Sangamon Sun

Happy National Wildlife Day! Today, we celebrate the incredible diversity of creatures on our planet. Take a moment to learn more about local wildlife, support conservation efforts, and appreciate the beauty of nature around us.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) offers resources and information for conservation programs and state parks across Illinois.

Embracing nature is a key element to quality of life. Well-designed parks and trails are valued parts of the environment and offer individuals the opportunity to embrace nature. They can promote physical activity and community engagement while providing environmental and mental health benefits. Parks can also help reduce stress. An important interaction between parks and health is through physical activity, which in turn can improve health outcomes.