News

Freeing the Oaks – Restoring a Rare Ecosystem at Gateway Park

August 1st, 2017

JDCF is thrilled to receive two grants that will be used to restore 14 acres of native oak savanna at Gateway Park in Galena, Illinois. Volunteers with the Galena Area Land Enthusiasts (GALE) and the Northwest Illinois Prairie Enthusiasts (NIPE) have been working hard since 2015 to restore this overgrown area of the park to […] Read More

Japanese Knotweed: An Emerging Invasive Weed in Jo Daviess County

July 17th, 2017

JDCF staff has observed a new invasive weed, Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica/Polygonum cuspidatum), around streams and drainage ditches in in the Galena area. Invasive species, often plants or animals arriving from other continents, have created huge challenges for land managers of conservation lands in NW Illinois. If left untreated, Japanese Knotweed could spread further around […] Read More

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How You Can Help

Volunteer

Land Protection

JDCF is looking for volunteers to help make sure that our preserves and conservation easements are being properly conserved…

Conservation Outreach

JDCF hosts a series of nature-based educational events throughout the year…

Stewardship

Volunteers will get out on the land to help battle invasive species, maintain trails, and much more…

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Upcoming Events

JDCF Annual Meeting with Lydia Scott, Director of the Chicago Region Trees Initiative at the Morton Arboretum

March 30 @ 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm

The public is invited to attend JDCF’s annual meeting for an interactive social hour, election and re-election of board members, and the announcement of the recipient of the 2018 Nancy Hamill Winter Conservation Leadership Award.  Our keynote speaker will be Lydia Scott, Director of the Chicago Region Trees Initiative and Manager of Community Trees Program at […] Read More

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JDCF’s Biggest Tree Contest

April 1 @ 8:00 am - October 1 @ 5:00 pm

You may hear people speak of them reverently. You might catch word of a “big tree,” an important tree, a “Champion Tree.” But what does this mean? JDCF is sponsoring a Biggest Tree Contest to recognize the largest tree within each of the designated native tree species that grow in Carroll, Jo Daviess, and Stephenson […] Read More

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Wine & Woodcocks Viewing Party

April 18 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Bring a lawn chair, blanket, and beverage of choice and join us at dusk to learn about and view woodcocks at JDCF’s Valley of Eden Bird Sanctuary.  It is a half mile hike to the viewing area and an ATV will be available for those needing assistance. A flashlight may be helpful for the walk […] Read More

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Moonlight Frog Walk

April 26 @ 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Bring the whole family for an adventure along the levee in Galena, an early evening frog walk beginning on the east side of the Meeker Street footbridge adjacent to the Galena River Trail in downtown Galena, IL. The event begins at 6:00 pm. Learn all about frogs and toads, join us in a toast to […] Read More

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