
The Heron 2026 Edition 1
Curious about the difference your support of The Conservation Foundation is making throughout our region? Looking for inspiration and fresh ideas from fellow community members who share your passion for
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.

Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin & Hopper LakesSource of Picture: The Wetlands Initiative The Ramsar Convention on WetlandsFor “the conservation and wise use of all wetlands” Ramsar Convention The Ramsar …

Over the last few years there has been an increasing interest in accessible foods and medicines, and finding ways to heal, connect, and recharge through exploring nature. As a result, …
Continue reading "Foraging: Cultivating Food, Medicine and Relationships Between People and Planet"

Visit our weekly Thursday farm stand to bring home farm-fresh, local, certified organic veggies all summer long! ThursdaysOpen Early June through November3:00 – 6:00pm 10S404 Knoch Knolls Rd.Naperville, IL 60565You’ll …
Continue reading "Visit our Farm Stand Thursday Afternoons this Summer!"

Staff at The Conservation Foundation attended the UIC conference on data centers and water reuse on Friday, May 8th in Chicago. The main takeaway from the conference was that data …

Music on the Farm McDonald Farm 10S404 Knoch Knolls Rd Naperville, IL 60565 4:00 — 6:00pm Outdoor music is one of the true delights of the summer season! Spend …
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.
August 1, 2026
Conservation@Home Will Garden Showcase
The Conservation@Home Will County Garden Showcase is a self-guided tour of our community's beautiful, eco-friendly gardens.
August 5, 2026
The Conservation Foundation Book Club
Join The Conservation Foundation Book Club led by Kristy Belton, and meet every other month on the first Wednesday.
August 6, 2026
Rooted in Wellness Pilates Class
Enjoy Rooted in Wellness, a free outdoor mat Pilates class while soaking in the beautiful surroundings of McDonald Farm.
August 8, 2026
Conservation@Home Kendall Garden Showcase
The Conservation@Home Kendall County Garden Showcase is a self-guided tour of our community's beautiful, eco-friendly gardens.
August 9, 2026
Music on the Farm
Join our Music on the Farm summer music series on Sunday, August 9th, featuring local live musical acts and a food truck at McDonald Farm.
August 23, 2026
Day at Dickson-Murst Farm
Come to our Day at the Farm at Dickson-Murst Farm on Sunday, August 23rd for the perfect way to wrap up your summer!
August 27, 2026
Dickson-Murst Farm Garden Book Club
Gather and chat by the farm gardens about "The Hidden Life of Trees" by Peter Wohlleben on Thursday, August 27th!
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.
By Russ Cerocke, Farm Manager Hello everyone, we hope you have fared well through this last round of heat and smoke. It seems I am talking a lot about extremes
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.

Curious about the difference your support of The Conservation Foundation is making throughout our region? Looking for inspiration and fresh ideas from fellow community members who share your passion for

We are so honored and proud to announce that The Conservation Foundation and two of our staff members were recognized with awards by the Garfield Heritage Society and Campton Historical

If you visit our Mission, Vision, and Values page, you’ll see one of our strategic goals: help create communities where conservation is embraced as a core value. Recently, I received

Yorkville’s Police Station’s garden in bloom We’d like to highlight one of The Conservation Foundation’s newest Conservation In Our Community partners, the United City of Yorkville. By officially signing
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.