land stewardship
& conservation
In Northwest Illinois
Volunteer NOW
STEWARDSHIP
Read More
Enjoy working outside? How about giving a hand-up to nature? JDCF is looking for volunteers to help with a variety of land stewardship projects. This is your chance to participate on a prescribed burn, join workday teams to battle invasive species at one of our preserves, or plant trees as part of ongoing restoration plans. Great opportunities for individuals, Scout troops, church and school groups looking to give back to their community.
Less
OUTREACH & EDUCATION
Read More
Have you ever thought about becoming a citizen-scientist? How about giving tours of beautiful places to area residents and visiting tourists? Maybe you enjoy planning outdoor events like mothing parties, luminaria hikes, or experiences in nature for youth? JDCF offers many volunteer opportunities to people of all ages through our Education and Outreach Program.
Less
LAND PROTECTION
Read More
Looking for a way to get your steps in while exploring spectacular pieces of property? JDCF is looking for volunteers to monitor our preserves and lands under conservation easement by walking them and taking photos for documentation. Many of these properties are privately owned making this a unique opportunity to see new parts of Jo Daviess County.
Less
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
UPCOMING EVENTS
April 5 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Conservation Conversation – A JDCF Book Club
JDCF invites you to join our book club, Conservation Conversation, for a free series of weekly Zoom discussions. Starting April 5, we will begin with the final book in our 3-book series, Braiding Sweetgrass, facilitated by Andrew Townsend. You may join in for any or all of the 4 weekly discussions. To register and receive the Zoom link, click HERE.
This book club continues to look into the relationship of the Indigenous People of the Americas with their natural environment, and the changes that came with European contact and settlement. Each session will focus on pre-determined chapters so that you are able to read along during the month and come prepared with questions and comments. There is no fee to participate, but you will need to provide your own book. Audio versions of each book are available. A limited number of books will be furnished for those unable to purchase; please contact JDCF for details.
Our third and final book of this series is Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. As a doctorate in Botany, the author blends her scientific knowledge with her Native American wisdom and gives the reader a beautiful, respectful and useful look at how the combining of cultures can still bring about a greater world for all. For many, this book gives a template for a happier, more sustainable life.
April 6 @ 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
JDCF Annual Meeting on April 6
You are cordially invited to our Annual Meeting where we will share memories and celebrate JDCF’s 30th Anniversary. There will be a social hour with heavy appetizers before a short business meeting to elect new Board members and the presentation of the 2023 Nancy Hamill Winter Conservation Leadership Award to Chloris Lowe, Jr. by Nancy Winter. There will also be several speakers highlighting significant milestones in JDCF’s history. Cost is $40/person. Woodbine Bend will be serving a limited menu for dinner immediately following our meeting. RSVPs can be made by calling them directly at 815-858-3939. A copy of the invitation is here: Annual Meeting 2023. You may pay through the donate button on our homepage or day-of at the event.
April 8 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Bluebirds & You – A Free Workshop
Everyone is invited to enjoy a workshop on one of our most beautiful native birds, the bluebird, presented by volunteers from the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation’s (JDCF), Bluebird Recovery Program. No reservations are needed, and admission is free.
The morning workshop will be filled with interesting and colorful information about these beautiful birds, including how you can help monitor bluebird trails and local woodpecker populations, and even attract them to your property. You are encouraged to come whether you are a new or experienced birder.
Experts from JDCF’s Bluebird Recovery Program will relate lessons learned from their years of experience in setting up and monitoring bluebird nest boxes and share how the success of the bluebird trails in Jo Daviess County has brought bluebirds back from the brink of extinction. Discover the best ways to select the location for a nest box, the features of the nest box, and what to expect when you monitor the bluebirds who use it. You can also find out how to join a team monitoring an existing bluebird trail or attract these gems of blue to raise families in your own yard.
April 12 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Conservation Conversation – A JDCF Book Club
JDCF invites you to join our book club, Conservation Conversation, for a free series of weekly Zoom discussions. Starting April 5, we will begin with the final book in our 3-book series, Braiding Sweetgrass, facilitated by Andrew Townsend. You may join in for any or all of the 4 weekly discussions. To register and receive the Zoom link, click HERE.
This book club continues to look into the relationship of the Indigenous People of the Americas with their natural environment, and the changes that came with European contact and settlement. Each session will focus on pre-determined chapters so that you are able to read along during the month and come prepared with questions and comments. There is no fee to participate, but you will need to provide your own book. Audio versions of each book are available. A limited number of books will be furnished for those unable to purchase; please contact JDCF for details.
Our third and final book of this series is Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. As a doctorate in Botany, the author blends her scientific knowledge with her Native American wisdom and gives the reader a beautiful, respectful and useful look at how the combining of cultures can still bring about a greater world for all. For many, this book gives a template for a happier, more sustainable life.
April 19 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Conservation Conversation – A JDCF Book Club
JDCF invites you to join our book club, Conservation Conversation, for a free series of weekly Zoom discussions. Starting April 5, we will begin with the final book in our 3-book series, Braiding Sweetgrass, facilitated by Andrew Townsend. You may join in for any or all of the 4 weekly discussions. To register and receive the Zoom link, click HERE.
