Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Governor JB Pritzker and IDNR Director Renee Snow opened Conservation World at the Illinois State Fair with a ribbon-cutting on Thursday, Aug. 13. Additional speakers included Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton and Illinois Humanities Director Gabrielle Lyons. Also pictured: Illinois State Fair Director Rebecca Clark, Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello, Illinois County Fair Queen Krista Phillips and Smokey. We hope to see you at Conservation World between now and Aug. 23. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gF-twC5k. Office of the Governor - Illinois

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources invites fairgoers to experience outdoor adventure and family-friendly activities among the shade trees and cool breezes at Conservation World during the 2026 Illinois State Fair Aug. 13-23. Conservation World will commemorate the 100th anniversary of U.S. Route 66 – the Mother Road – with a variety of themed displays and activities. “IDNR is excited to join the Illinois State Fair in celebrating the history and nostalgia of U.S. Route 66 this year,” said IDNR interim Director Renee Snow. “With new exhibits, programs and hands-on activities in Conservation World, there’s something fun for everyone to explore. I invite fairgoers of all ages to visit, try something new and make Conservation World a part of their state fair experience this year and every year.” Conservation World is in the northwest corner of the Illinois State Fairgrounds, accessible by foot and by tram. It’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the fair. Explore the daily activity schedule and learn more about Conservation World at https://lnkd.in/gF-twC5k.

Sometimes, the best conversations happen with a fishing rod in hand instead of around a conference table. Last week, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Department of Central Management Services welcomed State of Illinois interns to 'Network in Nature', an intern-driven afternoon designed to bring young professionals together in a setting that encouraged conversation, collaboration, and connection. The event centered on the interns. They spent the afternoon fishing, sharing a meal, and getting to know fellow interns and professionals from across state government while experiencing the outdoors, one of Illinois' greatest resources. Even when heavy rain arrived during the final 30 minutes, the event had already accomplished its goal. New professional connections had been made, conversations had flourished, first fish had been caught, and memories had been created. At IDNR, we believe nature is more than a place to recreate. It is where connections are built, ideas are shared, and some of the strongest professional relationships begin outdoors. Thank you to all of the interns who brought such great energy to the afternoon, and to our partners at the Illinois Department of Central Management Services for helping make this event such a success. #EveryoneBelongsInNature #IllinoisDNR José M. Burgos Kady Burtle Kevin Romo Rhea Rucker Jamie Reynolds Olivia Schweikart Franklin Powell Genevieve Paul Alana Shuman Flynn Tirey @Ophelia Thomas Stephany Hoehner Cynthia C. Sarah Kerley

IDNR offices will be closed on Friday, July 3. Happy Independence Day weekend.

Today, IDNR is excited to welcome our new interim director, Renee Snow. Director Snow is no stranger to IDNR. She’s been an attorney for the department since 2014 and general counsel since 2019. She is deeply familiar with some of the most complex projects and challenges facing the department, including the Brandon Road Interbasin Project, federal conservation funding, fiscal and grants operations, fishing and hunting laws and programs, museum and historic preservation work, Tribal relations, and more. Please join us in welcoming Director Snow to her new role!

IDNR offices will be closed on Friday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.

IDNR offers diverse career opportunities for everyone. Get a glimpse into the work that Illinois River fisheries biologist Nerissa McClelland does to preserve aquatic habitat and wildlife. Learn more about careers at IDNR and apply online at https://lnkd.in/gz4HCcUt Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau #fisheries #biologist #illinoisriver #jobs

More than 200 people have already registered. Two years ago, we expanded our long-running community fishing event into the first-ever "Everyone Belongs Nature Festival"; a celebration of fishing, archery, canoeing, wildlife, outdoor recreation, and the belief that nature is for everyone. The video below captures highlights from that first festival in 2024, when hundreds of participants came together at William W. Powers State Recreation Area to connect with nature, learn new skills, and create lasting memories. Since then, the festival has continued to grow, bringing together families, community organizations, volunteers, and outdoor enthusiasts from across the Chicago region. On June 20, we're excited to do it again. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning with family and friends, we hope you'll join us. June 20, 2026 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM William W. Powers State Recreation Area, Chicago https://lnkd.in/gUFmqVD5