The Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves support biodiversity conservation in our Nature Preserves state-wide. Our core mission is to ensure that these sites maintain their rare and unique plants, animals, and natural communities into the distant future. To do this, we connect the caring public with treasured nature, help find new resources, and train and empower expert and dedicated volunteer stewards. Nearly 600 ecologically important sites totaling 110,000 acres have been protected as Illinois Nature Preserves and Land and Water Reserves, and we promote the best for them all!