Ed Pfaff (Village of Montgomery), One of Five New Members of the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame

Montgomery, IL – Five Illinoisans - will be inducted into the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame in the spring, the Illinois Conservation Foundation board of directors announced last week. One of which is Ed Pfaff, Village of Montgomery's Forestry Supervisor.

"A passion for nature and the outdoors runs deep in these five individuals, and it is my privilege and honor we welcome them to the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame," said Natalie Phelps Finnie, Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. "We are grateful for their commitment to improving outdoor spaces, educating children about nature, and promoting the importance of conservation. Illinois is better because of each of them."

Since 2002, the Illinois Conservation Foundation has recognized Illinoisans for their significant contributions and unparalleled dedication to preserving, promoting, enhancing, or supporting natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities with induction into the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame. Formal inductions will occur during the annual Illinois Conservation Foundation Gala in the spring of 2024.

Ed Pfaff joined the Village of Montgomery Public Works Department in the Forestry Division in 2006. He has worked tirelessly to create a forestry department dedicated to maintaining the urban tree collection, native basins, conservation education, preservation of the native species indicative of the region, and more. His vision has enhanced the quality of life for residents, improved the ecosystem, and ensured a better tomorrow for future generations.

Pfaff's passion for conservation and nature spans beyond work. He farms, landscapes for elderly friends, and walks the many natural areas of Illinois. His favorite locations include Wildlife Prarie Park in Peoria and Matthiessen State Park in LaSalle County. His vision and commitment have led to monumental conservation and community education changes in the Village, Kane, and Kendall County and Illinois.

Pfaff joins Deanna Bazan of Plano, David Monk (posthumous) of Champaign, Peter Murphy of Springfield, and Gretchen Stelle of Coulterville as this year's new Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame members.