ABOUT US

HeartLands Conservancy is a nationally accredited conservation land trust and 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization.

We work with families, organizations, and communities to conserve cherished landscapes like farms, forests, rivers, and scenic overlooks. We also create special places and programs to help people connect with nature, now and for generations to come.

Together, we can protect the natural beauty and special places of southern Illinois.

Our Mission

HeartLands Conservancy works with the people of Southern Illinois to save the region’s land, water, cultural resources, and wildlife habitats before they are lost forever.  

Our Approach

Since 1989, HeartLands Conservancy has been an advocate and partner for the lands, waters, and communities of southern Illinois.  We believe that all people in southern Illinois should have clean air and water, places for nature to thrive, healthy food, and high-quality outdoor experiences.

We conserve land for food and farming, recreation, forestry, wildlife habitat, clean water, historic and cultural significance, and scenic enjoyment.

We do this through:

  • conservation agreements with landowners
  • creating and managing public conservation areas and trails
  • restoring habitat, creeks, and rivers
  • working collaboratively and regionally to reduce flooding, water pollution, and the heat island effect
  • assistance to communities to increase access to nature and the outdoors, improve community forests, and balance growth with conservation
  • hosting education and recreational programs
  • partnering with communities, organizations, businesses, and landowners 

 

Child running in creek

Conserving land in the Southern Third of Illinois

We have conserved 65 places – more than 11,500 acres – that support farming, wildlife habitat, cultural heritage, community well-being, and scenic beauty in southern Illinois.

As a community-supported organization, we work with people like you to preserve land, host programs, organize trail and community projects, and collaborate with towns and other partners on conservation. 

We serve 36 Counties of Southern Illinois

Our Land Trust Neighbors

We often receive inquiries for conservation projects outside of our service area. While we will consider those projects on a case-by-case basis, we encourage you to check out our land trust neighbors, as well. Find an Illinois land trust on the Prairie State Conservation Coalition website.

To the northeast:

Grand Prairie Friends – East-Central Illinois

Land Conservation Foundation – East-Central Illinois

To the northwest:

Great Rivers Land Trust – Calhoun, Jersey, Greene, Macoupin and Madison Counties in Illinois (and in MO)

Sangamon Conservancy Trust – Sangamon, Christian, Menard & Logan Counties in Illinois

To the west:

Open Space STL – St. Louis, MO Region

Ozark Land Trust – Missouri & Arkansas

SEED St. Louis – Community gardens in St. Louis City

To the east:

Central Indiana Land Trust – Central Indiana

George Rogers Clark Land Trust – Southern Indiana

Ouabache Land Conservancy – West-central Indiana

Sycamore Land Trust – Southern Indiana

 

Shared geography:

Clifftop – Mississippi River bluffs corridor in Monroe, Randolph and St. Clair Counties, Illinois

Green Earth Inc – Carbondale, Illinois

Original Kaskaskia Area Wilderness (OKAW) – Kaskaskia River Watershed, Illinois

St. Clair County Greenspace Foundation – St. Clair County, Illinois