Friends Launching Capital Campaign

The Friends of the Sangamon Valley has continued to grow over the past two decades. We now own 235 acres and help manage an additional 2,000 acres of natural areas. It’s a big job, and we aren’t getting any younger.

So to add a little muscle to our restoration efforts, the Friends of the Sangamon Valley is kicking off a capital campaign to raise $25,000 per year to hire one part time steward who will help maintain Friends properties and help complete work required by grants.

The Friends will continue to seek grants and other income to help us fund this position and we’ll keep you up to date on our progress. However, the goal will be much easier to attain with your help. You can read the letter from Friends Board President Bill Crook to our supporters here.

Please consider making a donation to our Stewardship Campaign to help us reach our goal of a sustainable stewardship program.

For your convenience, you can donate through PayPal.

Our Mission

The mission of the Friends of the Sangamon Valley is to preserve the natural heritage of the Sangamon River watershed by acquiring, restoring, and protecting ecologically significant lands. Many of the counties in the watershed do not have a local conservation district or other land trust organization dedicated to preserving land or restoring and maintaining natural areas. The Friends fills this niche.

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Initially formed as the Friends of Carpenter Park, the Friends of the Sangamon Valley has expanded its mission to encompass the broader watershed, including work in several counties.

Our focus is hands-on stewardship. We believe in the strength and ability of community volunteers to provide the best care and management of our local natural resources. Our volunteers participate in strategic planning, endangered species monitoring, exotic species control, controlled burns, and other ecological management activities. We also provide opportunities for workshops, tours, and just getting outside to appreciate some of the overlooked gems in Central Illinois.

Mailing Address:

PO Box 13352, Springfield, IL 62791.

Support the work of the Friends by donating through PayPal.