What’s New

• One girl's birthday wish inspired many to celebrate nature by donating to the Conservancy's Plant a Billion Trees initiative. Learn more about her generous gift and find out how you can get involved with the Plant a Billion Trees program.

• Cindy Acker, volunteer of 18 years, is the recipient of The Nature Conservancy in Illinois' 2009 Volunteer of the Year Award. Cindy donated her time and talent to enhance fundraising initiatives before retiring earlier this year. Cindy was a reliable, trustworthy and hard working volunteer," said Sara Flores of the Conservancy. "She was a true asset to the Philanthropy department." An award was presented to Cindy on December 1.

• Check out the recently launched News Bureau pages for our latest news releases and coverage! 
   
• The Volunteer program at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie was nationally recognized by the USDA Forest Service, winning the 2008 Volunteers Program National Award for Best Forest Service Unit. The award celebrates the comprehensive work of volunteers, youth stewards, volunteer coordinators, and project leaders. The Conservancy directs the volunteer program at Midewin. Conservancy scientist Dr. Jim Herkert was also nationally recognized for his grassland bird research at Midewin. His projects have included developing habitat models, performing species viability assessments, and creating volunteer protocols for bird monitoring and restoration.

Volunteering for Nature
The Volunteer Stewardship Network turns 25 this year. Whether your favorite natural spot in Illinois is a hiking trail or a field of magnificent wildflowers, chances are a volunteer helped make it happen. Learn how it all began and why it matters.

Jason’s Journal

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

Illinois 2009 Annual Report

Throughout the pages of the Illinois 2009 Annual Report [3.29MB PDF] and read select online features from the report, we celebrate the natural wonders that form our state. Just as importantly, we celebrate the people who lead our conservation and fundraising efforts, and the volunteers. Driven by their knowledge and enthusiasm, The Nature Conservancy in Illinois is protecting and preserving some of our state’s most important and beautiful natural wonders.

Look Who’s Helping
The work of the Conservancy in Illinois is made possible in part by the generous support of corporations and foundations.

Join The Nature Conservancy on a journey down the Mississippi River. Hear the stories of people who depend on this mighty river for their livelihoods and inspiration.

Places we Protect

The Nachusa Grasslands preserve combines pristine remnant prairie with innovative restoration.

Cool Green Science

New! The conservation blog of The Nature Conservancy.

Start One Conversation

Action starts when people talk. Visit StartOneConversation.org.

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