OUTDOOR EDUCATION & RECREATION RESOURCES
An asterisk (*) indicates affiliation with the Illinois Environmental Council.

BEAUTIFY SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

This is an alliance which aims to promote and increase awareness of environmental issues concerning the beautification of the southern Illinois region, and to assist in beautification projects and education through community service.

Website: https://beautifysouthernillinois.org/resources.html

Email: https://beautifysouthernillinois.org/resources.html

CLEAN SOIL

This is a coalition of Southern Illinoisans who are bringing together nature enthusiasts, educators, elected officials, local government entities, social and service clubs, businesses, tourism advocates, and others to clean up Southern Illinois in pursuit of a litter-free future.

Website: cleansoil618.org/

Email: cleansoil618@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CleanSoIL618/

FRIENDS OF THE CACHE RIVER WATERSHED

This is a “not-for-profit group of citizens dedicated to protecting, enhancing and sharing a unique natural and recreational resource, the Cache River Wetlands.”

Mailing Address: 8885 State Route 37 South   Cypress, IL 62923

Phone: (618) 657-2203 / (618) 657-2064 (Wetland Center)

Email: friendsofthecacheriver@gmail.com

Website: https://friendsofthecache.org

FRIENDS OF CRAB ORCHARD WILDLIFE REFUGE

This organization acts as a liaison between the community and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to “achieve the optimum use of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge for wildlife conservation, recreation, agriculture and industry.”

Email: admin@friendsofconwr.com

Website: https://www.friendsofconwr.com

FRIENDS OF GIANT CITY STATE PARK

The mission of this organization is to “support and enhance educational and recreational opportunities contributing to the preservation, conservation, and wise use of the natural resources at Giant City State Park.”

Email: friendsofgiantcity@gmail.com

Website: http://friendsofgiantcity.weebly.com

FRIENDS OF THE SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST

This organization is dedicated to supporting the Shawnee National Forest “by promoting land stewardship, environmental education, and responsible outdoor recreation.”

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 612  Carbondale, IL 62903

Email: friendsoftheshawnee@gmail.com

Website: https://www.shawneefriends.org

GREEN EARTH

This is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit land conservation organization. Their mission is to preserve natural areas for the benefit of the people of Carbondale, IL. They own and maintain six natural areas, totaling 220 acres, and nine miles of hiking trails - all open to the public for outdoor recreation and enjoyment.

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Website: greenearthinc.org

Phone: 618-201-3774

Email: director@greenearthinc.org

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY*

For general inquiries, please contact the main Illinois Office:

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2547 Springfield, IL 62708

Phone: (217) 544-2473

Website: https://illinoisaudubon.org

ILLINOIS CLIMBERS ASSOCIATION

This is a 501(c)3 charitable organization created to promote and support conservation and preservation of both rock climbing and bouldering areas, and their respective natural resources in Illinois.

Website: ilclimbers.org/

Phone: 612-730-3907

Email:  info@climbers.org

ILLINOIS PARK AND RECREATION ALLIANCE

Promotes park development throughout Illinois.

Mailing Address: 536 East Avenue   La Grange, IL 60525

Phone: (708) 588-2280

Email: membership@ilipra.org

Website: http://www.ilipra.org

IZAAK WALTON LEAGUE, ILLINOIS DIVISION*

Concerned with water, soil, and land conservation plus recreational use of natural resources, especially fishing.

For Illinois inquiries, please contact the main office:

Mailing Address: 707 Conservation Lane Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Phone: (301) 548-0150

Email: info@iwla.org

Website: https://www.iwla.org

KEEP CARBONDALE BEAUTIFUL

This is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that initiates, plans,

and directs, cooperative efforts in litter control, recycling, community beautification, and environmental education. They are an affiliate of Keep Illinois Beautiful and Keep

America Beautiful.

Website: http://www.keepcb.org

Phone: 618-525-5525

Email:  keepcb1326@gmail.com

MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN

They protect and conserve plants and their ecosystems.  They seek to inspire and educate all members of our local region about the benefits of being good environmental stewards through responsible and sustainable use of natural resources.

Website: missouribotanicalgarden.org

Phone: 1-800-642-8842

Gardening questions: plantinformation@mobot.org

Resources: greenresources@mobot.org

THE MISSOURI PRAIRIE FOUNDATION

Their mission is to protect and restore prairie and other native grassland communities through acquisition, management, education, and research.

Website: moprairie.org

Phone: 888-843-6739

Email:  info@moprairie.org

NATIONAL FISH AND WILDLIFE FOUNDATION

For Illinois inquiries, please contact the Central Regional Office:

Phone: (612) 564-7286

Fax: (202) 857-0162

Website: https://www.nfwf.org

NATIONAL PARKS CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION*

For Illinois inquiries, please contact the Midwest office:

Mailing Address: 333 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 921 Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: (312) 263-0111
Email: midwest@npca.org

Website: https://www.npca.org

RAILS-TO-TRAILS CONSERVANCY

The conservancy is concerned with the re-use of abandoned rail trackways.

For Illinois inquiries, please contact the Midwest Regional Office:

Mailing Address: 506 South High Street, Suite 109 Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Phone: (614) 837-6782

Website: https://www.railstotrails.org

TOUCH OF NATURE OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER

Touch of Nature's mission is to enhance the lives of all people through outdoor experiences. Community events include kids' camps in summer, Haunted Hollow in October, Maple Syrup Festival in March, and 10 miles of mountain bike trails.

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Mailing Address: SIU, Mailcode 6888, Carbondale IL 62901
Phone: (618) 453-1121

Email:  ton@siu.edu

Website: www.ton.siu.edu

First Presbyterian Church Contacts:  Linda Brandon or Jane Swanson

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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION

Hosts the Master Gardener and Master Naturalist programs as well as provides many valuable resources.

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Phone: 217-333-5900

Email:  extension@illinois.edu

Website: extension.illinois.edu