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that a federal grant we had already been awarded — part of an $18.9 million national conservation investment — is being rescinded (revoked). Our portion was $3 million, and most of it was designated to help local families restore forests and prairies, conserve farmland, and reduce flooding from extreme weather through conservation initiatives and soil health.
This kind of “claw-back” is unprecedented. And it’s happening across the country.
As you might remember from our February update, we’ve already had to reduce staff, including some key stewardship roles. These cuts are going to slow down important work that supports both conservation and community health.
We had budgeted for that approved grant because never before has an administration taken back funding that was awarded.
If you’re as concerned as we are, please consider reaching out to your representatives. Let them know that pulling already-awarded funding puts both people and land at risk. Click the links for contact information for US House Districts 12 – Bost, 13 – Budzinski, and 15 – Miller and Senators Durbin and Duckworth.
But here’s what’s keeping us going:
People are stepping up — with gifts of land, monthly donations, and support through Donor Advised Funds, IRAs, gifts of stock, and through their wills.
Volunteers have been amazing — monitoring bluebird boxes, caring for preserves, and helping with outreach about the importance of native plant landscaping.
New land protection projects are in the works — including a possible donated farm, a donated parcel with important forest lands, and a potential gift of land and a home for a new public conservation area.
Kids and nature are still at the heart of this work — and we’re so close to completing the Exploration Garden in Swansea. We only need $60,000 more to make it happen. If you feel inspired, a gift of any size would help get us there.
What can you do?
Speak up. Tell your elected officials this kind of clawback hurts real people and real progress. Find your representative.
Give if you can. Every gift matters — and helps us stay strong through this. Gifts in your will, through a Donor Advised Fund, an IRA, a gift of stock, monthly gifts … and good ol’ checks all will make a difference. Click here for different ways to give.
Volunteer. If you’re nearby and want to lend a hand, let me know. We can train you up if you want to learn about prairie restoration, helping with trails, or planting trees.
Thank you for caring. Truly. It means a lot — and gives me hope for what’s next.
All my best,
Mary
Mary Vandevord
President & CEO