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United States

Illinois

Fall foliage in Illinois.
Fall Foliage at Nachusa The change in seasons signals to the trees to stop their food making processes, and the green chlorophyll of the leaves begins to break down, allowing the new colors to shine. © Charles Larry

Protecting 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. With your support, we can build on that legacy by bringing people together to help solve today’s biggest conservation challenges, from climate change and habitat loss to protecting clean water.

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Spring Peeper A spring peeper frog rests on a leaf at Michigan's Ross Coastal Plain Marsh Preserve. © Jason Whalen / Big Foot Media

Ask Your Legislators to Safeguard Wetlands

Illinois has lost nearly 90% of its wetlands and we can’t afford to lose more. Use your voice to advocate for protecting these vital ecosystems that purify our drinking water and help wildlife thrive.

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A little girl running through a field with butterfly wings.
Awe of Nature Event Families participated in the Awe of Nature event at Midlothian Meadows. © Joshua Lott

Join us at the 2024 Awe of Nature Festival!

Bring the whole family out to the annual Awe of Nature Festival at Midlothian Meadows just south of Chicago on Saturday, October 5! Enjoy games, fabulous food, face painting, fun nature experiences and more at this free event.

Awe of Nature festival
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Latest Stories

A dog holding a turtle in her mouth.

Dogs Lend Their Noses to Find Turtles for Science

Specially trained spaniels—aka turtle dogs—are helping researchers find and study elusive ornate box turtles.

A person hiking in a woodland area in fall.

Experience the Beauty of Illinois Nature in Fall

Autumn is just around the bend! Take in vibrant prairie views as asters and ferns bloom or go watch thousands of birds migrate across the state.

A spider on a flower.

Meet Peculiar Pollinators This Spooky Season

Get to know the industrious spiders, nocturnal moths and more "creepy" critters quietly contributing to the health of Midwest ecosystems.

2024 AWIS cohort on a hike at the Erie Marsh Preserve.

From Great Lakes to Great Lakes: African Women Scientists Travel 7,000+ Miles to Share Conservation Strategies to Protect the World’s Fresh Water

Women scientists travel from Africa to the Midwest to conduct research and share their work in the African Great Lakes.

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Three children exploring TNC's Nachusa Grasslands Preserve in Illinois under a sunny blue sky.
Frolicking the Fields The whole family can enjoy exploring TNC Illinois' preserves all year long. © Ami Vitale

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.

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