Did you know that every third Friday of May, May 16 this year, is observed as Endangered Species Day? The day was designated by Congress in 2006. In Illinois alone, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has listed over 400 such species, ranging from birds, mammals, reptiles, insects and more! Wildlife refuges, gardens, schools, libraries, museums, community groups, nonprofits, and individuals will hold special programs or events on this day.

Each species plays an important role in Illinois’ ecosystem. By bringing awareness to these species, both threatened and endangered, the day reminds the public of the importance in supporting conservation organizations, encouraging action to protect wildlife and advocating for policy changes to ensure that the state’s ecosystem is environmentally stable.

Illinois is home to the first ever Dairy Queen in the United States! Though Dairy Queen now operates over 7,700 locations with more than 250 of those being in Illinois, DQ came from humble beginnings.

The key to Dairy Queen’s early success was the development of their unique soft serve. Developed by John Fremont McCullough and his son Alex, the soft serve was first put to market at an ice cream store in Kankakee, selling more than 1,600 servings in its first day. Inspired by the success, McCullough partnered with the ice cream store and went on to open the first Dairy Queen in Joliet in 1940. The store in Joliet was so successful it began the run of a mainstay in the American fast food market.

After its initial success, DQ expanded to a franchise model that grew to 100 stores by 1947, more than 1,400 by 1950 and 2,600 in 1955. A rapid success, soft serve ice cream is now a symbol of American culture and a classic pastime.

Still a designated landmark today, the original Joliet Dairy Queen serves as a testament to Illinois’ innovation and sweet success.

As Earth Day nears, it is important to recognize efforts to keep our planet healthier, safer and viable for the future. One organization, Living Lands and Waters, founded by Chad Pregracke, is a remarkable example of what happens when we come together to make our communities a better place to live.

Pregracke grew up in East Moline on the banks of the Mississippi River, witnessing firsthand the amount of trash and debris collected along the banks of the river from human activity. At 17, he decided to begin single-handedly removing the garbage. A few years later, in 1998, he founded Living Lands and Waters.

Since the founding of the organization, Pregracke, his crew and volunteers have conducted over 1,400 community cleanups on 25 rivers in 23 states, removed a remarkable 13.5 million pounds of garbage and planted over 2.1 million trees in their efforts to reclaim waterfronts.

Innovation, speed and a little Midwestern ingenuity were the winning qualities behind this year’s Makers Madness champion. The title of “Coolest Thing Made in Illinois” went to MTH Pump. This small, Plano-based manufacturer created a game-changing pump that provides rapid, reliable water access for aerial firefighting teams.

This new pump is designed to refill in just 30 seconds, down from the usual minute or more, and could significantly increase the speed and effectiveness of aerial firefighting. This Illinois-made invention could make a lifesaving difference in emergencies where every second matters.

Now in its fifth year, Makers Madness is hosted by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and celebrates the state’s long-standing legacy of manufacturing excellence. The statewide tournament calls on the public to vote for their favorite product made in Illinois. Past winners have included industry giants like Caterpillar and Rivian—making this year’s win by a small team from MTH Pump all the more impressive.

This year’s contest reminds us that big ideas don’t always come from big companies in Illinois and that small teams can make a major impact.

Springtime in Illinois brings longer days and warmer temperatures, but most importantly, nature begins to bloom and the state landscape transforms, bringing mesmerizing sites.

In honor of the beginning of spring, here are a few flower shows to welcome the new season:

Spring Floral Show at the Washington Park Botanical Garden – Springfield

Celebrate the beauty of spring at the Washington Park Botanical Garden! From March 22 to April 13, immerse yourself in vibrant floral displays displaying the season’s most stunning blooms. This free annual event is a perfect way to witness nature’s rebirth. Visit the Springfield Park District’s website for more details.