The Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) is excited to announce the launch of the Illinois Outdoor Excellence Awards, a new initiative dedicated to celebrating exceptional contributions to the state’s natural resources and outdoor heritage. This initiative is designed to honor individuals and organizations whose efforts have significantly impacted conservation and outdoor recreation across Illinois.
The awards will be presented during the annual ICF Gala, an event that also recognizes inductees into the esteemed Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame. This year, the Illinois Outdoor Excellence Awards will feature four distinct categories:
1. Outdoor Writer/Author of the Year*: This award recognizes outstanding writing that captures the beauty and significance of Illinois' natural landscapes and resources.
2. Outdoor Volunteer Organization of the Year*: This category honors organizations whose volunteer efforts have made measurable impacts through conservation and restoration projects across the state.
3. Outdoor Business/Business Owner of the Year*: This award celebrates businesses that exhibit leadership in promoting conservation and outdoor initiatives within their local communities.
4. Outdoor Influencer of the Year*: This category highlights digital content creators who effectively engage the public in outdoor activities and environmental stewardship through social media and online platforms.
ICF Executive Director Steve Ettinger emphasized the importance of these awards, stating, “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.
By recognizing their efforts, we hope to inspire even more involvement in conservation and outdoor recreation across the state.”
Nominations for the Illinois Outdoor Excellence Awards are now open to the public and can be submitted online until October 31, 2024.
The 2024 ICF Gala will take place in early 2025, providing a platform to celebrate both Hall of Fame inductees and the winners of these new awards.
For more information about the Illinois Outdoor Excellence Awards, including nomination guidelines, visit the ICF website or contact the foundation directly at 217-785-2003.
Through this initiative, the ICF aims to engage more Illinoisans in protecting and enjoying the state’s rich outdoor heritage for generations to come.
