We save land.

We save rivers.

The support of more than 5,000 members and 500 volunteers helps us carry out our mission to improve the health of our communities by preserving and restoring open space and natural lands, protecting rivers and watersheds, and promoting stewardship of our environment in northeastern Illinois. We focus our work in DuPage, Kane, Kendall, and Will Counties where we have helped preserve more than 35,000 acres of open space, and we also go where we are needed in LaSalle, DeKalb, and Grundy Counties.

The support of more than 5,000 members and 500 volunteers helps us carry out our mission to improve the health of our communities by preserving and restoring open space and natural lands, protecting rivers and watersheds, and promoting stewardship of our environment in northeastern Illinois. We focus our work in DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties where we have helped preserve more than 35,000 acres of open space, and we also go where we are needed in LaSalle, DeKalb and Grundy Counties.

About Us

Simply put, we save land and we save rivers, and we’ve been at it for more than 50 years. Founded in 1972, The Conservation Foundation is one of the region’s oldest and largest not-for-profit land and watershed conservation organizations dedicated to preserving and restoring open space, protecting rivers and watersheds, and promoting stewardship of the environment in northeastern Illinois.

We believe…
every person, regardless of where they live or their social-economic status, deserves clean water, clean air, healthy food, and safe access to nature as a way to be healthy and happy.

Events

Winter Chloride Watchers Training

November 7, 2024

Winter Chloride Watchers Training

Winter Chloride Watchers invites you to be part of our program dedicated to protecting our waterways by taking part in our trainings!

Dayton Bluffs Preserve Workday

November 9, 2024

Dayton Bluffs Preserve Workday

Join The Conservation Foundation and the City of Ottawa for our Dayton Bluffs Preserve Workday in Ottawa on Saturday, November 9th.

Salt Smart for Businesses & Property Owners

November 14, 2024

Salt Smart for Businesses & Property Owners

Join Salt Smart for Businesses & Property Owners on Thursday, November 14th to learn how to protect your investment by being Salt Smart!

4th Annual Trivia Night

November 20, 2024

4th Annual Trivia Night

Join our 4th Annual Trivia Night hosted by the Next Gen Advisory Council of The Conservation Foundation on Wednesday, November 20th.

O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve Workday

November 23, 2024

O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve Workday

Join The Conservation Foundation for our O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve Workday in Romeoville on Saturday, November 23rd.

The Conservation Foundation Book Club

December 4, 2024

The Conservation Foundation Book Club

Join The Conservation Foundation Book Club led by Kristy Belton, and meet every other month on the first Wednesday.

Dayton Bluffs Preserve Workday

December 14, 2024

Dayton Bluffs Preserve Workday

Join The Conservation Foundation and the City of Ottawa for our Dayton Bluffs Preserve Workday in Ottawa on Saturday, December 14th.

O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve Workday

January 25, 2025

O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve Workday

Join The Conservation Foundation for our O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve Workday in Romeoville on Saturday, January 25th.

O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve Workday

February 22, 2025

O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve Workday

Join The Conservation Foundation for our O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve Workday in Romeoville on Saturday, February 22nd.

O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve Workday

April 26, 2025

O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve Workday

Join The Conservation Foundation for our O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve Workday in Romeoville on Saturday, April 26th.

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The Conservation Foundation’s Green Earth Harvest certified organic farm program is devoted to healthy soil, healthy vegetables, healthy people, and healthy communities. We create a place where local farmers and eaters who value responsibly grown, delicious food come together to do their part to support local farming, connect with the land, and delight in exploring the seasonal, certified organic harvest. Learn more about our  farmshare program, summer farm stands and our farm to pantry programs by clicking below.

latest news & Articles

Rain Barrels & Composters

There are many small steps we can all take to make a difference in our communities. Making changes in the way we use water and manage our households means cleaner water and healthier streams. Simple, efficient, and low-cost methods include rain barrels and composters.

Conservation Stories

Eastern bluebird on box picture

McDonald Farm Bluebird Report 2024

2024 Bluebird Nesting Box Wrap-up A Different Version of a Bird’s-eye View   By Volunteer Mackenzie Kaehler   The start of the 2024 McDonald Farm bluebird nesting season started in

Read More »

Shop the Rookery

Show your love for nature and our mission to preserve and restore it by purchasing these quality products for yourself or to give as gifts with purpose. A portion of your purchase will directly support our work to preserve and restore open space and natural lands, protect rivers and watersheds and promote stewardship of the environment.

Support provided by:

Winter Chloride Watchers Training Registration

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