From the Pritzker Administration
IDNR and ICF award 26 youth habitat enhancement projects through the Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Grant Program
SPRINGFIELD – More than $40,000 in grants for 26 Illinois schoolyard habitat action projects have been awarded by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) for the 2025 application period.
The Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant program supports the development or enhancement of wildlife habitat on school grounds or other public places. Funding is provided through donations to the ICF.
“The Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant program provides students and educators with opportunities to create native habitat in their schoolyards and increase the use of native plants in Illinois landscapes while benefitting wildlife species,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “By participating in these projects, students learn that their efforts can make a positive difference in the world, and they gain experience in problem-based learning by planning, developing, and maintaining the habitat.”
The Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation is the major sponsor of this program. Nearly $394,000 in Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant funding has been distributed since the program’s inception.
“We want school children to learn about nature through hands-on experiences,” Finnie said. “It is our goal to have Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant program projects developed in every county of the state and eventually at every school. So far, we have supported projects in 86 Illinois counties.”
The next Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant Program application window will open this spring through Dec. 3. Apply online at the IDNR education grants website. For additional information call 217-524-4126 or email dnr.teachkids@illinois.gov.
Among the 2025 Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grants recipients and their projects is:
McHenry County
• Valley View Elementary, McHenry – $2,000. Kindergarten through fifth grade, native plants.
