Prairie Land Conservancy Announces 2nd Annual Series of Conservation Tours
By: Forgottonia Times™ Report
Monarch resting on rough blazing star. Photo courtesy of Jamie Webb
Prairie Land Conservancy (PLC), in partnership with Illinois Extension and numerous dedicated private landowners, is thrilled to announce the return of the McDonough County Conservation Tour series! With nine unique tours and seven insightful speakers lined up this year, the program offers something for everyone who is passionate about protecting nature and learning how to get involved in conservation at any scale.
The Prairie Land Conservancy is a Land Trust Alliance accredited conservation land trust operating in west central Illinois. As a division of Prairie Hills Resource Conservation and Development, PLC manages over 2,400 acres of natural areas—including prairies, wetlands, and woodlands. Their mission is to protect wildlife habitat, open spaces, and sustainable agricultural lands for future generations.
Each event in the tour series offers a chance to step onto protected lands and private properties that all have a similar mission in mind- conservation of natural habitat. Participants will learn directly from landowners and conservation professionals about real-life habitat projects—from pollinator-friendly backyards to working farms enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program.
“Through these tours, we hope to demonstrate that everyone can contribute to conservation efforts,” said Illinois Extension horticulture educator Chris Enroth. “Everyone can make a difference, and our tours will showcase habitat projects ranging from backyard spaces to large working farms.”
One volunteer participating in the program shared their motivation: “I’m hoping that we can start to see more native plants in our area. Whether that’s from a pot on a deck, a yard, a small acreage or a large acreage, we can piece those individual projects together and make a better home for our wild creatures.”
This year’s lineup includes visits to a Macomb resident’s backyard, an Illinois Department of Natural Resources protected space, and a family farm embracing conservation practices. Each stop offers a powerful glimpse into how land stewardship can foster thriving ecosystems.
The McDonough County Conservation Tour series is a fantastic opportunity for families, students, educators, and nature enthusiasts to connect with their local environment and become part of a larger movement toward sustainability.
Registration is now open and can be completed online at prairielandconservancy.org/events, or by visiting the Prairie Land Conservancy office at 321 W University Drive, Macomb, IL 61455.