🚨Free training opportunities🚨 The Nature Conservancy's Volunteer Stewardship Network (VSN) is offering another round of scholarships for courses through MortonArboretum for free! Check out the full list of courses and register: nature.ly/4a2nTxQ 📸 Curt Simshauser

Nine local climbing affinity groups came together last week to create 14 new routes on this former industrial wall in Steelworker's Park, Chicago's only free public climbing wall. Read more from Block Club Chicago about this historic event in #Chicago : nature.ly/3UfINE2

Thank you to Governor JB Pritzker for embracing the America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge!💧 #SB0771 not only aligns with these goals but also serves as a crucial tool in mitigating floods + ensuring clean water access in Illinois. #ProtectILWaters 📸 Todd Winters

The best news we could’ve gotten today! 😍

Peek-a-hoo 🦉 A pair of barn owls were spotted earlier this month using a nest box at our Emiquon preserve. 📸 Camryn Cutinello/WCBU News

Woodcocks are a sure sign that spring has arrived in Illinois! Read the latest Chicago Ornithological Society blog featuring TNC External Affairs Associate Tarik Shahzad to get a glimpse of the magic of a woodcock-watching field trip.

nature.ly/49TTmSK

We want clean energy, & we want it yesterday! The Clean and Reliable Grid Act will accelerate our clean energy progress by upgrading our electric grid & requiring transparency & public participation for ALL utilities. Lobby for this bill on May 9: nature.ly/3xOX4jk

It's not too late to register for Conservation Day at the Capitol on April 30! Join the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, IEC, the Prairie State Conservation Coalition, and the Illinois conservation community advocate for conservation in IL: nature.ly/3w68kY8

🌍 A huge win for conservation! This morning, The Nature Conservancy and the Government of Mongolia announced Eternal Mongolia, an initiative that commits all the funding and policy commitments needed for the country to protect 30% of its lands and waters by 2030.
nature.org/en-us/newsroom…

Chicago was just named the 'Most Walkable Destination in the U.S.' & we're ecstatic! According to Travel + Leisure Magazine, a study by Preply gave Chicago the top spot on the list of pedestrian-friendly cities. Come & walk at Chicago ParkDistrict 600+ parks.👉bit.ly/49LMl6v.

Thanks to Audacy B96 WXRT Chicago for joining us last week to clean up Montrose Beach! Every piece of microplastic counts, and together, we can ensure that natural spaces can continue thriving.🌎 Stay updated on volunteer events year-round at nature.ly/3JuZZQR. #EarthDay

Only 10% of IL' wetlands remain, & due to a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling, they lack critical protection. Emiquon Nature Preserve sheds light onto TNC in Illinois's wetland conservation in light of SCOTUS' decision, especially for native species.
bit.ly/3JhCyui

Happy #EarthDay If everyone would do just one thing to improve the environment each day, our world would be a better place  #1day1thing TNC in Illinois Audacy AudacyCorp   #EarthDay audacy.com/1thing

Just 2.6% of Illinois’ landscape is made up of wetlands, but 40% of species depend on wetland habitat to survive.

Hear from Illinois River project director Randy Smith about how TNC's Emiquon preserve helps support many native species thrive: nature.ly/3W0TXir

🔊 Calling all Black farmers and growers in Illinois! Join us, GrowGreater, @ilstewards, @chifoodpolicy, Urban Growers Collective and many more partners to make your voice heard in Springfield on May 15 for #BlackFarmersLobbyDay . Register here: nature.ly/3W822BR

Water, soil and sun aren't the only elements needed for plants to thrive. #PrescribedFire is essential to keep the very few remaining prairies healthy on the Illinois landscape, making it one of the most important tools in TNC's restoration box. 🔥🛠 nature.ly/49EN9tY

This #EarthMonth , we're diving into the wonderous world of wetlands. 💧 In addition to serving as habitat for countless species, wetlands are also nature’s solution to flooding/water quality challenges. Learn how: youtube.com/watch?v=fluwag… 📸Ellen McAllister/TNC Photo Contest 2022

Want to make a difference for conservation from your backyard? Join TNC and Ohio State Extension for an exciting webinar series to learn how to garden for pollinators, grow your own food, compost and more. 🌾 See the full schedule and register: nature.org/en-us/get-invo…

Mark your calendars: Join us at the state capitol on May 9 to urge lawmakers to support the Illinois Clean Jobs Platform! This suite of bills will lower greenhouse gas emissions🌎, create green jobs👷‍♀️, & make our communities healthier & safer💚. RSVP ➡️ nature.ly/4ay1pWB

Join the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, IEC, the Prairie State Conservation Coalition, and the Illinois conservation community to host a gathering on 4/30 at the State Capitol to meet with our legislators & advocate for conservation in IL: nature.ly/3Ubv1DA