Friday JohnKu – AKA -TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

~ John W. Howell
Photo by JD-Photos on Unsplash

Today’s good news story comes from The Cool Down newsletter. Thank you to Noelle Granger for sending it to me.

Experts thrilled by recovery of beloved US creatures: ‘It was really successful’

By Drew Jones

Wild turkeys are thriving across Illinois in what one wildlife expert has dubbed “one of the greatest wildlife management success stories in modern times.”

Once entirely extirpated from the state in the early 20th century due to overhunting and habitat loss, wild turkeys have returned to nearly every corner of the Prairie State through sustained restoration efforts that began in the 1950s.

Wild turkeys, native to North America and historically abundant across the Midwest, were completely killed off in Illinois, according to the Chicago Tribune. But decades of careful work by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and partners changed that.

“People had the idea that these natural resources would last forever,” Luke Garver, wild turkey project manager for the IDNR, told the publication.

Conservationists employed rocket-propelled nets to help capture birds and move them to different areas. They even used a multi-state collaboration approach to move birds from neighboring states and even “trade” wild turkeys for river otters in states that were looking to restore that population.

Over time, populations expanded naturally as habitat conditions improved and birds reproduced across the state’s forests.

“It was really successful,” Garver said. “It’s pretty remarkable how well these birds do when they’re given good habitat.

This comeback highlights why animal conservation and biodiversity are so important. Every species plays a role in the complex web of life that supports healthy ecosystems.

Turkeys help disperse seeds, control insect populations, and serve as prey and predators in food webs. Their interactions with plants and insects also help sustain soil health and nutrient cycles that benefit countless other organisms.

Biodiversity isn’t just good for nature, it’s crucial for humans too. Healthy ecosystems provide services we all rely on: clean water, fertile soil for crops, carbon storage that moderates climate change, and even our food supply. When species like wild turkeys rebound, it signals that these systems are functioning well.

Similar efforts are happening elsewhere. In California, for example, conservationists are trying to restore bighorn sheep populations.

The turkey’s triumphant return in Illinois is a powerful reminder that intentional conservation can restore nature’s balance. Preserving biodiversity ultimately supports both wildlife and human communities alike.

The good news in this story is that with effort, even potential extinction can be overcome. Today’s JohnKu talks about the impossible. I hope you have a super weekend.

Reverse by John W. Howell © 2026

Loss seems forever,

Till humans decide to work. . .

Then nature kicks in.

69 thoughts on “Friday JohnKu – AKA -TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News”

  1. It’s amazing to me how one change in nature affects every single other thing. It’s heartening to know there are enough people who appreciate and respect this sensitive and important balance. And yanno, I had no idea they performed such trades between states!

    Liked by 3 people

  4. Two wild turkeys kept stopping traffic on a well-traveled street not that long ago. We were used to it, but I guess some drivers weren’t amused, so I guess the wildlife folks must have found a home for them away from traffic. (I kind of miss them.)

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Hurray for the turkeys. I rarely saw them in Minnesota when I was growing up, but they are now plentiful again there. Here in Madison they are a common sight as well. Thanks for the information on how they improve the environment. Insect control sounds good to me!

    Liked by 1 person

  6. It’s sure pleasing to read about humans helping nature, John. I’ve been impressed with turkeys when I’ve seen them, but never thought of them helping the environment. Thanks for the information.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. It’s funny you should write about this. We never used to see turkeys in our area and now, almost every time someone visits the bird sanctuary, there they are!

    Everything in nature serves a purpose. Everything except humans, of course. We seem hell-bent on destroying everything, then realising what we have done and having to work double-hard to undo our damage!

    Excellent share today, John!

    Liked by 1 person

  9. We’re always thrilled when species restoration happens through human intervention. I know not everyone is thrilled with restoration but I for one, say…well done, Illinois. Thanks to Noelle for sharing this story with you, John.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. This is fascinating. I’m sure that the people who are trying to restore our Prairie Chicken population (like at the Attwater refuge) are aware of the work being done with the turkeys. It seems as though the principles being followed would work for other species, with whatever adaptations are necessary.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. That is great news. We’ve hunted wild turkeys here in Texas. However, it is not bad. Wild Turkeys are very common in Texas and regulated hunting of wild turkeys in Texas, coupled with hunter-funded conservation efforts, helps habitat management.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Yes the domesticated ones don’t fly but the wild ones do and they are big and they look impressive. I don’t think they fly very far. They get tired but what we saw was impressive. We saw them fly and glide above the trees several hundred yards using their big wings.

        Liked by 1 person

  19. Another example of how we can help restore and manage the delicate balance of nature, letting Mother Nature take the wheel back from us and doing her thing instead. Habitat management is a worthy, rewarding endeavor, and it was nice to read about another success story here, John.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. I love turkeys!

    I had a pet turkey once. They are loving creatures.

    I’m happy to hear this good news. Thank you for the hopeful John Ku!

    🦃𝔁 🦃𝔁 🦃𝔁

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Trading wild turkeys for rivers otters. That is so cute! Also, this began in the 1950s. Wow. Crazy that it takes that long to fully reboot. Great that people have been making the effort!

    Liked by 2 people

  22. Your JonKu is perfect! The balance of nature depends on animals. When wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone, everything changed back to how it should be, including vegetation. Cheers to the wild turkeys!

    Liked by 1 person

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