Sarley: State’s natural resources backed by Illinois Conservation Foundation support
One of my favorite charitable organizations is the Illinois Conservation Foundation. As it explains on its website, “The Illinois Conservation Foundation preserves and enhances Illinois’ natural and cultural heritage by supporting the Illinois Department of Natural Resources through financial resources from donors and our conservation partners.”
In simpler terms, the foundation is a tax-free organization that raises money to fund some incredible programs that benefit those of us who enjoy outdoor sports and recreation. The money raised goes directly into our programs and is not used for other reasons. The donations go directly into the outdoors.
The foundation kicked off by installing a gigantic reef in Lake Michigan for a fish habitat. This would have never been accomplished if it had to be funded by IDNR. The ICF got the job done.
The ICF is sponsoring a huge gun raffle this year, with proceeds to “fuel programs that protect habitat, introduce youth to hunting and fishing, expand access and strengthen the legacy we all share.”
The prizes available are first class, to say the least. You can enter drawings for Henry America’s 250th Anniversary Tribute Edition Lever-Action, .22; Weatherby Orion Over/Under Shotgun, 20 Gauge; Ruger American Gen II Predator Rifle, 400 Legend; Franchi Affinity 3.5 Elite Semi-Auto Shotgun, 12 Gauge; and a Walther Q5 Steel Frame “Patriot,” 9MM.
Only 100 tickets are available for each firearm. Those odds seem pretty good to me. Tickets will be on sale until Nov. 30 when the winning ticket will be drawn during the banquet at the annual ICF Director's Hunt. You do not have to be present to win. I hope you all enter the raffle, and I hope a lucky Daily Herald reader or two is a winner.
My favorite thing that the Illinois Conservation Foundation operates is the Torstensen Youth Conservation and Education Center. The TYCEC is a beautiful 779-acre property along the Pecatonica River in Northern Illinois. With 20 deer and turkey stands, eight deer blinds, seven waterfowl blinds, an accessible fishing pier and two trap ranges, not to mention 14 acres worth of pollinator fields, it's the perfect place to inspire young outdoor enthusiasts. Thousands of children are hosted at the TYCEC every year due to the efforts of the Illinois Conservation Foundation.
There are so many activities available to children to practice their outdoor skills, thanks to the staff and volunteers.
Another highlight of the TYCEC is the The Lodge, a beautiful11,500-square-foot space made with lodge poll pine from Canada and features four bunk-style rooms with 13 total beds, a true gourmet kitchen, formal dining/conference room, pool table, outdoor cooking area with a fire pit and a screened in patio. The huge windows overlook the lake, camping area and hiking trails.
The four bedrooms can house up to 19 people, with three bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms on the first floor, one bedroom and one full bathroom on the second floor. The beds consist of one king, three queens, seven singles and two bunk beds. Gourmet kitchen appliances are Five Star, Subzero and Viking. Wi-fi is available throughout the lodge. High-class digs, I must say.
What a perfect place to rent for a group to share for a magnificent outdoor vacation or possibly a sales conference for work. The ideas are countless.
I’ll talk more about the Illinois Conservation Foundation and things that it does and has available in the future. I recommend that you check out what the group is all about at www.ilconservation.org.
• Daily Herald Outdoors columnist Steve Sarley can be reached at sarfishing@yahoo.com.