For Immediate Release – September 28, 2026
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.
The 2026 class includes Kim Compton, Arnold Randall, and Dale and Marla Rimkus. With their induction, the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame has honored 99 individuals since its establishment in 2002.
“What stands out about this year’s class is how differently each honoree has made an impact,” said Jenny Vaughn, executive director of the Illinois Conservation Foundation. “Kim has spent her career bringing conservation to life through education, Arnold has helped shape the future of public lands and large-scale conservation, and Dale and Marla have demonstrated what a lifetime of hands-on service to Illinois’ outdoor community looks like. They are a wonderful reflection of what the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame was created to recognize.”
“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.”
2026 Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame inductees:
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.
Arnold Randall, Chicago: Randall has built a career strengthening public lands and connecting communities with nature. For 13 years as general superintendent of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, he led the Next Century Conservation Plan, expanded ecological restoration from about 1,500 to more than 15,000 acres, reopened campgrounds and increased opportunities for camping, paddling, fishing and other recreation.
Since 2024, he has served as executive director of the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, advancing land conservation and community-centered environmental initiatives.
Dale and Marla Rimkus, Lake Villa: Dale and Marla have served in leadership with the Illinois Chapter of Safari Club International for more than two decades, helping unite the Illinois and Chicago chapters. They have supported the disabled deer hunt at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area, Fishing Has No Boundaries outings and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ chronic wasting disease research.
Their conservation work also extends to Africa, where they have supported anti-poaching efforts, water wells and community projects. Together, they have expanded outdoor opportunities for people with disabilities and strengthened Illinois’ hunting, fishing and conservation traditions.
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. Gala details will be announced later.
For additional information, including inductee photos, email jenny@ilconservation.org or visit ilconservation.org.
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