Grand Prairie Friends Awarded Nearly $86,000 from IDNR Conservation Grant

Grand Prairie Friends has been awarded nearly $86,000 through the Illinois

Natural Areas Stewardship Grant Program, administered by the Illinois Department of

Natural Resources (IDNR). The funding will support critical stewardship efforts across

Grand Prairie Friends’ Warbler Ridge Conservation Area. Located in Coles County (IL),

the preserve protects more than 1,500 acres of forest ridges and ravines along 14

river-miles of the Embarras River in Charleston.

The grant will provide support for staff time, equipment, and supplies needed to

implement prescribed fire and invasive species management at several properties

protected within the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission system.

“This investment will strengthen our ability to care for some of Illinois' most significant

prairies, woodlands and wetlands”, explains Grand Prairie Friends’ Executive Director,

Sarah Livesay. “Grand Prairie Friends’ ten preserves provide habitat for endangered

plants and animals, as well as public access for our community members to explore

more than ten miles of trails.”

The funding comes as part of nearly $700,000 awarded by IDNR to conservation

organizations throughout Illinois through the Natural Areas Stewardship Grant Program.

The program supports land trusts working to restore and protect natural areas

permanently protected through the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission.

Founded in 1984, Grand Prairie Friends is a nationally accredited nonprofit land

conservation organization dedicated to preserving and restoring natural communities

throughout nine counties in east-central Illinois. Through land stewardship, habitat

restoration, environmental education, and volunteer engagement, the organization

works to protect and other natural areas for future generations.