This book club continues to look into the relationship of the Indigenous People of the Americas with their natural environment, and the changes that came with European contact and settlement. Each session will focus on pre-determined chapters so that you are able to read along during the month and come prepared with questions and comments. There is no fee to participate, but you will need to provide your own book. Audio versions of each book are available. A limited number of books will be furnished for those unable to purchase; please contact JDCF for details.
Our third and final book of this series is Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. As a doctorate in Botany, the author blends her scientific knowledge with her Native American wisdom and gives the reader a beautiful, respectful and useful look at how the combining of cultures can still bring about a greater world for all. For many, this book gives a template for a happier, more sustainable life.
April 21 @ 6:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Frog Walk & Frog Call Survey
Bring the whole family to JDCF’s annual frog walk beginning on the east side of the Meeker Street footbridge along the Galena River Trail in downtown Galena, IL. A great event for kids, participants will learn about the difference between frogs and toads as well as how to identify them by their sound or “call”. This is a catch and release event.
Parking is available on Park Avenue and Jefferson Street in Galena. Free to attend and RSVPs not needed. The frog walk is subject to weather-related postponement or cancellation. Please check this website or our Facebook page for updates. Rain date is April 28, same time.
April 26 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Conservation Conversation – A JDCF Book Club
JDCF invites you to join our book club, Conservation Conversation, for a free series of weekly Zoom discussions. Starting April 5, we will begin with the final book in our 3-book series, Braiding Sweetgrass, facilitated by Andrew Townsend. You may join in for any or all of the 4 weekly discussions. To register and receive the Zoom link, click HERE.
This book club continues to look into the relationship of the Indigenous People of the Americas with their natural environment, and the changes that came with European contact and settlement. Each session will focus on pre-determined chapters so that you are able to read along during the month and come prepared with questions and comments. There is no fee to participate, but you will need to provide your own book. Audio versions of each book are available. A limited number of books will be furnished for those unable to purchase; please contact JDCF for details.
Our third and final book of this series is Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. As a doctorate in Botany, the author blends her scientific knowledge with her Native American wisdom and gives the reader a beautiful, respectful and useful look at how the combining of cultures can still bring about a greater world for all. For many, this book gives a template for a happier, more sustainable life.
April 27 @ 9:00 am - 11:30 am
Wildflower Walk
JDCF is hosting a free wildflower walk to celebrate the arrival of spring. Join native plant and birding enthusiasts for a hike in the woods and along the bluffs of the Mississippi Palisades State Park. Members from the Northwest Illinois Forestry Association will join us to assist with tree and plant ID. We will meet at the South entrance to the park.
This event is subject to weather-related postponement or cancellation. Please check this website or our Facebook page for updates.
May 12 @ 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Birding at Wards Grove in Stockton, IL
According to the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, “Its large size, unbroken canopy, mature understory, and position with respect to other regional forested areas, make Wards Grove a very valuable site for area-sensitive bird species. Ovenbird, Acadian flycatcher, American redstart, scarlet tanager, veery, pileated woodpecker, and black and white warbler inhabit the forest.”
Join JDCF Director of Special Projects and birding expert, Tom Clay, for a spring birding adventure at Wards Grove. Free to attend and RSVPs not needed. Be sure to bring your binoculars!
This event is subject to weather-related postponement or cancellation. Please check this website or our Facebook page for updates.
The Search For Affordable Land
Stewardship Services Is Over!
Latest News
JDCF Announces 2023 Board Candidates
March 14th, 2023
There’s a New Bird in Town by Barbara Baird
January 9th, 2023
Near lunch time on November 2, I spotted yellow birds in my trees. My binoculars revealed the birds to be evening grosbeaks. There were four of them, two couples. I hastily filled my platform feeder which started a feeding frenzy. The local birds took their morsels and flew off but the grosbeaks stayed in place enjoying their black-oiled sunflower seeds. They stayed for the afternoon, occasionally taking a drink from the water feature nearby.
