Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has announced a series of events and updates for June. These activities are set to take place across various state parks and historic sites, offering opportunities for public engagement and education.

On June 1, the Champagne British Car Festival will be held at the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site in Bloomington. The event, co-sponsored by the Illinois Flat Land British Car Club, will feature over 100 vehicles from the United Kingdom, along with live music and concessions.

The same day, Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site in Petersburg will host the Ways to Discovery Chautauqua series. Michael Wiant and Terri Treacy will present "Exploring Menard County Trails," followed by a performance by singer-songwriter Ben Bedford.

Throughout June, non-resident deer archery combo permits are available online. Youth under 18 can purchase a resident combination archery permit at a reduced price. Additionally, lotteries for site-specific dove hunting permits open on June 1 for both adults and youth.

Springfield's historic sites will offer "History Comes Alive" programs from June 6 through August 9. Visitors can enjoy reenactments and educational activities at locations such as the Old State Capitol and Lincoln Tomb.

The Fort de Chartres Rendezvous in Prairie du Rocher is scheduled for June 7-8. This annual tradition includes shooting competitions, artisan demonstrations, and military events reflective of the 18th century.

On June 7, Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton will host the Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair with free admission and no fishing license required. The same day offers a nature hike at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville and a kayaking event at Lake Murphysboro State Park.

Illinois Free Fishing Days run from June 13-16 statewide, allowing anglers to fish without a license or stamp.

Later in the month, on June 14, visitors can experience frontier heritage during New Salem Summer Frolic or stroll through Sarah Davis' heirloom garden at David Davis Mansion.

Junior Explorer Camp begins on June 16 at Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Hartford for children ages nine to eleven. Participants will learn about frontier skills related to the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Starved Rock State Park hosts Junior Ranger Day on June 28 with outdoor activities designed for families. Meanwhile, lotteries continue throughout the month for deer firearm seasons ending on June 30.

The IDNR also offers ongoing wingshooting clinics statewide during weekends from spring through early fall alongside safety education courses for hunters and boaters throughout June.

Celebrating its centennial year since its establishment as the Illinois Department of Conservation in July 1925, IDNR manages approximately 400 sites across Illinois today including state parks, wildlife areas, fisheries management zones among others while providing licenses permits grants among other services essential towards conservation efforts within Illinois’ natural resources sector according their website https://dnr.illinois.gov/.