From the Illinois Department of Natural Resources:
Illinois Conservation Foundation Inducts 2026 Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Honorees
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Conservation Foundation has announced four new inductees into the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame, recognizing their contributions to conservation and outdoor recreation across Illinois.
One is from McHenry County:
Kim Compton, Woodstock: Compton has spent more than three decades with the McHenry County Conservation District, developing programs that connect people of all ages and abilities with nature and Illinois’ outdoor heritage.
As education and visitor center services coordinator, she has helped lead programs including
- the Trail of History,
- Hunter Safety Camp,
- Festival of the Sugar Maples,
- Great Outdoors Beer Trail and
- the Wonders of the Wild educational video series.
She also has advanced accessible outdoor programming, paddling education and partnerships with conservation organizations across northern Illinois, while mentoring staff, volunteers, educators and interpreters.
“Kim has spent her career bringing conservation to life through education,” said Jenny Vaughn, executive director of the Illinois Conservation Foundation.
“The work of conservation is built on commitment,” said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Jim Montgomery.
“The Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame recognizes people who have made that commitment a lasting part of their lives and whose service has made a difference across our state. I’m proud to congratulate this year’s inductees.”
The Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame was established in 2002 to recognize people whose work has had a lasting impact on conservation and outdoor recreation in Illinois. Past inductees include educators, volunteers, sportsmen and women, agency leaders and advocates.
The 2026 inductees will be recognized at the Illinois Conservation Foundation Outdoor Hall of Fame Gala on Thursday, April 8, 2027, in Glen Ellyn.
