Environmental Organizations in Illinois

There are some great not-for-profit organizations and councils — at the state, regional, and local levels — that exist to protect and restore the natural beauty and ecology of Illinois. At Turf Care Enterprises, we applaud the fine work these groups are doing, and encourage everyone to find a local group and get involved. You can support these groups by volunteering your time, through monetary and material donations, or by spreading the word about these groups.

Statewide Organizations

Environment Illinois

A citizen-based environmental advocacy project of Environment America, Environment Illinois is dedicated to advocating for clean air, clean water, and open spaces in Illinois.

Environmental Law & Policy Center

The Environmental Law & Policy Center is the Midwest’s leading public interest environmental legal advocacy and eco-business innovation organization. They develop and lead advocacy campaigns to improve environmental quality and protect natural resources in Illinois.

Illinois Association of Park Districts

Since 1928, the IAPD has been a grassroots organization serving park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies throughout the state.

Illinois Audubon Society

Founded in 1897, the Illinois Audubon Society’s mission is to promote the perpetuation and appreciation of native flora and fauna of Illinois and the habitats that support them.

Illinois Conservation Foundation

The Illinois Conservation Foundation inspires today’s youth – tomorrow’s leaders – by providing quality outdoor education and programs that instill interest in conservation, ecology and sustainability.

Illinois Environmental Council (IEC)

IEC promotes sound environmental laws and policies. We encourage decision makers in the private sector to go beyond minimum standards to establish new environmental best practices. We credit those who lead, innovate, and inspire others to follow their example. 

Illinois Student Environmental Coalition (ISEC)

As a part of the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC), the Illinois Student Environmental Coalition (ISEC) gathers student-run organizations from across Illinois under a single goal: promote environmental sustainability. Learn more about this organization and find opportunities to serve.

Midwest Pesticide Action Center

Midwest Pesticide Action Center is dedicated to reducing the health risks and environmental impacts of pesticides by promoting safer alternatives. 

Trails for Illinois

Trails for Illinois works to enhance the quality of life in Illinois by connecting the state’s communities and countryside with an interconnected, multi-use public trail network, and by promoting the use of trails for recreation and transportation. They want every Illinois community and resident to benefit from access to safe, active, and enjoyable outdoor trail experiences. They want to make your home your trailhead!

Educational Groups

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods

Located among pristine woodlands in the Ryerson historic home in Riverwoods, Il., Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods promotes the importance of nature for nurturing personal and community wellbeing, cultivating creativity, and inspiring learning.

Douglas-Hart Nature Center

Through responsible stewardship of Helen Douglas Hart’s gifts, the Douglas-Hart Foundation will be a leader in promoting the appreciation, enjoyment, and conservation of our natural resources by providing quality programs for all ages.

Environmental Education Association of Illinois

The Environmental Education Association of Illinois (EEAI) is a partnership between conservationists and teachers who are passionate about environmental education in Illinois. They are the Illinois affiliate of the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE).

Hickory Knolls Discovery Center

The Hickory Knolls Discovery Center offers nature programs at their 130 acres of oak woodlands, wetlands, and prairies.

Lorado Taft Field Campus of Northern Illinois University

Taft’s Outdoor Education Program teaches an appreciation, understanding, and awareness of the natural community by studying and interacting with the natural world.

School & Community Assistance for Recycling and Composting Education (SCARCE)

The mission of SCARCE is to inspire people, through education, to preserve & care for our Earth’s natural resources, while working to build sustainable communities. They offer educational programs for kids through adults, environmental certifications for organizations, and consulting on starting up green initiatives for organizations and municipalities.

Severson Dells Nature Center

An education and nature center in Rockford, IL, the mission of Severson Dells is to link people to nature through education and research, in the northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin area. They promote awareness of the natural world, fostering respect, enjoyment, and preservation now and in the future.

Stillman Nature Center

The Stillman Nature Center is a private, non-profit center for environmental education located on 80 acres of woods, lake and prairie in South Barrington, Illinois.

