IL Conservation Foundation launches new award line

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) is launching a new line of awards to celebrate “outstanding contributions to Illinois’ natural resources and outdoor heritage.”

They are the Illinois Outdoor Excellence Awards, and they will be presented alongside the prestigious Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame inductees at the annual ICF Gala. The awards are:

• Outdoor Writer/Author of the Year: Recognizing exceptional writing that highlights the beauty and importance of Illinois’ natural resources.
• Outdoor Volunteer Organization of the Year: Honoring volunteer organizations that have made a measurable impact on the state’s outdoor landscape through conservation and restoration projects.
• Outdoor Business/Business Owner of the Year: Celebrating businesses that demonstrate leadership in conservation and outdoor initiatives within their communities.
• Outdoor Influencer of the Year: Highlighting digital content creators who inspire and engage the public in outdoor activities and environmental stewardship through social media and online platforms.

“Our new Illinois Outdoor Excellence Awards give us the opportunity to shine a light on a broader range of people and organizations who are making a real difference for Illinois’ environment,” said ICF Executive Director Steve Ettinger. “By recognizing their efforts, we hope to inspire even more involvement in conservation and outdoor recreation across the state.”

Nominations for the awards are open to the public and will be accepted through the end of the month. To submit a nomination, click here .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.