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

Dayton Bluffs Preserve Workday

July 13, 2024

Dayton Bluffs Preserve Workday

Join The Conservation Foundation and the City of Ottawa for our Dayton Bluffs Preserve Workday in Ottawa on Saturday, July 13th.

Yoga on the Farm

July 13, 2024

Yoga on the Farm

Sign up for Yoga on the Farm on Saturday, July 13th at McDonald Farm for a 60-minute gentle yoga session with Kristy Belton!

Music on the Farm

July 14, 2024

Music on the Farm

Join our Music on the Farm summer music series on Sunday, July 14th, featuring local live musical acts and a food truck at McDonald Farm.

Yorkville Litter Cleanup Program

July 27, 2024

Yorkville Litter Cleanup Program

Participate in our Yorkville Litter Clean-Up Program and donate one hour of your time to help make Yorkville brighter!

Conservation@Home DuPage Garden Showcase

July 27, 2024

Conservation@Home DuPage Garden Showcase

Come to our Conservation@Home DuPage Garden Showcase on Saturday, July 27th to be inspired by our community’s beautiful eco-friendly gardens!

River Rhythms: Music on the Farm with a Spotlight on Local Waterways

August 9, 2024

River Rhythms: Music on the Farm with a Spotlight on Local Waterways

Visit Dickson-Murst Farm for screenings of the mini-documentary, Mussel Matters: Saving Critical Species in DuPage County!

Dayton Bluffs Preserve Workday

August 10, 2024

Dayton Bluffs Preserve Workday

Join The Conservation Foundation and the City of Ottawa for our Dayton Bluffs Preserve Workday in Ottawa on Saturday, August 10th.

Yoga on the Farm

August 11, 2024

Yoga on the Farm

Sign up for Yoga on the Farm on Sunday, August 11th at McDonald Farm for a 60-minute gentle yoga session with Kristy Belton!

Music on the Farm

August 11, 2024

Music on the Farm

Join our Music on the Farm summer music series on Sunday, August 11th, featuring local live musical acts and a food trucks at McDonald Farm.

Day at the Farm

August 18, 2024

Day at the Farm

Come to our Day at the Farm at Dickson-Murst Farm on Sunday, August 27th for the perfect way to wrap up your summer!

previous arrow
next arrow

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

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

Name(Required)
Training Date(Required)
Which training session would you like to attend?
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.