Communities that have “Land Conservancies” are working to preserve acres of natural lands that surround their communities. As communities developed, they realized the value of woodlands, prairies, and marshes, not only for the aesthetic value, but for maintaining a healthy environment for man and other sentient species.
Resources
Environmental Defenders of McHenry County – In order to protect all living things, the Environmental Defenders is dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the natural environment in McHenry County. As a citizen organization, we are committed to building sound ecological relationships between people and the natural world that supports all life. Volunteer opportunities available!
Email: envirodefmc@gmail.com, www.mcdef.org
Illinois Environment Council – eEngages in education and outreach and provides a forum for environmentalists. The Illinois Environmental Council serves as the environmental community’s eyes, ears and voice in Springfield. The two organizations – collectively known as IEC – work together to ensure a more healthful environment for Illinois residents.
Email:jwalling@ilenviro.org, www.ilenviro.org
Illinois Department of Natural Resources & Friends – promotes citizen awareness of the local natural heritage of Volo Bog State Natural Area, portions of which are dedicated state nature preserves, and to preserve the same through special events, educational and training programs, acquisitions of properties for such purposes and take whatever steps deemed necessary to insure the continued care and preservation of Volo Bog State Natural Area as a natural site.
Email: dnr.volobog@illinois.gov, www.FriendsofVoloBog.org
Land Conservancy of McHenry County – Since 1991, The Land Conservancy has helped protect over 2,500 acres of McHenry County’s prairies, wetlands and woodlands by working with private landowners, communities and other partners. We do this by accepting donated conservation easements and direct acquisition of property (through purchase or donation). This organization takes such sites under our care, it is our intention to protect them on behalf of the community forever.
Email: smichehl@conservemc.org, www.conservemc.org
McHenry County Audubon Society – Promotes appreciation and increase knowledge of wild birdlife and the environment that supports it, and to further the conservation of natural resources.
Email: mcaudubon@gmail.com, www.mchenryaudubon.org
McHenry County Conservation Foundation – Dedicated to the conservation and preservation of open space in McHenry County. Governed by a volunteer board of directors, MCCF strives to create and foster conservation partnerships that promote sound stewardship of our county’s natural environments. The purpose of the McHenry County Conservation Foundation is to promote, support, assist, sustain, and encourage the charitable, educational, scientific, and recreational programs projects, and policies of the McHenry County Conservation District and other Open Space Organizations.
info@mchenryconservation.org, www.mchenryconservation.org
McHenry County Schools Environmental Education Program – MCSEEP provides environmental education to over 100,000 students, staff and parents throughout McHenry County. Their goal is to first make people aware of different environmental concepts and issues and provide the skills to react to them. This goal relates to our motto for the year “Inspiring Awareness to Empower Action.” The McHenry County Schools Environmental Education Program (MCSEEP) provides STEM activities correlated to the Next Generation Science Standards pre K-12. In addition to pre K-12 lessons, soon to provide lessons for home school students, pre-k and college.
Email: wcdonato@co.mchenry.il.us, www.mcseep.com
Northern IL Beekeepers Association – Bee Keeping Resources
Email: tallen122@yahoo.com, www.nibainfo.org
Wildflower Preservation and Propagation Committee – a non-profit organization dedicated to:
- Promoting the use of native plants in the landscape through preservation, propagation, and education
- Advocating the conservation of open space, natural landscapes, wildlife habitat,
scenic resources, and water in McHenry County and neighboring areas for the benefit of the general public - Engaging in and otherwise promoting the scientific study of and educating the public regarding local natural resources
There are a number of programs that we put on annually to promote these ideals.
Email: abritt333@gmail.com, www.thewppc.org
