5 Ways to Plug In To the Legislative Session
The legislative session has started! This guide breaks down how you can advocate for stronger environmental protection in Illinois.
February 25, 2026
IEC Blog
Wild Ones: Building Power at Wild Things
Sergio Vargas represented IEC at the Wild Things Conference in Southern Illinois. He’s energized and optimistic about the state of conservation, knowing we have such a powerful community willing to join the fight.
February 13, 2026
What Illinois Animal are You?
Illinois is home to hundreds of iconic animals. Who are you? Find your birth month to discover more about your critter.
February 13, 2026
IEC Legislator Tours 2025
Empowering environmental champions in Illinois’ General Assembly requires building strong relationships with our legislators. These educational tours are a critical piece of that work.
January 26, 2026
As SNAP Cuts Begin, A State Bill Can Shield Illinois Communities from Federal Fallout
Passing SB1398 is a chance to prove that Illinois can again turn words into action and policy into protection.
November 10, 2025
What is Veto Session and Why Does it Matter?
It’s Veto Session season in Springfield! Find out what it is, why it matters, and how you can help IEC push for key environmental priorities.
October 28, 2025
Keep Your Eyes Open for Invasive Species This Halloween
Ghosts, Ghouls…..and Invasive Species? Learn about some of the spookiest invasive species in Illinois.
October 22, 2025
A Guide to Water Policy Terminology
From safe drinking water in Chicago to clean rivers downstate, Illinois water policy shapes our daily lives. Understanding the language behind it helps every community advocate for a healthier future.
October 16, 2025
Illinois Has Your Back, Mother Earth
We can’t count on Washington to do right for the environment. Good thing Illinois’ environmental movement is on top of it.
April 21, 2025
Defining Illinois’ Federal Strategy for Environmental Advocacy
Facing federal funding cuts impacting our state’s environment, we immediately determined we could help IEC members sift through the federal chaos and grow our federal advocacy presence.
April 18, 2025
Federal Funding Cuts are Hurting Small Farmers
Illinois’ farmers can’t wait around for the federal government to decide if critical agriculture programs are worthwhile. Their livelihoods are on the line.
April 17, 2025
Illinois’ Gardens Fight Climate Change
The Homeowner’s Native Landscaping Act, passed into law in 2024, is a win for Illinois’ biodiversity and climate.
April 7, 2025
Restoring Voting Power to People in Prison
Expanding democracy in Illinois is not only good for people, but our environment as well. We have seen that when marginalized communities are empowered, environmental protections become more possible.
March 25, 2025
Public Transit is Essential. Now It Must Be Protected.
I moved to Chicago with a dream to make it in the big city. Today, that dream includes protecting essential transit services for all Illinoisans.
March 10, 2025
Northeastern Illinois Conservation Sees Critical Win
In a battle of expectedly “red” versus “blue” politics, conservation funding in northeastern Illinois emerged a winner in the 2024 election.
March 3, 2025
Building Power to Confront Illinois’ Factory Farms
Chad Wallace tells the tale of how he met the farmer who inspired our investigation into Illinois’ factory farms.
February 19, 2025
6 Civics Tips for Illinois Environmentalists
Illinoisans are enthusiastic about gaining the skills to effectively help us build power for people and the environment.
January 13, 2025
December 20, 2024
Empowering Environmental Champions: 2024 Legislative Tours
To educate decision-makers on the importance of environmental stewardship, we connect them with experiences that demonstrate the real-world impacts of their votes in the General Assembly.
December 16, 2024
Why I’m Not Looking Back After Purchasing an Electric Vehicle
When her old vehicle started experience issues, Jen decided she needed a change. She went fully electric.
November 18, 2024