Community Conservation at Okàn Savanna
The Okàn Savanna project in Pembroke Township stands out as a beacon of community-led conservation that honors the past and future.
Community Conservation at Okàn Savanna Read More »
Wildlife
To Protect Critical Open Space, Voters in Four Northern Illinois Counties Should Vote Yes.
Voters in DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry Counties should Vote Yes on Nov. 5 to protect clean water, native habitats and healthy communities.
Illinois Wetlands Protection Act Letter to Gov. Pritzker
Illinois wetlands are vulnerable because unlike Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin, Illinois lacks a comprehensive state wetlands program. Illinois has already lost 90% of the state’s wetlands since the 1800s.
Illinois Wetlands Protection Act Letter to Gov. Pritzker Read More »
Building Power in the Prairie State
IEC’s social media manager spent his first week with IEC discovering what it means to build power for people and the environment.
Building Power in the Prairie State Read More »
2024 Conservation Day at the Capitol
Register using the Google form below Loading… Click here if form fails to load.
2024 Conservation Day at the Capitol Read More »
Space to Grow: Greening Chicago One Playground At A Time
As the climate crisis looms and the unending pace of development threatens natural spaces across the country, it is imperative that green initiatives are advanced and that the benefits of those initiatives are shared among those who are already experiencing the impacts of the climate crisis.
Space to Grow: Greening Chicago One Playground At A Time Read More »
Taking Flight: The Story Behind Illinois’ Long Awaited Monarch License Plates
Here’s some conservation news years in the making: in 2016, Illinois passed a law greenlighting a monarch license plate decal which would generate funding for pollinator habitat in IL. A few years, and 2,000 pledges from enviros later and the Decal is finally here!
Taking Flight: The Story Behind Illinois’ Long Awaited Monarch License Plates Read More »
Out of Office: Looking Back on the 2023 Legislative Tour Season
Our 2023 Legislative Tour season has come to an end, which means it’s time to take a look back on all the amazing places we took legislators and other key decision-makers to over the past few months.
Out of Office: Looking Back on the 2023 Legislative Tour Season Read More »
Illinois Environmental Council Applauds Milestone in Monarch Butterfly License Plate Specialty Decal Project
Monarch Decals to Soon Be in the Hands of Interested Illinois Drivers CHICAGO – Today, the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, in a joint announcement with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, rolled out the brand new specialty Monarch Butterfly license plate decal after legislative approval seven years ago. Having played a key role in
Trust the Land: Looking at the Impacts of the Natural Areas Stewardship Act
The Natural Areas Stewardship Act allows IDNR to award grants to conservationists like land trusts. Now, over 5 years into the law, take a look back at the impacts of this bill with IEC’s Conservation Director Lindsay Keeney— the wins, progress made and the work that couldn’t have been done without it.
Trust the Land: Looking at the Impacts of the Natural Areas Stewardship Act Read More »
Rep. Rita’s Legislation to Reduce Fishing License Fees Becomes Law
State Rep. Bob Rita has a new solution in Illinois law for anyone interested in fishing across the state but not so sure about paying the license fee. Rita, D-Blue Island, this year led the push for House Bill 2317. The bill significantly reduces the license fee for sport fishing or spearing for anyone 26 years
Rep. Rita’s Legislation to Reduce Fishing License Fees Becomes Law Read More »
Illinois environmental bills seek to improve soil health, ban state use of polystyrene foam containers
Several pieces of environmental legislation are making their way through the Illinois General Assembly on what was scheduled to be the final week of the spring legislative session. The proposals range from shifting the state’s procurement requirements to a measure aimed at improving soil health on Illinois farms. But environmental advocates gave mixed reviews on
Endangered Species Act
For this session, IEC will be joined by NRDC to discuss the Endangered Species Act and the way that it is used to protect wildlife in Illinois and all over the United States. Presenters: Lucas Rhoads, Attorney at NRDC
Endangered Species Act Read More »
Bobcats in Illinois
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNG1vp6txtUIn the eighth installment of IEC’s Lunch & Learn Series, Jennifer Kuroda from the Illinois Bobcat Foundation joins us to discuss bobcats in Illinois, including population levels, state policies affecting them and what you can do.
Bobcats in Illinois Read More »
Pollinators and Backyard Habitat
In the seventh installment of IEC’s Lunch & Learn Series, Chris Young from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources joins us to discuss pollinators, creating habitat in your own backyard, and IDNR programs. Find links and resources from the presentation below: Illinois Native Plant Society Native Plant Sales Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation K-12 Pollinator
Pollinators and Backyard Habitat Read More »
2018 Session in Review
The Illinois General Assembly adjourned on May 31st after passing a budget, which was signed by Governor Rauner the morning of June 4th. Read our budget update to learn more about the benefits to environmental programs of the fiscal year 2019 budget. The General Assembly likely will not meet again until after the election for
2018 Session in Review Read More »
Illinois Bobcat Hunting Program is Flawed
By Jennifer WallingExecutive Director, IEC Governor Rauner’s Illinois Department of Natural Resources recently increased the number of bobcat hunting permits from 500 to 1,000 for the upcoming season. The announcement of an increase in the number of permits was issued despite the fact that there is currently a bill sitting on the Governor’s desk that
Illinois Bobcat Hunting Program is Flawed Read More »
IEC EnviroNews (Summer 2014)
Find the full PDF online here or scroll down to read. Legislative report Illinois is the first state to ban microbeads Protecting of Illinois’ wildlife Energy issues in Illinois Review of veto session
IEC EnviroNews (Summer 2014) Read More »
IEC EnviroNews (Spring 2014)
Find the full PDF online here or scroll down to read. Spring report List of upcoming events Illinois moving on climate ready water infrastructure Report on protecting Illinois wildlife New farmers’ market rules Report on the Urban Flooding Awareness Act Removing of mandated coal education program Keeping microbeads out of the Great Lakes Report on
IEC EnviroNews (Spring 2014) Read More »
IEC Bulletin (Spring 2005)
Find the full PDF online here or scroll down to read. Update on the danger of mercury Governor Blagojevich gets mixed environmental grade Review of annual meeting Coalition continues drive for parks and wildlife funding Preview of spring session Concerns over budget Governor Blagojevich calls for renewable portfolio standard
IEC Bulletin (Spring 2005) Read More »