Natural Land Institute is pleased to announce that Kerry Leigh, Executive Director, has been appointed by Governor Pritzker to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Advisory Board. Kerry’s term of service will go through January, 2025. The IDNR Advisory Board was established via Illinois State Statute under 20 ILCS 5/5-560 and is comprised of…
As we have done the last several years, we have released a year in review wrap up to highlight and applaud the many things land trusts across the state have accomplished in the last year. The 2019 Year In Review is now available! Download it and enjoy. As always, we appreciate the year-long work that…
This is an opportunity to give recognition to an individual who has demonstrated distinguished achievement during an entire career, which could be in natural resources management, education, journalism, law, or science applied to protection, stewardship, or restoration of natural areas. Volunteers also are eligible. This land conservation award is named after George Fell, founder of…
Survey results from earlier this year have been compiled into a draft action plan that needs further direction. Take a look and let them know if your organization has any projects to benefit Monarchs/pollinators that aren’t covered in the draft action plan. Get your comments and suggestions to them no later than November 4. For natural lands,…
Learn the basic function and operation of a chainsaw and how to handle it safely in the Beginner Chainsaw Operation and Safety Workshop offered by Natural Land Institute on Sunday, November 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Nygren Wetland Preserve, 3190 W. Rockton Rd., in Rockton, Illinois. This is a great learning opportunity for volunteers, professionals,…
Prairie State Conservation Coalition is seeking proposals to help develop a business plan for the organization to better meet the needs of its members. Anyone wishing to submit an RFP can do so by downloading the request here. Complete proposals must be submitted no later than August 22. Questions about the process need to be…
The Illinois Environmental Council announced that Governor J.B. Pritzker signed legislation on Friday, July 19, 2019 to amend the Wrongful Tree Cutting Act. The bill was passed with overwhelming support. The bill increases penalties and provides compensation for damages and remediation costs as a result of illegal logging on protect land. You can read the…
Congressman Mike Bost (IL-12) this week introduced a bill to create Cahokia Mounds Mississippian Culture National Historical Park. Heartlands Conservancy thanks the congressman for his extraordinary leadership, along with the leadership and support of Congressmen Lacy Clay, John Shimkus, and Rodney Davis and Senator Dick Durbin. In 2014, HeartLands Conservancy, in collaboration with Native American…
Prairie State Conservation Coalition is partnering with Illinois Realtors to help educate and promote awareness of conservation opportunities for healthier land, and, of course, healthier people. Incoming president Dan Wagner, a trustee with The Conservation Foundation, outlines the proposal he will cultivate as he moves into his new role leading the state’s real estate industry….
We are reaching out with urgent concern regarding the advancement of HB5293 in the Illinois House. You may recall that Jen Walling, our colleague at IEC, discussed at the PSCC Annual Meeting how this bill is a serious threat to wildlife, and the legislation had the risk of building momentum in the Illinois legislature. Unfortunately,…
