In southern Illinois, we are seeing more frequent heavy rain events, stronger storms, longer dry spells, and dramatic temperature swings. Like us, wildlife are vulnerable to extreme weather. Without intentional conservation efforts, many species—and many communities—are at greater risk.
When land is conserved, the region’s wildlife, farms, and communities are better able to withstand weather and climate extremes.
Flooding is one of the most visible impacts. Intense spring rains can wash away nests or drown developing young for species that live in low-lying areas. Heavy downpours have been shown to reduce nest success for wild turkeys and other ground-nesting birds. When storms drop inches of rain in just a few hours, the difference between a healthy habitat and a degraded one can determine whether wildlife survives the season.
Wetlands
Wetlands are among our most powerful natural defenses. These landscapes slow, absorb, and hold rainwater—then release it gradually over time. That function reduces flooding downstream and protects roads, homes, and farms. Wetlands are equally critical during drought, which Illinois has experienced in recent years. Like nature’s kidneys, they regulate water flow and filter pollutants before they reach rivers and drinking water supplies.
Yet an estimated 90 percent of Illinois’ original wetlands have been destroyed. Many of those that remain are degraded or neglected, often invaded by aggressive species, such as giant reed (phragmites), that “fill in” wetlands and disrupt their ability to store water. Restoring and conserving wetlands protects both wildlife and communities from the growing volatility of weather.
Farmland
Preserved farms offer similar resilience. Agricultural fields, when paired with surrounding woods and natural areas, give rainwater room to spread out and soak in. Conservation practices like cover crops, grassed waterways, and terraces increase infiltration and reduce erosion. These working lands can remain productive while also buffering streams, protecting soil, and helping downstream towns avoid costly flood damage.
Forests and Woodlands
Forests and woodlands are another essential piece of the climate puzzle. Forest canopies intercept rainfall, allowing it to drip slowly to the ground where healthy soils can absorb it. This dramatically reduces surface runoff and flooding intensity. Deep root systems hold soil in place, lowering the risk of erosion and mudslides during heavy storms. Mature, dense forests also act as windbreaks, reducing damage from high winds.
During periods of extreme heat, forests function as natural air conditioners. Through shade and evapotranspiration (the release of water vapor from leaves) trees cool the surrounding air. This is especially important in towns, where asphalt and concrete absorb and radiate heat. Trees in a community make neighborhoods safer and more comfortable while lowering energy demands.
Trees also play a measurable role in stormwater management. A single mature tree can absorb between 10 and 150 gallons of water per day. To put that into perspective, a one-inch rainstorm over a 1,000-square-foot roof drops roughly 620 gallons of water in just a few hours. When trees soak up rainfall, they reduce the burden on the town’s storm drains and decrease flash flooding in streets, yards, and basements.
Prairies
Prairies and meadows, once widespread across Illinois, are equally powerful weather mitigators. Thick native vegetation breaks the momentum of raindrops, allowing water to infiltrate rather than immediately run off. Beneath the surface, prairie plants develop extensive root systems that can stretch many feet deep. Prairie plants like big bluestem access water far below ground, helping soils remain cool and moist during dry spells.
Prairies also store remarkable amounts of carbon underground in their roots. Unlike forests, where much carbon is stored above ground and can be released during wildfire or decay, prairie ecosystems lock carbon safely into the soil. That long-term storage plays an important role in mitigating climate change.
For wildlife, prairies can mean the difference between survival and decline.
The northern bobwhite quail was once a familiar sight across farmland and grassland habitats. Since 1966, its population has declined by approximately 85 percent, largely due to habitat loss. Research shows that severe winter weather events can have long-lasting impacts on bobwhite populations. A healthy, well-established population with adequate habitat may rebound. A population already in decline may struggle for years—if it recovers at all.
Thick prairie cover along field edges provides essential shelter for quail and many other species. Bobwhites must burn more energy to stay warm during winter storms, and even a few degrees of temperature difference can dramatically affect survival. Dense grasses and shrubs offer protection from wind, snow, and ice.
At the Exploration Garden and other restored sites, we have witnessed quail returning to the warmth and safety of well-managed prairie habitat—a hopeful sign that restoration works.
We Need Conserved Lands
All of these landscapes—wetlands, farms, forests, and prairies—are interconnected. Together, they form a resilient network that protects wildlife while also safeguarding the people who call southern Illinois home. Every acre preserved provides room for floodwaters to spread out, roots to hold soil in place, trees to cool neighborhoods, and wildlife to find refuge during extreme weather.
As weather patterns continue to shift, the need for conservation becomes even clearer. Protecting land today is one of the most cost-effective and forward-thinking investments we can make for tomorrow.
By conserving and restoring natural areas, we are not only preserving scenic beauty and wildlife habitat—we are building a more resilient future for our communities, our economy, and the generations who will inherit this landscape.