Nicor Gas awards more than $50,000 in environmental stewardship grants

NAPERVILLE, IL – August 25, 2022 – Today, Nicor Gas is announcing $52,000 in environmental stewardship grants for organizations and nonprofits across the company’s service territory that are committed to providing equitable access to natural green spaces and enhancing sustainability activities that make a meaningful impact. 

“We are proud to support organizations across the state that are dedicated to being good environmental stewards in the 650 communities we serve every day,” said Jackie Nagel, manager of Community Engagement at Nicor Gas. “As the largest natural gas provider in Illinois, we believe in investing in meaningful projects that align with our focus to preserve green space and improve sustainability efforts.”

This year, Nicor Gas is proud to award 11 organizations with grants up to $5,000 to support their environmental initiatives, including: 

Suburban Cook County Area: 

• Chicago Horticultural Society/Chicago Botanic Garden – Glencoe, IL: Supports conservation and restoration of natural habitats including tallgrass prairies, deciduous woodlands and wetlands. 

• University of Illinois – gROWing Chicago Habitat Roundtables – Chicago, IL: Supports roundtable discussions on creating thriving habitats using rights-of-ways. 

DuPage County Area:  

• Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County – Warrenville, IL: Supports “A Night of Nature,” a special event to raise money for restoration activities at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve. 

• The Gardenworks Project – Wheaton, IL: Supports a community garden project at the DuPage County Fairgrounds. 

• Turning Pointe Autism Foundation – Naperville, IL: Supports the development of a therapeutic green space, including a pollinator garden and native species planting for students, families and the community. 

Fox River Valley Area: 

• The Conservation Foundation – Ottawa, IL: Supports the restoration of land near Belrose Farm and volunteer programs. 

McHenry County Area: 

• Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge – McHenry County, IL: Supports the restoration of land in McHenry County to become part of the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge. 

• Nippersink Watershed Association – Wonder Lake, IL: Supports the rehabilitation of three kame islands to enhance native habitats that will attract pollinator species. 

Rockford Area: 

• Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Gardens – Rockford, IL: Supports the restoration of land to create usable community spaces. 

• Natural Land Institute – Rockford, IL: Supports the restoration of land in the Silver Creek Woods Preserve. 

Statewide: 

• Association of Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts: Supports the annual Illinois Envirothon State Competition, where students from across the state work to find solutions to environmental issues. 

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

About Nicor Gas  
Nicor Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Nicor Gas serves more than 2.2 million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. For more information, visit nicorgas.com. 

About Southern Company Gas  
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.3 million natural gas customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states with approximately 666,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.   

Media Contact:  
Allison Gregoire  
470.733.2076 
aegregoi@southernco.com