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

O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve Workday

March 22, 2025

O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve Workday

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

From Rain Barrels to Rain Gardens: Solutions for Your Water Woes

March 23, 2025

From Rain Barrels to Rain Gardens: Solutions for Your Water Woes

Discover how to capture and channel rainfall through beautiful, practical solutions that benefit both your landscape and our environment.

The Fox River: Our Hidden Gem

March 26, 2025

The Fox River: Our Hidden Gem

Sign up today for The Fox River: Our Hidden Gem series at Yorkville Public Library on Wednesday, March 26th!

Conservation On Tap

April 1, 2025

Conservation On Tap

Conservation on Tap, hosted by The Conservation Foundation's Next Gen Council, is at Bubblehouse Brewing Company on Tuesday, April 1st!

The Conservation Foundation Book Club

April 2, 2025

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

April 12, 2025

Dayton Bluffs Preserve Workday

Join The Conservation Foundation and the City of Ottawa for our Dayton Bluffs Preserve Workday in Ottawa on Saturday, April 12th.

A River Flows Through It

April 16, 2025

A River Flows Through It

Join us monthly for our free Fox River Program Series to hear from local experts on wildlife, the legacy of the river, and more.

River Sweep

April 19, 2025

River Sweep

The 34th Annual River Sweep is a county-wide self-coordinated stream cleanup taking place on Saturday, April 19th, 2025.

The Fox River: Our Hidden Gem

April 23, 2025

The Fox River: Our Hidden Gem

Sign up today for The Fox River: Our Hidden Gem series at Yorkville Public Library on Wednesday, April 23rd!

2025 Earth Day Benefit Dinner

April 24, 2025

2025 Earth Day Benefit Dinner

Our annual Earth Day Benefit Dinner is taking place on Thursday, April 24th and is a critical source of funding for our important work.

previous arrow
next arrow
Green Earth Harvest logo

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.

latest news & Articles

By Russ Cerocke, Farm Manager   Hello readers, new and returning, to the March edition of Connections. Is it spring yet? Our future farmer Carya is experiencing her first full

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

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