The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, along with partners representing agriculture, transportation or utility rights-of-way, conservation lands, urban, and educational sectors are working to develop a plan to increase monarch butterfly habitat in Illinois. A first step is to identify ongoing monarch conservation efforts so that we can better coordinate among them to create more…
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service accepted a 66-acre donation of land from Friends of the Kankakee to officially establish the Kankakee National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area. This became official on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 and becomes the nation’s 564th national wildlife refuge. You can read more here on the FAQ sheet, and here’s…
The Calumet region in northeast Illinois is not considered the most fertile area, given its long industrial history. Yet there are some persistent sedges that have thrived amidst the toxic leftovers. The Field Museum blog tells about efforts to save these rare, endangered Illinois plants.
This article mentions a few beautiful places around the great state of Illinois that make perfect weekend or day trips for everyone! 11 Places In Illinois You Thought Only Existed In Your Imagination Also check out the tours available on our Hike App as we head into summer.
The 2016 Illinois Fishing Information guide is available in PDF format through the IDNR website in both English and Spanish versions by clicking here. Regulations in the guide are effective April 1 through March 31, 2017. A reminder to anglers, and would-be anglers, that Illinois Free Fishing Days for 2016 are June 17-20, during the…
Mary Burke from the Land Trust Alliance wants to remind everyone there are several informative webinars slated for February. Sign up now and learn some new skills and techniques specific to land trusts! Stewardship & Land Protection Fee Land Management, 2/3 Appraisal Essentials, 2/11 Pipelines and Transmission Corridors: They’re Coming Your Way, 2/17 Fundraising Growing…
In looking at this comprehensive report compiled by GIS Consultant David Holman, conservation projects in Illinois have been plenty in the last year keeping conservationists very busy with many amazing accomplishments. For instance, did you know… The Prairie State Conservation Coalition’s mapping project shows there are 62 501(c)3 environmental nonprofits that hold property or conservation…
In what Land Trust Alliance President Rand Wentworth calls the single greatest legislative action in decades, Congress passed a federal tax incentive bill supporting land conservation. This legislation made permanent the tax incentive for farmers, ranchers and other individuals who place a conservation easement on their land preserving natural resources forever. It also made permanent the IRA charitable rollover. The…
Barrington Area Conservation Trust received the 2015 Education, Outreach, and Media Award for its Conservation@Home program. The award was presented by the Lake County Stormwater management Commission at a special reception held in early December. “This program’s success lies in providing landowners with feedback and guidance on ways to improve their properties to better manage…
The Conservation Foundation has received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, a non-profit corporation that evaluates U.S. charities for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. The four-star rating is the highest possible designated by Charity Navigator and demonstrates to the public that The Conservation Foundation is worthy of a donor’s trust. The…