Change is the only constant in our lives. Making change an opportunity for new beginnings is an exciting way to view this ever-changing world around us—whether it's work or play, family or community.

Major changes have fostered a new beginning for the Illinois Department of Conservation (DOC). As of July 1, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was officially created through the merger of DOC with several related agencies and divisions. With this merger, our partnership with the DNR will only grow stronger and you'll read about it each issue in the section "Our Natural Resources."

As the new editor of Illinois Parks & Recreation, I have many goals for the continued success of this award-winning publication. One important goal is ongoing input from you— the talented and dedicated professionals, elected officials and volunteers who advance on a daily basis parks, recreation and natural resources in Illinois. It's your work, your achievements, your valuable contributions to our state that this magazine supports and showcases. I welcome letters and e-mail to the editor.

This is your statewide magazine for parks, recreation and natural resources. This is a new and exciting beginning for us all.

Editor's Note: Recognizing the merger effective July 1, all references to the Department of Conservation (DOC) have been changed to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Correction: In the May/June 1995 issue of Illinois Parks & Recreation, the article "The Lost Treasures of Highland Park" was written by Sheryl De Vore and was originally published by the Pioneer Press. De Vore is a staff writer for the Pioneer Press.

ON THE COVER

Smiling in the hot summer sun, these Central Illinois flowers—gloriosa daisy (Rudbeckia hirta)—were captured by Springfield freelance photographer David P. Blanchette using a Nikon N90 with a 90mm macro lens and Fujichrome 100 film.

4 • Illinois Parks & Recreation • July/August 1995