At 127 years and counting, the Illinois Audubon Society is Illinois’ oldest nonprofit conservation organization. In 2024, the Society continued to push forward on many fronts – maintaining its mission of expanding land protection, increasing stewardship at our sanctuaries and providing numerous natural resource education and outreach opportunities throughout the year for members and non-members.
Throughout 2024, our energetic and dedicated staff of talented professionals have worked diligently to accomplish many behind-the- scenes tasks as well as supporting activities for the public and for conservation throughout the state. Nature Talks, a new speakers bureau was launched, 175 people attended our Adventures field trips and an additional 50 participated in our annual gathering in Savanna, Illinois. Thirty-six new Bird & Butterfly Sanctuaries were certified, totaling 65 acres of wildlife habitat.
Illinois Audubon Society was a key partner in acquiring numerous parcels to expand our land protection over the last 12 months. Highlights include the following:
- Provided financial support to assist the Community Development Corporation of Pembroke-Hopkins Park with the purchase of 30 acres of high-quality, rare black oak savanna in Kankakee County.
- Purchased 106 acres at Prairie Ridge State Natural Area in the Marion County unit where industrialization pressures have been impactful.
- Helped purchase 985 acres in Richmond, Illinois, which will be part of the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge. With our financial assistance, this land purchase will connect several existing conservation areas, creating a continuous 5,600-acre macrosite in McHenry County.
- Acquired 60 acres of grassland bird habitat in our Green River Lowlands Preserve (Lee County) where we have now protected a total of 1,027 acres.
To the many Illinois Audubon Society volunteers, I extend a heartfelt “thank you.” Volunteer stewards donate countless hours at our sanctuaries providing stewardship, education, outreach and financial support to our conservation efforts.
Your continued support is important in helping the Illinois Audubon Society further its mission and continue to be a leader in conservation in the state of Illinois.
Please consider making a tax-exempt, year-end gift, to one of the following areas of need:
- Land Protection & Stewardship: Land purchases, stewardship and restoration costs.
- Education & Outreach: Magazine costs, field trips, youth programs, annual events, chapter support and educational brochures.
- General Support: Funds that help us operate. Expenses such as salaries, supplies, utilities, annual fees for services, maintenance, repair and legal fees.
On behalf of the Illinois Audubon Society Board of Directors and staff, thank you for your continued support in 2024 and into the future.
Have a wonderful and safe holiday season,
Kevin Richards, President
Illinois Audubon Society Board of Directors