Illinois is worth protecting.
A coalition advocating for the passage of a significant, permanent, and dedicated conservation funding source to create a more equitable, biodiverse, and climate-resilient Illinois for everyone.
Who we are
We are a growing coalition of environmental organizations, outdoor recreation advocates, land trusts, water and land stewards, community-based organizations, and agricultural producers working to increase funding to protect our land and water, restore wildlife habitat, and invest in good-paying jobs that support Illinois’ economy, especially for communities that have been historically left out and have unequal access to green space. If successful, funding will help Illinois communities stay healthy and thriving.
Because we believe Illinois is beautiful, and it’s worth protecting.
Why support?
CLEAN AIR AND WATER
Nothing is more important than having clean air and water for Illinois communities. This legislation will help improve air and water quality by conserving more land and water and creating healthier habitats for Illinois residents.
EQUITABLE ACCESS TO OPEN SPACE
Kids and families need places to disconnect from their devices, but in Illinois, access to adequate, accessible open space remains inequitable. This legislation would create new parks and green spaces in areas that have historically lacked access to them.
GOOD-PAYING JOBS & A THRIVING ECONOMY
Parks and open space lands are critical to the Illinois economy, generating over $25 billion in consumer spending annually and helping retain and attract vital corporate headquarters in the state. This legislation would create new opportunities to drive tourism and the recreational economy in Illinois.
Why we do this work . . .
Why we do this work . . .
Less than 4% land protected in Illinois.
75% of Illinois land is in agriculture.
Recreational tourism delivers $25 billion to Illinois’ economy each year.
Illinois ranks 44th in public land ownership.
What funding will do
Increase Access to Open Space
Creating more parks and safe outdoor opportunities in nature-deprived communities will ensure that all Illinoians benefit from nature. This investment will create new pathways for communities to create and steward parks and open space near where they live.
The legislation will protect and restore the forests and natural areas that make air cleaner to breathe and our water safer to drink. The public forests and parks across Illinois reduce health complications like asthma for our kids and seniors, and ensure that what flows into our rivers, lakes, and streams is clean. Protecting more forests and riparian areas will help keep our air and water clean.
Clean Our Air and Water
Every Illinois resident has access to healthy, environmentally sustainable, and ethically sourced food and their rights to produce their own food remain intact.
Support Local Food
Preserving and restoring habitats is vital for the health of plants, animals, and people. This legislation will increase protection and restoration of habitats such as wetlands, woodlands, and prairies that support iconic Illinois species like the sandhill crane, bald eagle, river otter, osprey, monarch butterfly, and more.
Restore Habitats for Wildlife
Create Jobs & Economic Impact
With investment, we can create jobs by investing in restoration, recreation, and climate resilience and attract new businesses to Illinois. Parks and open space lands are critical to the Illinois economy, generating over $25 billion in consumer spending annually and helping retain and attract vital corporate headquarters in the state.
Increase Climate Resiliency
By investing in Illinois community projects that increase climate resiliency, we can deliver multi-benefit projects that improve public safety, social equity, biodiversity, water quality, water security, and quality of life.
If you believe Illinois is worth protecting, join us.
Contact us to learn more about what it means to join the movement.
