IDNR Celebrates Earth Day in the Parks

5th annual event will be held across the state in April and May

SPRINGFIELD, IL – More than 900 students will visit Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) state parks in April and May for the fifth annual Earth Day in the Parks event. Earth Day in the Parks is an initiative of the IDNR to introduce students to environmental stewardship.

“Earth Day in the Parks is the perfect opportunity to get kids interested in the environment and teach them to be stewards of the natural wonders of our state. They can take part in meaningful activities, including planting trees and native wildflowers, removing exotic invasive plant species, building and installing bird boxes and a number of other activities,” said IDNR Director Marc Miller.

Sponsored by the IDNR Office of Strategic Services, Office of Land Management and the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF), Earth Day in the Parks offers students the opportunity to get outdoors and work in nature. Their hands-on experiences will lead them to develop a sense of ownership of the natural resources in our state while also increasing available wildlife habitat. Students and teachers are encouraged to return to the park to study the effects of their work.