By Connor Boyd
BLOOMINGTON – The Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) is looking for those who have made significant contributions and dedication to outdoor recreation opportunities within the state.
ICF Executive Director Eric Schmidt said the Hall of Fame nominees should have these desired traits.
“Specifically, we look for folks that touch the lives of youth and adults, and promote: fishing, hunting, conservation, safety or education,” said Schmidt. “Some of them [Hall of Fame members] have done efforts to preserve or enhance wildlife habitats.”
Hall of Fame nominations are open through June 19. This year’s inductees will be honored at the ICF Gala on September 24 at the Hilton Indian Lakes resort in Bloomingdale. Schmidt added that furthering the education of natural resources can be applied in various fields.
“They use school’s facilities, not only for teaching ecology and biology, but all the art classes come down and use it [schoolyard habitat programs] for inspiration and sketching,” said Schmidt. “Theres a a shop class that helps build the class, they are able to take these and spread them through education all around.”
The Hall of Fame induction process hopes to show residents just how impressive Illinois wild life can be, including some nearby park locations.
“Even if you don’t have them [natural parks] in your county or region they are really not further than an hour-and-a-half away and you really don’t have to leave the state to see amazing landscape, amazing wildlife and learn some fantastic things about our heritage here,” said Schmidt.
This year’s induction class will join the exclusive group of 48 current honorees.
