Skip to content

United States

Illinois

Nachusa Grasslands offers some of the best autumnal scenery in Illinois.

A road in a wooded area in the Nachusa Grasslands Preserve during Autumn
Autumn Path A road in a wooded area in the Nachusa Grasslands Preserve during autumn. © Charles Larry

Make a Difference for Illinois Nature

For more than 60 years, people like you have helped The Nature Conservancy protect the sun-kissed prairies, shady oak savannas and tranquil forests of Illinois. We’re building on that legacy and bringing people together to help solve today’s biggest conservation challenges, from climate change and habitat loss to protecting clean water. Together we’re stronger!

Donate Now
Two kids looking at a turtle.

Event

Awe of Nature Festival

October 7, 2023 | 11:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Join TNC and partners on October 7 at Midlothian Meadows to enjoy biking and walking near nature, a petting zoo, games, music, food, face painting and more!

Register for the Festival
×
A flock of snow geese flying through the air.

Video

Migratory Bird Season: LIVE from Emiquon!

Each fall, tens of thousands of birds use Emiquon as a stopover point on their migration routes. Watch the migration throughout October via our YouTube livestream!

Tune Into Live Migration
×
A yellow crab spider on a yellow flower.

Feature

Peculiar Pollinators

We all know the honeybees that pollinate our flowers in the Midwest. But did you know there are some other, shall we say, peculiar pollinators? Ring in the Halloween season by learning about the world of lesser-known, slightly spooky pollinators.

Check Out These Critters
×
Celebrating Monarchs for People and Nature Monarchs have an irreplaceable role across North America, both in nature and hispanic cultures. In East Chicago, Indiana, the Festival de la Monarca celebrates monarch butterflies and the cultural relevance of their yearly migration to Mexico during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Latest Stories

A purple sunrise over a still bay.

Climate Change in the Great Lakes

Climate change is taking a significant toll on the Great Lakes region. Learn how The Nature Conservancy is working to secure a resilient future in this region.

A seedling is held by a volunteer's hands, showing it to the group of children around them.

Volunteer in Illinois

Volunteers are needed across Illinois—in cities, suburbs and rural areas—to help care for green spaces and share the wonders of nature with others.

A person standing on Wildcat Bluff overlooking autumnal trees in southern Illinois.

Visit the Cache River Wetlands

Watch summer transform to autumn in the Cache River Wetlands as white and black oak acorns begin to fall and bats start to hibernate!

Fall foliage on the Franklin Farm.

Illinois Nature Notes for October

Wondering what plants and wildlife you can see in October? Check out TNC’s Nature Notes for a monthly update on natural events happening in Illinois!

VIEW MORE ITEMS
Three children exploring TNC's Nachusa Grasslands Preserve in Illinois under a sunny blue sky.

Places We Protect

See the Places We Protect in Your Community

From lush prairies and rare savannas to vibrant wetlands and rivers, The Nature Conservancy has helped protect more than 100 sites throughout Illinois in the past 60 years.

Explore
×