by Mary Vandevord | Dec 20, 2025 | Uncategorized
When you imagine a prairie, you might picture wide-open grasslands stretching for miles, dotted with colorful wildflowers. But prairies come in many forms, including tallgrass, sand, hill, and shrub. Each type supports a unique mix of plants and wildlife. The...
by Mary Vandevord | Sep 3, 2025 | Uncategorized
Two rare sand prairies in Madison County are receiving the care they need, thanks to local volunteers, community members, and donors. Poag Sand Prairie and the Knoll Family Wildlife Sanctuary provide essential habitat for wildlife such as the Illinois Chorus Frog and...
by Mary Vandevord | Sep 3, 2025 | Uncategorized
Thanks to the care and commitment of more than 850 people — people like you — the Trout Hollow Hill Prairie is being restored. When it was protected in September 2024, just two small patches of native prairie remained. Over time, without regular fire or management,...
by Mary Vandevord | Jun 30, 2025 | Uncategorized
Dear Friends, I wanted to give you a quick update on what’s happening — both nationally and right here at the land trust. There’s some tough news, some good news, and some opportunities to move forward together. First, the hard part:Last week, we were told that a...
by Mary Vandevord | Mar 7, 2025 | Uncategorized
In a world increasingly dominated by screens, the simple act of bicycling offers a refreshing and intimate way to reconnect with nature. Whether it’s a peaceful ride through a forest trail, a scenic cruise along a coastal road, or even a commute through a...
by Mary Vandevord | Nov 25, 2024 | Uncategorized
Did you know you can make a difference for community nature spaces, wildlife, and farms by donating land to HeartLands Conservancy? Every year, communities are asking us to save the cherished lands that make them special. Many of these critical lands will be lost if...
