SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is sharing the following upcoming events and noteworthy items for May.
May 1
Illinois History Day
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.
May 1
IDNR grant program applications open
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.
May 2
Off-highway vehicle trail opens
Sahara Woods State Recreation Area
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.
May 3
Waterfalls and wildflowers hike
Starved Rock State Park
Oglesby | La Salle County
Explore the wonderful trails, waterfalls, and wildflowers at one of Illinois’ most popular parks. Learn more online.
May 6
Earth Stewardship Day
Illinois State Fairgrounds
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.
May 6
Fall turkey firearm lottery opens
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.
May 10-11
Departure event
Lewis and Clark State Historic Site
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.
May 12
An afternoon with Thomas Jefferson
Illinois State Museum
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.
May 14
Electric outdoor equipment workshop
Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
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.
May 15
IDNR urban and community forestry grant opens
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.
May 17
Landscaping with native plants
Giant City State Park
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.
May 17
Family day at the David Davis Mansion
Bloomington | McLean County
Enjoy games, art, music, nature projects, treats, and more beginning at noon. Learn more online.
May 17
Art in Bloom: Watercolors
Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site
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..
May 17-23
National Boater Safety Week
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.
Now open
Illinois Caverns State Natural Area
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.
Throughout May
Safety education courses
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.
Throughout May
ENTICE teacher 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.