Sponsors & Partners

The quality and scale of restoration at Poplar Creek reflect the strength of our partnerships. We are proud to work alongside conservation agencies, grant funders, educational institutions, and ecological professionals whose support amplifies the impact of our volunteer-driven stewardship.

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Our Partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County

Our work would not be possible without our close partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County, the steward and owner of the land we care for. We are deeply grateful for their trust in our volunteer-led restoration efforts and for the collaborative spirit that defines our relationship. In particular, we extend special thanks to Kris DaPra, Manager of Volunteer Resources, and John McCabe, Director of Resource Management, whose unwavering support, guidance, and leadership have strengthened our work year after year. TTheir partnership ensures that our work is safe, strategic, and impactful.

Foundation & Grant Support

Our restoration work is strengthened through grant funding that enables us to accelerate ecological recovery, blend professional contractor support with volunteer workdays, and expand long-term site management in partnership with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County.

Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (ICECF) awarded us a Community Stewardship Challenge Grant in 2023 that facilitated the restoration of 11 acres in the Eastern Woods of the Schaumburg Road Grasslands, blending our regular volunteer workdays with professional clearing and invasive control; we hired RES, Inc. for woody invasives clearing while volunteers conducted garlic mustard control, seed collection, seeding, propagation, and plug planting within the project area.

An Ecosystem of Support

Major Partners in Conservation

  • Illinois Nature Preserves Commission
  • The Nature Conservancy
  • Chicago Botanic Garden

Community & Educational Partners

  • Chicago Public Schools
  • Rickover Academy
  • Greencorps Chicago

Professional Restoration Support

  • RES, Inc.

Scientific Collaborators

  • Illinois Butterfly Monitoring Network
  • Dragonfly Monitoring Network