NORTHWEST ILLINOIS STEWARDSHIP COOPERATIVE – NISC
December 14th, 2022
The Northwest Illinois Stewardship Cooperative (NISC) is a collaborative partnership of organizations and individuals with land stewardship and conservation interests in northwest Illinois. NISC evolved out of an earlier collaborative effort in the region launched by Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation (JDCF) and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) in 2012 called the Northwest Illinois Invasive Species Strike Team (ISST). Although the ISST project was extremely successful in achieving its goal of controlling invasive species primarily on lands owned by JDCF and IDNR, two things quickly became apparent: (1) In addition to invasive species control services, many other types of land stewardship services were sorely needed, and (2) Many other conservation organizations in the region also had need of such services. Launched in 2016, NISC began as an informal partnership to work together on common stewardship issues, train on best management practices, share resources/opportunities, and cooperatively address natural resource concerns. In 2018, NISC completed a strategic planning process, which resulted in the “Northwest Illinois Land Stewardship Cooperative Strategic Plan (2018),” which established the following Vision and Purpose: Vision Statement: “The Northwest Illinois Land Stewardship Co-op (NISC or Co-op) believes that collaboration works: ‘the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.’ The co-op works with private and public landowners across political and geographic boundaries to educate, train, and apply the best land management across northwest Illinois’ extraordinary landscape. We do this to promote and improve land and water health in the region.” - NISC Strategic Plan (2018) Purpose Statement: “The purpose of the Northwest Illinois Land Stewardship Cooperative is to improve regional land health by successfully addressing land stewardship challenges including the effects of invasive species, lack of adequate prescribed ecological fire, and other natural area management concerns across jurisdictional boundaries and service regions.” - NISC Strategic Plan (2018) NISC worked to implement this vision and purpose with funding assistance from a grant award from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s (NFWF’s) Pulling Together Initiative (PTI) awarded to Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation, who served as the fiscal agent and project manager. This PTI grant, together with other grant funds and fee-for-service funds provided by NISC Member organizations, allowed JDCF to hire two full-time staff to deliver land stewardship services to NISC Members from 2018-2020. Following the end of the PTI grant the need for affordable land stewardship services did not go away. In fact a 2020 survey of potential clients found a huge demand for these services. To address this need, NISC transitioned to a fee-for-service program that offers these services to NISC Members, Non-Profit groups, Government Organizations, and Private Landowners. Services Prescribed Fire Invasive plant control Native Species Introduction Native Seed Mix Sowing Native Plant Plug Installation Native Tree Plantings Forest Stand Improvement Forestry Mulching Land Management Consultation Services GIS Mapping Botanical Surveys/Natural Community Inventories Invasive Species Assessment Management Plans 5 year Management Plans 5 year Management Plans with contract pricing Habitat Restoration Plans Illinois Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
Rutherford Refuge at Twin Bridges Becomes JDCF’s First Nature Preserve
February 17th, 2022
After reading this headline, you may be asking yourself, “What do you mean ‘first’ Nature Preserve?” What about Schurmeier Teaching Forest? What about Wapello? What about Casper Bluff, Horseshoe Mound, Valley of Eden, and all the other natural areas that JDCF has protected over the last 29 years? Yes, JDCF has preserved these natural areas in perpetuity for future generations to enjoy. But the title of “Nature Preserve” carries a very special meaning within the State of Illinois, and it’s not a title that is easily attained. “Nature Preserve” is an official legal status bestowed on certain special natural areas by a little-known state government agency called the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission (INPC). While INPC does not own any land itself, INPC uses Nature Preserve dedications in order to permanently protect land that is owned by nonprofit organizations like JDCF, governmental entities, and private landowners. A Nature Preserve dedication is the highest form of legal protection that a natural area can achieve in the State of Illinois without an act of Congress. “Nature Preserve” is also an official status that is reserved for only the rarest and highest-quality natural areas in Illinois. The Rutherford Refuge at Twin Bridges is one such natural area. It contains the “best of kind” wet-mesic prairie and sedge meadow habitats located within Illinois’s portion of Driftless Area. The refuge also contains dry-mesic prairie, oak barrens, oak savanna, upland forest, and coolwater stream habitats that paint a unique mosaic of habitat types on the landscape, which are home to several rare plant and insect species. Acquired by JDCF in December 2020, the Rutherford Refuge at Twin Bridges was founded with generous financial support from the Rutherford Family and the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation. It’s named in memory of John and Barbara Rutherford who owned and stewarded the property from 1988 to 2018. “Our mom had a vision,” said Bryn Davis, one of John and Barbara Rutherford’s four children that helped create the refuge. “I know she and dad would be thrilled beyond words at the fact that Twin Bridges has been dedicated as a Nature Preserve! They knew that it was a special place and they wanted it to be protected and available for others to enjoy. This dedication just reinforces what our parents and JDCF saw in this little gem of a place.” The Rutherford Refuge at Twin Bridges Nature Preserve joins the ranks of more than 400 dedicated Nature Preserves across Illinois totaling more than 60,000 acres. It is only the fourth Nature Preserve to be dedicated in Jo Daviess County and the only Nature Preserve in the county that is not owned by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. In addition to over 400 Nature Preserves, INPC has registered 196 “Land and Water Reserves” totaling more than 54,000 acres across Illinois. Similar to Nature Preserve dedications, INPC uses Land and Water Reserve registrations to permanently protect Illinois’s most important natural and archaeological areas. However, unlike Nature Preserves, Land and Water Reserves allow for a wider variety of recreational uses to occur onsite and are used to protect sites that may be of slightly lower quality and may not qualify for Nature Preserve status. JDCF’s Land and Water Reserves include Wapello, Casper Bluff, and Keough Effigy Mounds. The Rutherford Refuge at Twin Bridges Nature Preserve is located at 9532 East Twin Bridges Road, Warren, Illinois. It’s open to the public for passive outdoor recreation daily from dawn to dusk.
Make A Difference
Donating to help JDCF is easy and secure!
Make a one-time donation or see more options
on our Support JDCF page.