Fighting Invasives, Restoring Habitat
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation’s mission is twofold: to conserve the wild turkey and preserve our hunting heritage. Achieving these goals on a larger scale requires strong partnerships that transcend boundaries, and the Illinois NWTF State Chapter, in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, is doing just that — enhancing wild turkey habitat and improving hunting opportunities on public lands across the state.
A key focus of these efforts is the fight against invasive species, particularly bush honeysuckle. This aggressive shrub outcompetes native vegetation, disrupts forest structure and depletes vital resources for wildlife.
"A lot of folks are concerned about the turkey decline and rightly so,” said John Burk, NWTF district biologist for Iowa, Illinois and Missouri. “There are a lot of factors influencing the decline, but one that is likely not on everyone's mind is the gradual creeping invasion of invasive species that has been occurring over roughly the same time span as the decline. When a forested stand gets overtaken by bush honeysuckle it becomes unusable space to a wild turkey because turkeys do not like thickets. This invasion has occurred gradually enough that many do not even recognize it, much like the apologue of the frog in a pot that is gradually brought to a boil. Bush honeysuckle is everywhere in Illinois and we, along with our state agency partner, are fighting the battle and gaining some ground.”
Building on large-scale bush honeysuckle removal initiatives at Mackinaw River State Fish and Wildlife Area and Hidden Springs State Forest, the latest project at Argyle Lake State Park in western Illinois targeted approximately 647 acres of oak-hickory forest. This area, dominated by mature white and red oaks along with various hickory species, will now offer improved habitat conditions for wild turkeys and other forest wildlife — enhancing recreational opportunities for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
The removal of the invasive bush honeysuckle will allow the forest floor to receive more sunlight, encouraging the growth of native plants and the regeneration of young oak trees. By restoring this ecological balance, wildlife habitats for all wildlife will improve, especially for wild turkeys as they see enhanced nesting, brood-rearing and foraging habitats.
To sustain these improvements, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will continue management efforts, conducting prescribed burns to suppress honeysuckle regrowth and encourage oak regeneration. With burns scheduled for this March, these efforts remain vital to sustaining the long-term health of the forest and its diverse wildlife.
Conservation successes like the Argyle Lake State Park 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 support similar initiatives and find 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.