Prairie State Wire

State officials on Thursday dedicated Conservation World 2024 in honor of Brent Manning, the longest-serving director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and a nationally respected champion for conservation and natural resources stewardship.

Conservation World, located on the grounds of IDNR in the northwest corner of the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, hosts a variety of outdoor and conservation-focused activities for visitors during the Illinois State Fair.

Manning served as director of IDNR from 1991 until 2003. Raised in Pawnee, he was a distinguished alumnus of Eastern Illinois University known for his vast contributions to conservation. His achievements as IDNR director included acquiring more than 100,000 acres of public land for preservation, restoration, and recreation; establishing the Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area in Cass County; creating the Illinois Conservation Foundation; spearheading initiatives for disabled hunters and anglers; and pioneering the concept, design, funding, and construction of the State of Illinois' IDNR headquarters in Springfield.

"Brent shepherded IDNR through a period of incredible growth and modernization. He made it his mission to bring all people together to enjoy, protect, conserve, and engage with the work of the department. Engaging youth in the outdoors and conservation was a particular passion of his," said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. "While Brent's passing has been difficult for those who knew him best, I'm grateful that his loved ones agreed to join us in dedicating Conservation World 2024 in his honor and memory."

Visitors to Conservation World will find a memorial to Manning just inside the main entrance. The venue is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the fair from Aug. 8-18. This year’s event features numerous new activities and exhibits.

Families are invited to stop by the IDNR Wildlife Tent at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 13 and Saturday, Aug. 17 to help wildlife biologists solve a mystery: where at the fair is the big brown bear? Visitors will learn how biologists track wildlife movements using radio collars, directional antennas, and other technology.

Other highlights include learning sustainable living practices at home through various displays such as an electric vehicle tour by IDNR staff, solar panels exhibit, LED light bulbs display, compostable packing peanuts slime creation activity, rain barrel showcase, native plants exhibit among others.

Children can join Smokey Bear's birthday celebration on Friday, Aug. 9 at 11:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., marking Smokey's 80th birthday with photo opportunities available.

Sensory-friendly hours are scheduled between 9 and 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 13 and Saturday, Aug. 17 offering quieter programming adjustments for children and adults with sensory processing sensitivities.

Youngsters can also have their photos taken in a replica eagle nest at Birds, Bugs & Bee-yond Tent while original cicada-themed artwork will be displayed both within Conservation World and at First Lady's Tent on Main Street.

At Fisheries Tent visitors can view sea lampreys—a parasitic fish species found in Great Lakes—alongside other native fish species housed within large aquariums filled with turtles among others aquatic creatures.

Traditional favorites such as archery ranges BB ranges Voyageur Canoe fishing opportunities dunking conservation police officers continue alongside newer attractions throughout this year’s event lineup making it an engaging experience for all attendees.