Illinois Schools Awarded Nearly $40K for Habitat Projects

Four local schools receive grants from state conservation program

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Conservation Foundation have awarded nearly $40,000 in grants to 24 schools across the state for schoolyard habitat projects. The funding, provided through donations, will support the development or enhancement of wildlife habitats on school grounds and other public spaces.

Why it matters

The Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant Program aims to engage students in hands-on environmental education and conservation efforts, while also creating more green spaces and natural habitats in local communities.

The details

The grants will support 24 different schoolyard habitat projects throughout Illinois. The funding comes from donations to the Illinois Conservation Foundation and program sponsor the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation. Since the program's inception, nearly $473,000 in grants have been distributed statewide for these types of projects.

  • The 2026 application period for the grants has just concluded.

The players

Illinois Department of Natural Resources

The state agency responsible for managing Illinois' natural resources and public lands.

Illinois Conservation Foundation

A nonprofit organization that partners with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to support conservation efforts across the state.

Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation

A private foundation that provided funding for the Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant Program.

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The takeaway

The Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant Program is helping to create more green spaces and natural habitats in communities across the state, while also engaging students in hands-on environmental education and conservation efforts.