Nicor Gas awards $100,000 in environmental stewardship grants to 21 community organizations

Boone County:

• Hoo Haven Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Center – Supports the conservation of the wildlife population and the delicate ecosystem through the care of injured and orphaned wildlife.
• Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful – Supports environmental education in classrooms and at community events in Boone and neighboring counties.

Cook County:

• Forest Preserve Foundation, Inc. – Supports experiential learning and employment opportunities in conservation for youth served by the Housing Authority of Cook County.
• Friends of the Forest Preserves of Cook County – Supports improvement of volunteer, engagement and workforce development programs while creating new opportunities in responses to community needs.

DeKalb County:

• Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves – Supports the surveying of sites in the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory to steward and protect the land.
• Oaken Acres Wildlife Refuge & Rehab Center – Supports the creation of a healthy habitat at Oaken Acres through the removal of Reed Canary Grass and the planting of native prairie plants and rye grass.

Kankakee County/Pembroke Township:

• Redd Sage Farms Ltd. – Supports the establishment of a thriving pollinator habitat that complements and bolsters the existing community conservation initiatives dedicated to preserving indigenous flora and fauna.  

Lake County:

• Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves – Supports the restoration of the forest preserve through the removal of invasive species and installation of native seeds, encouraging a healthy habitat.

McHenry County

• Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge – Supports ecological restoration of land near Richmond, Ill. through invasive species removal. 
• Land Conservancy of McHenry County – Supports the planting of native shrubs, wildflowers and other pollinator-friendly species on 1.5 acres of the Thompson Road Conservation Area.
  
• McHenry County Conservation Foundation – Supports efforts to increase the population of the elk toe mussel in the Nippersink Creek and its tributaries.

McLean County:

• Ecology Action Center – Supports the planting of trees in Bloomington-Normal neighborhoods that can benefit the most from improved air quality.
• John Wesley Powell Audubon Society – Supports native plant seed distribution at local public parks with natural areas undergoing restoration.

Northern Illinois Region (DuPage, Kane & Will County):

• Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois’ gROWing Chicago Habitat – Supports conversations among 60 Rights of Way organizations, conservation groups, and public and private landowners to create natural landscapes to protect the ecosystem.
• Conservation Foundation – Supports the Mighty Acorn program, which serves under-resourced communities and builds relationships with students while instilling an understanding of natural science.
• Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County – Supports interpretive exhibits and programs about wildlife and habitat restoration.
• Friends of the Forest Preserve District of Will County – Supports native plant sale events and free native plant seminars.
• The GardenWorks Project – Supports food waste diversion efforts and provides public educational opportunities that promote environmental stewardship.

Ogle County:

• Ogle Natural Areas Alliance – Supports the restoration and conservation of Oak/Hickory Forest and the floodplain forest along the Black Trails in Weld Memorial Park.

Winnebago County:

• Natural Land Institute – Supports the protection, management and restoration of natural land for local communities including invasive species removal, prescribed burns and native species seeding.
• Severson Dells Nature Center – Supports “Science Saturdays,” an opportunity for learners of all ages to engage in hands-on nature education, fostering engagement in building sustainable communities.

To learn more about Nicor Gas’ commitment to protecting the environment and giving back to the communities it serves, visit www.NicorGas.com/CharitableGiving.