/. They have resources and other information available at https://www.ianetwork.org/. For more information, please contact Gwyndolyn Moss at gmoss@ianetwork.org.
