Kathleen Leitner, CFC President
From President Kathleen Leitner
Fifty years ago the Barrington Area Development Council determined the need for a conservation organization to address local environmental concerns. Citizens for Conservation was started by committed citizens with a recycling center at the Barrington Village Hall, but quickly became focused on the identified mission of protecting and improving the quality of life in the Barrington area through protection and restoration of land and education of the community. Initially, we worked with area landowners encouraging them in their efforts towards those goals.
CFC has come a long way since 1971. While we continue to encourage others to preserve and restore their land, we now own 476 acres in 12 preserves plus two that we restore, manage and protect, plus two additional preserves for which we are stewards. In addition, through the Barrington Greenway Initiative (“BGI”), we work with six partners to preserve and link 14,000 acres of native habitats including tall grass prairie, oak savanna, woodland, and wetland - all to create habitat corridors that support native plants and wildlife. CFC logged over 17,000 volunteer hours in 2019 and with our BGI partners collected 520 pounds of native seed. We have grown from encouraging others to preserve natural habitats, to becoming a regional leader in the movement.
In the following pages you will see our progress. As Barrington grew and changed, so did CFC. We share our restoration success stories, including our BGI projects, and we describe our vision for CFC’s future. We look forward to another fifty years of Saving Living Space for Living Things through protection, restoration and stewardship of land, conservation of natural resources, and education. We will continue to grow, and we know we can succeed with the support of the greater Barrington area community!
Free programs presented in collaboration with the Barrington Area Public Library.
Historic 50 year review of shaping conservation in the greater Barrington area. Distinguished panelists: Wendy Paulson, Steve Packard, Sam Oliver, and Pasty Mortimer will highlight building on past efforts toward future plans. Invited members, donors, and guests.
Huge native plant sale offering hard to find native species. People come from out-of-state to take advantage of the selection. Online pre-orders, garden combination packages, and a special 50th Anniversary garden selection available. Helping residents use native plants and build habitats.
Naturalist Wendy Paulson and other skilled birders lead small groups on guided discovery bird walks, sharing knowledge, identification, and behaviors of migrating and local birds. Appropriate for beginners to advanced birders. Walks are held at various preserves and reservations are required to participate.
CFC’s BGI event aligns with the global 'Restore Our Earth’ Earth Day. Volunteers from CFC and partners will install new plants and lead various educational activities for multiple ages in celebration of helping our Earth. Volunteer reservations accepted.
Highly sought out ecological internship for college students. Paid 10 week program with hands on experience in restoration management methods and techniques. Mentoring and fostering the next generation of stewards for our lands and wildlife. Applications now being accepted.
Inspiring understanding and love of the natural world Hands on experiences, learning, crafts, fun and new friends Age appropriate activities in small groups with high adult to camper ratio. Two age groups 5 7 and 8 10 for week long learning adventure Reservations required.
Helping homeowners by providing a large selection of native tree and shrubs specifically selected for success in our community and the best species for protection of land, to provide color, and habitat for wildlife. Highest quality and hard to find species offered to help improve habitats in the community.
Naturalist Wendy Paulson and other skilled birders lead small groups on guided discovery bird walks, sharing knowledge, identification, and behaviors of migrating and local birds. Appropriate for beginners to advanced birders. Walks are held at various preserves and reservations are required to participate.
Celebration and social luncheon thanking major donors. Presentation on the beneficial impact of their contributions and future CFC plans. Bus transport to dedication ceremony of new Craftsbury Preserve. Invited donors, grantors, and press.
13th annual year of this award winning program for all 4 th grade students in the school district. 600+ students participate each year in this integrated curriculum that uses the prairie and native plants to help teach STEM concepts. The strong partnership of CFC and D220 help students learn how science and nature work together. An investment in the future.
Celebration event honoring all the volunteers who are the core of CFC. From back office work to teaching to restoration, all efforts help nature. This event is about friends, laughter, and sharing conservation success accomplished by working together. By invitation.
CFC is part of the fabric of the community. Sharing this milestone with everyone... 50 FEST Event Celebration will include:
Two dedication events will honor Tom Vanderpoel’s decades of leadership in regional conservation contributions and the community’s future. Tom was a beloved and respected mentor to many. Farmhouse Memorial event open to all. Barrington Hills Preserve event is by invitation.