Illinois

Preserving the Prairie State

Protecting Illinois for People and Nature

The Nature Conservancy in Illinois works with partners across the state to protect nature and preserve life. See what we're doing in the Prairie State!

Get Your Kids Outside!
Check out our special "Kids in Nature" page to find quizzes, treasure hunts and other activities that encourage them to explore the natural world. 


Celebrate Earth Day!

Join The Nature Conservancy and Shedd Aquarium to be part of the world’s largest—and most delicious—Earth Day celebration, Picnic for the Planet!

Spring Events

Check out our event calendar and plan a day learning and exploring nature!

Connect With Us!

Join our online community and stay on top of the latest news, photos and videos highlighting our work!

Freshwater

Learn how we're working with farmers to help clean drinking water.

Critical Lands

Learn how we're preserving Illinois' prairies, which help clean our water and our air. 

Urban Conservation

Learn how we're working in urban settings to help reduce the impacts of climate change and connect people with nature.

March Natural Events

Spring emerges across Illinois and brings with it new plant and animal life!

April Natural Events

April brings blooming wildflowers and the arrival prothonotary warblers downstate.

May Natural Events

Conservancy preserves are alive with songs of calling birds and frogs this May.


25 Years of Transformation

See how the Conservancy's Nachusa Grasslands has transformed during its 25-year history.

Lake Festival & Grand Opening

View this slideshow of images from Emiquon's Lake Festival and Grand Opening of the visitor use amenities.

A Tale of Two Rivers

Learn how American Conservancy scientists are working with their counterparts in China to solve similar problems along the Mississippi and Yangtze rivers.

Annual Report: Interactive Map

Explore this interactive map, which uses photos and videos to explain The Nature Conservancy's projects in Illinois.

Innovative Conservation

Watch our Aquatic Ecologist Maria Lemke explain how we're improving water quality in the Mackinaw River watershed.

Aquatic Invasive Species

Watch our State Director Leslee Spraggins and other experts explain the threat of aquatic invasive species to the Great Lakes.

Jason’s Journal

How do you turn 7,000 acres of corn and soy fields into a functioning floodplain? Jason Beverlin, Illinois River Program Director, talks about the remarkable rebirth at Emiquon. These periodic updates will bring you the latest news from the Illinois River.


Ways of Giving

You can help us protect the Prairie State.

Volunteer

Share your love of the outdoors with others and volunteer for The Nature Conservancy in Illinois!

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