Projects

In 2025 and 2026, we expect to:

1) Train a corps of volunteer conservation detection dog and handler teams trained to find the pellets of known Illinois owl species. The data from this volunteer corps will be used to confirm the presence of various species of owls across Illinois, broaden stakeholder engagement with conservation techniques, guide the placement of passive audio recording units, engage the public, and contribute to estimating current owl population numbers.

2) Begin the process of attempting to change the Illinois State Bird from the Northern Cardinal to the Great Horned Owl. You can read more about our intention and reasons here.

3) Build partnerships with research universities, non-profit organizations, teaching institutions, and businesses to enhance collaboration and sharing of resources.