Nicor Gas awards $100,000 in environmental stewardship grants to 21 organizations
NAPERVILLE, Ill. – Nov. 4, 2026 – Nicor Gas announced $100,000 in environmental stewardship grants to 21 nonprofit organizations across its service territory. The funding will support projects ranging from habitat restoration and conservation education to wildlife rehabilitation and pollinator protection across northern Illinois.
“At Nicor Gas, we are committed to fostering a sustainable future by supporting organizations that champion access to and preservation of green spaces and advance sustainability initiatives,” said Jackie Nagel, manager of community engagement at Nicor Gas. “Through our environmental stewardship grants, we aim to empower community-led conservation, promote habitat resilience and inspire a better tomorrow.”
The 2026 environmental stewardship grant recipients include:
Boone County
• Farmers Rising – Supports restoration of Kinnikinnick Creek through native seed planting to reestablish a strong habitat.
• Lisa’s Little Rescue – Supports environmental education programs focused on wildlife identification, habitat needs and ecosystem health.
Cook County
• Friends of the Chicago River – Supports the River Volunteer Stewardship Program, which protects and restores the Chicago-Calumet River system in Evanston, Glenview and Riverdale through volunteer stewardship addressing habitat fragmentation, pollution and biodiversity loss.
• Friends of the Forest Preserves – Supports environmental stewardship in the Forest Preserves of Cook County by restoring natural areas, engaging volunteers and developing a skilled environmental workforce.
• Homewood Science Center – Supports a conservation ecology internship program that provides hands-on ecological fieldwork through a series of structured sessions led by science educators.
• Lake Katherine Nature Center – Supports a natural play area for child-led discovery and sensory engagement with nature. The space will serve as an environmental education hub and community gathering place that fosters a connection to nature.
DuPage County
• Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County – Supports animal care at the DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center, providing rehabilitation for injured, orphaned or ill wild animals and enhancing ecosystem health.
• SCARCE – Supports the Water Immersion Program, a hands-on environmental education program that teaches sixth grade students about water quality, conservation, stormwater management and sustainable solutions.
Jo Daviess County
• Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation, Inc. – Supports reforestation at Buehler Preserve by restoring two acres of the 15-acre floodplain from degraded wet prairie to a high-quality, diverse floodplain forest.
Kankakee County
• Redd Sage Farms – Supports expansion of the Pollinator Project by strengthening existing habitat zones through infill planting and developing pollinator corridors.
Kendall County
• Earth Rangers USA Foundation – Supports in-school environmental education that helps students learn about biodiversity, conservation and practical ways to protect the environment.
Lake County
• Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves – Supports restoration at Kestrel Ridge Forest Preserve through invasive species removal, native seed planting and volunteer engagement, helping protect critical wetland and woodland habitats.
McHenry County
• Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge – Supports restoration of a 19-acre degraded oak savanna remnant within the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge area through the introduction of native savanna seed.
• Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois – Supports expansion of the Eco Learner Pollinator Program for students ages 5 through 18 at Camp Dean and the Mary Ann Beebe Center in Northern Illinois.
• McHenry County Conservation Foundation – Supports restoration of 3.25 acres of critical oak savanna at Stickney Run Conservation Area through native tree and seed planting.
Northern Illinois
• Openlands – Supports the Innovative Stewards of Land initiative, which restores and protects natural habitats across northern Illinois through ecological restoration, workforce development and community-based conservation.
Will County
• Friends of the Forest Preserve District of Will County – Supports restoration of three acres of wet-mesic upland forest at McKinley Woods Preserve by removing invasive species, enhancing ecological function and promoting native plant regeneration.
Winnebago County
• Hoo Haven, Inc. – Supports a wildlife rehabilitation and ambassador program that provides medical care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned North American wildlife, with the goal of releasing animals back into their natural habitats while educating the public about coexisting with urban wildlife.
• Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, Inc. – Supports West Loop woodland restoration and native reforestation through native plantings, invasive species removal and ongoing maintenance.
• Natural Land Institute – Supports restoration of a five-acre prairie at Silver Creek Woods Preserve through native seed planting, site preparation and ongoing maintenance.
• Severson Dells Educational Foundation – Supports Science Saturdays, providing hands-on environmental education for children and families through nature-based activities, STEM engagement and outdoor exploration.
To learn more about Nicor Gas’ commitment to protecting the environment and giving back to the communities it serves, visit NicorGas.com/CharitableGiving.
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. Nicor Gas is fueling customer choice, innovation, economic growth and a sustainable energy future. Nicor Gas is working to keep bills as low as possible as we continue providing access to clean, safe and reliable natural gas. For more information, visit nicorgas.com.
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Media Contact:
Vicki Kunsch
224.339.3756
vkunsch@southernco.com