The State of Illinois has assembled numerous partners to undertake the task of restoring the 230,000-acre watershed of the Illinois River over the next 20 years. A Science Advisory Committee, which includes Shedd staff members, was established by Lt. Governor Corrine Wood to review recovery plans.

The Illinois used to be a major commercial fishing river. Due to degradation, it now harbors less than half of the species that once lived in its waters and on its banks. Siltation from its tributaries, such as the Fox, Kankakee, Des Plaines and Spoon Rivers prevent fast recovery. Key initiatives in restoration include the establishment of buffer strips of natural vegetation along all tributaries of the Illinois through conservation easements.