Protecting the Great Lakes and Waterways

Alliance for the Great Lakes

The Alliance for the Great Lakes works to protect the Great Lakes for today and tomorrow. They involve tens of thousands of people each year in advocacy, volunteering, education, and research to ensure the lakes are healthy and safe for all.

Delta Institute

Delta works in partnership with business, government and communities in the Great Lakes region to create and implement innovative, market-driven solutions that build environmental resilience, economic vitality, and healthy communities. 

DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup

This is a partnership between communities, POTWs, and environmental organizations committed to improve the water quality of the DuPage River and Salt Creek in northeastern Illinois.

Friends of the Fox River

The mission of the Friends of the Fox River is to preserve, restore and protect the Fox River Watershed’s resources by connecting people with nature through education, research, restoration and advocacy.

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant

The Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG) brings together scientists, educators, policy makers, community decision makers, outreach specialists, business leaders, and the general public to work towards a healthy environment and economy along the shore of Lake Michigan. The IISG is a partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), University of Illinois, and Purdue University, along with key organizations and institutions.

National Great Rivers Research and Education Center

The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) is dedicated to the study of great river systems and the communities that use them. The NGRREC is a collaborative partnership between the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the Illinois Natural History Survey, and Lewis and Clark Community College.

Prairie Rivers Network

Prairie Rivers Network champions clean, healthy rivers and lakes, and safe drinking water to benefit the people and wildlife of Illinois. Drawing upon sound science and working cooperatively with others, they advocate public policies and cultural values that sustain the ecological health and biological diversity of water resources and aquatic ecosystems. 

Salt Creek Watershed Network

Salt Creek Watershed Network (SCWN) seeks to foster public awareness of the recreational benefits of Salt Creek and its many varied assets. And, by public education throughout the watershed, it promotes the improvement of water quality, the use of best management practices, and sound ecosystem enhancements.

Restoring the Prairies

Chiwaukee Prairie Preservation Fund

The Chiwaukee Prairie is in the southeast corner of Pleasant Prairie in Kenosha County, Wisconsin, and just north of Lake County, Illinois. The Chiwaukee Prairie Preservation Fund exists to acquire, restore, preserve and manage prairie lands which include rare, endangered and threatened species, lands with natural diversity, and viable self-sustaining ecological communities as well as to promote the conservation education of its members and the general public.

Illinois Native Plant Society

The Illinois Native Plant Society focuses on promoting the study and appreciation of Illinois’ natural vegetation and providing educational resources for all those that wish to learn or share in our enthusiasm.

Liberty Prairie Foundation

Since 1993, the Liberty Prairie Foundation is a nationally-recognized foundation strengthening local food systems while enhancing the natural landscape.

Natural Land Institute

One of the oldest private conservation groups in the Midwest, the Natural Land Institute has helped residents of northern Illinois conserve the land they cherish for over 59 years.

Openlands

Since 1963, Openlands has helpe protect more than 55,000 acres for public parks and forest preserves in the greater Chicago region.

Save the Prairie Society

For over 40 years, the Save the Prairie Society (STPS) has been the steward of the 80-acre Wolf Road Prairie in Cook County,
IL.

West Chicago Prairie Stewardship Group

The West Chicago Prairie Stewardship Group is a volunteer organization formed in 1982. Our main purpose is to aid in the management and preservation of the West Chicago Prairie Preserve.

Regional Organizations and Associations

Barrington Area Conservation Trust (BacTrust)

The mission of Barrington Area Conservation Trust is to preserve our community’s rare and exceptional open spaces for current and future generations. This is achieved through the generous support of individual members, family foundations, and business organizations.

Boone County Conservation District

The Boone County Conservation District, established in November 1964, was the first conservation district in Illinois. Their mission is to preserve and manage natural areas and open spaces for the ecological and recreational benefit of present and future generations. The BCCD oversees 25 conservation areas in Boone County, offering recreation, educational programs, special events, and volunteer opportunities.

