NWTF and ILDNR Tackle Invasive Honeysuckle in Central Illinois
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Dedicated to enhancing wild turkey habitat and improving forest health across the state, the Illinois NWTF State Chapter is actively supporting conservation efforts through numerous collaborative projects with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. A key focus of conservation efforts has been the battle against invasive plant species, such as bush honeysuckle. This aggressive shrub outcompetes native vegetation, altering the forest’s natural structure and limiting essential resources for wildlife. Building on its commitment to habitat restoration, the Illinois NWTF State Chapter recently supported a project in Hidden Springs State Forest in partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
This effort followed a large-scale honeysuckle removal initiative at Mackinaw River State Fish and Wildlife Area, further strengthening the state’s conservation goals.
The Hidden Springs project targeted 90 acres where bush honeysuckle had taken over the understory. By removing the invasive shrub, ILDNR is restoring the forest’s natural balance — allowing sunlight to reach the ground, encouraging native plants to thrive and promoting the regeneration of young oak trees. These improvements directly benefit wild turkeys by enhancing nesting, brood-rearing and foraging habitats. As a result, the state forest, which is open to hunting, will also see improved recreational opportunities.
“This project was focused on a particular compartment of the 1,200-acre property where honeysuckle had gotten particularly bad,” said John Burk, NWTF district biologist for Iowa, Illinois and Missouri. “Hidden Springs is not only a popular hunting destination but also serves as a seed source for the state nursery and as a demonstration area. We have worked with the DNR previously on the property, using both Super Fund money and DNR Habitat Stamp funding back in 2014 and 2015 to pay for some timber stand improvement work and to install permanent firebreaks to improve management capabilities on other units of the property. Invasive species treatment is an ongoing battle, but we are gaining ground on this important property in central Illinois.”
The ILDNR will continue habitat management efforts on the property, including prescribed fire and the maintenance of early successional plant communities. These efforts will help ensure the long-term health of the forest and its wildlife populations.
Conservation successes like the Hidden Springs State Forest project are made possible by the dedication of NWTF members, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. A significant amount of funds raised at local NWTF events in the Prairie State goes toward vital habitat restoration projects across Illinois and beyond. To learn how you can get involved and support similar initiatives and attend events near you, visit NWTF.org.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.