Fire: A Critical Tool for Prairie Restoration

Fire: A Critical Tool for Prairie Restoration

Many habitats in Illinois, including prairies and forests, evolved to depend on fire. In fact, indigenous communities have long-managed lands with fire as an important cultural and stewardship practice. As Europeans settled the land in the United States, fire was...
Volunteers Keep Natural Areas Thriving

Volunteers Keep Natural Areas Thriving

When federal priorities shifted this year and funding for conservation work was reduced, something troubling happened. Our staff could no longer visit our natural areas as often. We couldn’t run as many volunteer days. And for a moment, it felt like the places you...
Preserving Part of Who We Are: The Growing Need for Public Land

Preserving Part of Who We Are: The Growing Need for Public Land

Southern Illinois is a place of natural beauty, where dense woodlands, winding rivers, and open prairies invite generations to explore and connect with nature. But for Rob, this landscape is more than just scenic views—it’s a legacy, a heritage passed down through...