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

Conservation On Tap

April 2, 2024

Conservation On Tap

Conservation on Tap, hosted by The Conservation Foundation's Next Gen Council, is at Bubblehouse Brewing Company on Tuesday, April 2nd!

Dayton Bluffs Preserve Workday

April 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, April 13th.

Follow the Raindrops: Protecting Water as it Flows

April 16, 2024

Follow the Raindrops: Protecting Water as it Flows

Join our Follow the Raindrops: Protecting Water as it Flows event on Tuesday, April 16th to learn how urban development has changed the course of our water.

A River Flows Through It

April 17, 2024

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.

O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve Workday

April 20, 2024

O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve Workday

Join The Conservation Foundation for our O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve Workday in Romeoville on Saturday, April 20th.

The Fox River: Our Hidden Gem

April 24, 2024

The Fox River: Our Hidden Gem

Sign up today for The Fox River: Our Hidden Gem series at Yorkville Public Library on Wednesday, April 24th!

2024 Earth Day Benefit Dinner

April 25, 2024

2024 Earth Day Benefit Dinner

Our annual Earth Day Benefit is taking place on Thursday, April 25th and is a critical source of funding for our important work.

Yorkville Litter Cleanup Program

April 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!

Let's Forage: Wild Edible Plant Walk with Shane Alden

April 27, 2024

Let's Forage: Wild Edible Plant Walk with Shane Alden

Join us on Saturday, April 27th for Let's Forage: Wild Edible Plant Walk with Shane Alden a local forager, educator, and illustrator.

O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve Walk

May 4, 2024

O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve Walk

Join The Conservation Foundation for our O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve Workday in Romeoville on Saturday, May 4th.

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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

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.

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