HeartLands Conservancy is a nonprofit organization that works in partnership with the people of southwestern Illinois to conserve the natural and cultural resources that sustain our communities - the farms, forests, wetlands, wildlife habitat, open spaces, and scenic vistas. We are dedicated to our mission of conserving, connecting, and restoring natural and cultural resources that sustain the people and communities of southwestern Illinois. Through our program area of Land and Water Conservation, HeartLands Conservancy protects the region's landscapes, waters, and habitats - the places in southwestern Illinois that provide a healthy region for wildlife, plants, and people. Through our program area of Resilient Communities, HeartLands Conservancy assists communities in addressing complex development and environmental issues through planning and policy, ordinances, active outdoor recreation and natural resource guidance, restoration projects, education, and training. We provide innovative programs for the diverse communities of our region. Through our Education and Engagement Program, HeartLands Conservancy is developing the next generation of conservationists. We engage a diverse spectrum of the public in an effort to illustrate the importance of our natural resources to our health, economy, and way of life.