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

October 21, 2025

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!

Green Earth Harvest Farm Stand

October 23, 2025

Green Earth Harvest Farm Stand

Visit our Green Earth Harvest Farm Stands in Naperville on Thursdays to secure fresh, organic veggies this summer!

Discover the Tax-Smart Way to Give Back

October 23, 2025

Discover the Tax-Smart Way to Give Back

Join Kristen Fox of Professional Wealth Advisors on tax advantages of various ways of being charitable on Thursday, October 23rd.

Yorkville Litter Cleanup Program

October 25, 2025

Yorkville Litter Cleanup Program

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

Outdoor Learning Educator Workshop

October 25, 2025

Outdoor Learning Educator Workshop

Join us for a professional development opportunity for K-5 educators to learn how to incorporate nature into curriculum.

Dickson-Murst Farm Garden Book Club

October 29, 2025

Dickson-Murst Farm Garden Book Club

Gather and chat by the farm gardens about "The Serviceberry" by Robin Wall Kimmerer on Wednesday, October 29th!

Winter Chloride Watchers Training

October 29, 2025

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!

Green Earth Harvest Farm Stand

October 30, 2025

Green Earth Harvest Farm Stand

Visit our Green Earth Harvest Farm Stands in Naperville on Thursdays to secure fresh, organic veggies this summer!

Strengthening Local Food Systems & Living Sustainably featuring Robin Greenfield

November 1, 2025

Strengthening Local Food Systems & Living Sustainably featuring Robin Greenfield

We are pleased to present: Strengthening Local Food Systems & Living Sustainably featuring Robin Greenfield, Activist & Forager.

Be Salt Smart and Protect Your Native Landscaping

November 4, 2025

Be Salt Smart and Protect Your Native Landscaping

Learn about practices that use less salt and salt-tolerant plant selections to protect your home while not sacrificing safety during winter.

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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

The forests of Michoacán, Mexico are the winter home of the beloved Monarch butterfly. If you catch sight of a monarch flitting through your yard this week, it is likely

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

The Heron Magazine Summer 2025

The Heron 2025 Edition 1

Looking to see the impact your support of The Conservation Foundation is making across our region? Want to be inspired and get some new ideas from other local people who

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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