Chambana Sun

In a May 24 Facebook post, Sen. Paul Faraci encouraged his constitutents to nominate their acquaintances for the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame.

“If you know someone who works to protect and preserve our environment, please take the time to submit a name,” he wrote on Facebook. “Their commitment to preserving our environment deserves recognition.”

The Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) wrote it has worked with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to create funding for the state’s environment.

The Outdoor Hall of Fame dates back to 2002. Since then, the ICF has highlighted Illinois residents who put their attention toward Since 2002, the Outdoor Hall of Fame has recognized Illinoisans for significant contributions and unparalleled dedication in preserving, promoting, enhancing or supporting natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities. Past inductees have records of exemplary service to conservation in Illinois, with efforts that include: Encouraging thousands of youth and adults in the activities of fishing, hunting, conservation and safety education Preserving or enhancing fish and wildlife habitat or protecting and restoring lakes and rivers Advocating for outdoor heritage traditions and much more! Outdoor Hall of Fame inductees are honored each year at the annual Hall of Fame Gala, a fundraiser hosted by the Illinois Conservation Foundation to support our annual Scholarship Achievement Program and programs at the Torstenson Youth Conservation Education Center.

“Through our ecological and recreational programs, we seek to inspire the next generation of leaders to appreciate, steward and protect our irreplaceable natural land so it can be enjoyed for generations to come,” ICF wrote on its About page.

Nomination are due July 14. To nominate an individual for the Outdoor Hall of Fame, complete the official Hall of Fame Nomination Form and submit it to the Illinois Conservation Foundation. The form is available here:https://ilconservation.org/Portals/0/Hall%20of%20Fame%20Nomination%20Form.pdf

ICF noted its given over 500 grants to Illinois schools to plant native plants, adding it also worked with students to have wildlife nearby like butterfly gardens.

On April 6, the ICF highlighted 2022 honorees. Those people were: Doug Aller, Eileen Rice, and Nan Buckardt. The event also featured a raffle and auction.

To see a list of past Hall of Fame recipients, visit ICF’s webpage.

Faraci was appointed to represent the 52nd District in 2023. He has been a small business owner, worked as a senior account manager for the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity --focusing on economic development – and served as a senior advisor to State Treasurer Michael Frerichs. He has also spent time as the City of Champaign Township Assessor, Champaign City Council from 2011-2017 and Deputy Mayor City of Champaign 2015-2017.