Brookfield Zoo

The world-renowned Brookfield Zoo is a 216-acre nature park that has captivated and educated visitors since 1934. It is home to over 2,000 animal residents and is also an accredited arboretum. Managed by the Chicago Zoological Society, it occupies land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County.

Chicago Audubon Society

Founded in 1971, the Chicago Audubon Society promotes understanding and appreciation of nature while aiding in the conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems for humanity and biodiversity.

Chicago Botanic Garden

Featuring 27 gardens and four natural areas, the Chicago Botanic Garden spans 385 acres and serves as a public garden.

Chicago Wilderness Alliance

Chicago Wilderness is a regional alliance of organizations committed to preserving, improving, and expanding nature and quality of life across Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

Chicagoland Environmental Network (CEN)

CEN connects Chicagoland residents with jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities at over 200 local environmental and natural resource organizations.

The Conservation Foundation

Founded in 1972, The Conservation Foundation is a non-profit land and river protection organization that serves DuPage, Kane, Kendall, and Will Counties in Illinois.

Evanston Environmental Association

The Evanston Environmental Association (EEA) supports the programs of the Evanston Ecology Center and promotes environmental awareness in the community.

Friends of the Fox River

Friends of the Fox River preserves, restores, and protects the Fox River Watershed by connecting people with nature through education, research, restoration, and advocacy.

Southeast Environmental Task Force

This environmental non-profit serves Chicago’s southeast side and south suburbs, promoting environmental education, pollution prevention, and sustainable development.

Holistic Lawn Care in Northeastern IL

Turf Care Enterprises specializes in eco-friendly lawn care, keeping your yard healthy and beautiful without harmful chemicals.

County and Municipal Organizations

Cook County, IL

• Forest Preserves of Cook County
  Founded in 1914, the Forest Preserve is the nation’s largest forest preserve district, protecting over 69,000 acres of wildlife and plants.
• Prairie Woods Audubon Society
  A chapter of the National Audubon Society, Prairie Woods provides educational opportunities to conserve and protect Cook County’s environment.

DuPage County, IL

• The Conservation Foundation – DuPage County
  This branch promotes native plant species and best practices for stormwater management.
• Kane DuPage Soil & Water Conservation District
  This district provides educational resources for managing natural resources in Kane and DuPage Counties.

Kane County, IL

• The Conservation Foundation – Kane County
  Active since 1997, this branch educates residents on caring for natural resources, especially the Fox River.
• Forest Preserve District of Kane County
  Dedicated to acquiring, maintaining, and restoring lands within Kane County for education, recreation, and conservation.
• Kane DuPage Soil & Water Conservation District
  This district supports individuals and groups in managing natural resources effectively.

Lake County, IL

• Conserve Lake County
  Preserves thousands of acres, including Liberty Prairie Reserve, a 5,000-acre area between Libertyville, Grayslake, Gurnee, and Waukegan.
• Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area
  Ryerson Woods features pristine woodlands, rare landscapes, and habitats for state-threatened species.
• Lake Bluff Open Lands Association
  Protects over 200 acres of wetlands and open spaces in Lake Bluff, IL, for more than 35 years.
• Land Conservancy of Lake County
  Established in 1989, this group protects natural and open lands in Lake County.
• Lake County Audubon Society
  Focused on education and conservation of ecosystems, especially those vital for birds and wildlife.
• Lake County Forest Preserves
  Protects nearly 31,000 acres of natural land, with a focus on preservation, restoration, and recreation since 1958.
• Lake Forest Open Lands Association
  Maintains over 800 acres across six nature preserves, founded in 1967.
• Liberty Prairie Foundation
  Supports local food systems and the natural landscape from their base at Prairie Crossing Farm in Grayslake.

McHenry County, IL

• Environmental Defenders of McHenry County
  Dedicated to preserving and improving the natural environment in McHenry County.
• The Land Conservancy of McHenry County
  Works with landowners and partners to preserve natural, agricultural, and scenic land forever.