To manage, conserve and protect Illinois' natural, recreational and cultural resources, further the public's understanding and appreciation of those resources, and promote the education, science and public safety of Illinois' natural resources for present and future generations.
The grant program focuses on enhancing student and youth involvement in conservation efforts by supporting projects that improve educational and wildlife habitat values of school grounds or public spaces. Specifically, it aims to fund initiatives like pollinator gardens, schoolyard prairies, butterfly gardens, rain gardens, wetlands, native tree arboretums, nesting platforms, watering stations, bird feeders or feeding stations, and bat roosting boxes. The grant encourages the establishment and maintenance of these projects over at least a five-year period, emphasizing the importance of commitment and resource allocation from the applicants. The funding, capped at $2,000 annually per project, is distributed on a reimbursement basis, requiring applicants to follow specific criteria outlined in the application instructions. Two main options are available: Option One for establishing a standard pollinator garden, ideal for those new to native gardening, and Option Two for all other types of habitat projects.