Nicor Gas awards 21 nonprofits environmental stewardship grants totaling $100,000

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – Aug. 13, 2025 – Nicor Gas is awarding $100,000 in environmental stewardship grants to 21 nonprofit organizations to support the preservation of green spaces, promote conservation and enhance sustainability efforts across the company’s service territory.

“At Nicor Gas, we are committed to fostering a sustainable future for our customers by supporting organizations that make a meaningful impact in the preservation and access to green spaces,” said Jackie Nagel, manager of Community Engagement at Nicor Gas. “Through our environmental grants, we aim to empower community-led conservation, promote habitat resilience and inspire a greener tomorrow.” 

Nicor Gas is awarding grants to support the environmental initiatives of the following 21 nonprofit organizations:

Boone County:

• Severson Dells Nature Center – Supports a project that aims to foster environmental stewardship by engaging individuals of all ages in hands-on conservation and restoration projects to promote biodiversity and ecosystem health. 

Cook County:

• Barrington Area Conservation Trust, Inc. – Supports a restoration project to transform a heavily wooded upland area by removing invasive, non-native woody vegetation and converting it into oak woodland.
• Bee Haven – Supports a project that will convert an underutilized half-acre lot in Burnham, Illinois, into a thriving sanctuary for bees, butterflies, birds and other pollinators by removing invasive species and planting native flora.  

• Citizens for Conservation (CFC) – Supports a project that aims to enhance plant diversity in CFC preserves by planting 10,000 plugs of species, improving ecological connectivity and supporting pollinators. The project will engage the community in volunteer planting events and seed collection. 

• Forest Preserve Foundation, Inc. – Supports a service-learning program that provides high school students and young adults with practical conservation field experience through hands-on restoration activities. The initiative promotes thriving native landscapes and creates an inviting atmosphere for all Cook County residents to explore and enjoy nature. 

• Lake Katherine Nature Preserve – Supports a project that aims to install pollinator gardens at three public libraries in local communities, addressing nature gaps and providing access to natural areas for community members.  

DeKalb County:

• Oaken Acres Wildlife Refuge & Rehab Center – Supports the removal of invasive species and brush in approximately two acres of a combination of grass and wooded area and planting seeds for pollinators.  

DuPage County:

• SCARCE – Supports hands-on educational programs for schools and organizations, focusing on recycling, conservation and sustainability. SCARCE provides educators and nonprofit professionals with essential resources, while continuing to inspire the broader community to engage in sustainable practices. 

Jo Daviess County:

• Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation – Enhances forest health and preserves and restores native habitats at Mąą Pįį Native American burial mounds. The project focuses on controlling invasive species and establishing native species, while offering recreational and educational opportunities for the public.  

Kane County: 

• Algonquin Garden Club – Supports the planting of a Miyawaki Mini Forest in Dundee Township as part of the Mini Forest Alliance. The project will feature 270 native trees and shrubs in a small area to boost biodiversity and ecological health.  

• Conservation Foundation – Supports a tree voucher program for new homeowners to redeem for a native tree species of their choice. This initiative aims to promote native tree planting, educate the public on sustainable landscaping practices and enhance the environmental health and quality of life throughout Kane County. 

Kankakee County:

• Redd Sage Farms Ltd. – Supports the Pollinator Project, a grassroots initiative in Pembroke Township that establishes pollinator habitats and promotes sustainable, pesticide-free land stewardship. The project will expand native plantings, while actively involving the community through educational workshops and developing pollinator corridors to strengthen biodiversity and ecosystem health. 

Lake County:

• Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves – Supports a project that aims to restore the ecosystem at Duck Farm Forest Preserve by controlling invasive species that negatively impact native plant growth and ecosystem functions.

McHenry County:

• Boone-Dutch Creeks Water – Supports a project that will improve the integrity and biodiversity of a 6-acre prairie in Bull Valley through controlled burns and reseeding with native prairie plants. Community volunteers will support ongoing land conservation and maintenance. 

• Environmental Defenders of McHenry County (EDMC) – Supports EDMC volunteers and summer interns who will focus on controlling wild parsnip and woody brush. A professional restoration specialist will be engaged to manage invasive brush control, with follow-up resprout control in volunteer-managed areas. 

• Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge – Supports maintenance and restoration efforts at three sites by incorporating more native seed and replacement pollinator garden plants, while engaging nearby high school students in educational seed sowing activities.  

• The Land Conservancy of McHenry County – Supports a project that involves installing native trees, shrubs and plants along a new trail to enhance access to a food forest for local residents and students, while removing invasive species and incorporating educational signage.

McLean County: 

• John Wesley Powell Audubon Society – Supports the Grand Prairie Bird Alliance, which plans to clear invasive species and install high-quality native trees and shrubs at Hidden Creek Park and along the Constitution Trail. 

Will County:

• Friends of the Forest Preserve District of Will County – Supports a project that aims to enhance biodiversity and a wildlife habitat at the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in the McKinley Woods Preserve.

• Stream and Dream Liberation Labs – Supports the Planetary Guardians program, an innovative 12-week program designed to empower K-12 students as environmental stewards with a focus on ecological justice and sustainability. 

Winnebago County:

• Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden – Supports a project that restores a 1.5-acre area by removing invasive species and planting native shrubs and grasses. Community volunteers will be involved in site preparation, planting and maintenance. 

To learn more about Nicor Gas’ commitment to protecting the environment and giving back to the communities it 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), and serves 2.3 million customers in more than 650 communities across northern Illinois. Ranked as a Crain's 2024 Best Place to Work in Chicago and Most Trusted Utility Brand by Escalent, Nicor Gas is fueling customer choice, innovation, economic growth and a sustainable energy future. Nicor Gas is committed to a goal of net zero emissions from its operations by 2050, and we are working to keep bills as low as possible as we continue providing access to safe and reliable natural gas. For more information, visit nicorgas.com. 

Media Contact:
Nicole Frett
nfrett@southernco.com