Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship Grant Program

The Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship Grant Program supports Conservation Land Trusts in enhancing stewardship on dedicated Nature Preserves and Land and Water Reserves. Funded by the Illinois Natural Areas Acquisition Fund, these grants are crucial for protecting natural areas and habitats for endangered species. This initiative aims to empower conservation efforts, ensuring the sustainability of Illinois' natural resources through effective stewardship practices.

Background
The Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship Grant Program provides grants to Conservation Land Trusts to
Increase stewardship on dedicated Illinois Nature Preserves and registered Land and Water Reserves, and Increase stewardship capacity within Conservation Land Trusts.
Funding for this grant program is derived from the Illinois Natural Areas Acquisition Fund (NAAF) and must be used by the Department of Natural Resources for the acquisition, protection, and stewardship of natural areas, including habitats for endangered and threatened species (Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Act, 525 ILCS 35/14). The Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship Grant Program was established to make grants to conservation land trusts for the purpose of promoting stewardship actions on eligible lands.