Campton Township Open Space Foundation
Byron Community, Illinois
Project Title: Campton Township Open Space Natural Resources Area
Description: The Campton Township Open Space Natural Resources Area project will provide the community with restored natural habitats, including 80 acres of oak savanna and wetlands, improving biodiversity and ecological resilience. It also enhances public access and environmental education through new trails, signage, and demonstration gardens, benefiting residents—especially youth and school groups.
Ecology Action Center
Clinton Community, Illinois
Project Title: Tree Corps
Description: The Tree Corps project by the Ecology Action Center will improve public health and environmental resilience by planting 10,000 trees annually in Bloomington-Normal and Mclean County, areas disproportionately affected by pollution. This initiative enhances air quality, reduces urban heat, and creates pollinator habitats, benefiting residents through cleaner and greener community spaces.
Friends of Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area
Dresden Community, Illinois
Project Title: Invasive Species Removal
Description: This project will restore 342 acres of public land within the Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area by removing invasive plant species, enhancing biodiversity, and improving the ecological health of the area. These efforts will provide long-term environmental benefits and create a safer, more enjoyable space for the community members who use the area for recreation and education.
Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves
Dresden Community, Illinois
Project Title: Equipment Funding for Preserve Stewardship
Description: The project activities include invasive species control, brush-cutting, seed dispersal, rare species care, and prescribed burns. The project aims to restore 456 acres, save or create two wildlife habitats, and enhance volunteer capacity to address urgent stewardship needs across Illinois preserves.
Friends of the Forest Preserve District of Will County
Braidwood Community, Illinois
Project Title: Invasive species removal project adjacent to the Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve
Description: The project focuses on removing invasive woody species from 2.78 acres adjacent to the Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve to protect and restore high-quality prairie, savanna, and wetland habitats.
Hog Capitol Rescue
Quad Cities Community, Illinois
Project Title: Refurbish and Construct Two New Wildlife Enclosures
Description: The project will refurbish and construct two new wildlife enclosures and install plumbing to improve access to running water, enhancing care for rescued animals.
Hoo Haven
LaSalle Community, Illinois
Project Title: Herptile Recovery & Education Center – Phases II & III
Description: Phases II and III of the Herptile Recovery & Education Center project aim to complete the interior of a new facility for reptile rehabilitation and education, including infrastructure like heating, plumbing, and animal enclosures, as well as a classroom and outdoor enrichment area for turtles and tortoises.
Illini State Park Foundation
LaSalle Community, Illinois
Project Title: Woodland Restoration Project
Description: The Illini State Park Foundation project funding will restore natural habitats by removing invasive species and hazardous trees, resurface trails, and construct new pollinator habitats within the park.
Rock Island County Extension and 4-H Education Foundation
Quad Cities Community, Illinois
Project Title: Growing Together: Trees, Education, and Community Resilience
Description: The “Growing Together: Trees, Education, and Community Resilience” initiative will plant large-canopy native trees at four schools with low Tree Equity Scores, while delivering interactive environmental education and training for students, teachers, and maintenance staff.
Sugar Grove Foundation
Clinton Community Illinois
Project Title: Oak Regeneration Project
Description: The Sugar Grove Foundation’s project at Funks Grove supports oak regeneration, invasive species removal, new trail construction, prairie restoration, and waterway cleanup to enhance ecological health and public access in the Sugar Grove Nature Center area.
Upscales Helping Hands
LaSalle Community, Illinois
Project Title: Coal Miner’s Park Renovation
Description: The Coal Miner’s Park Renovation project seeks to transform an underutilized park into an inclusive, eco-friendly, and educational space by adding ADA-compliant infrastructure, eco-lighting, walking paths, a pond aerator, and educational signage.