Together for Nature is a non-profit organization that aims to equitably empower communities of northeastern Illinois. Their goal is to improve social and environmental conditions through education, leadership, and advocacy. Recognizing and honoring the values and perspectives of Indigenous relationships while improving social and environmental conditions is of utmost importance. Headquartered in Ingleside, Together for Nature emphasizes acting locally while keeping an eye on how regional sustainability issues can be affected by state and national policy. Their programs include Education for Nature with lessons for both children and adults on identifying native plants, watershed ecology, and the importance of native animals in the region. Illustrating their work, In 2023, their co-founder and board member Gloria Charland won the Illinois Lakes Management Association’s Dick Hilton Watershed Stewardship Award for significant contribution to stewardship of Illinois waters.
Together for Nature and Friends Hike on February 22, 2023
The group’s board of directors includes a sustainability researcher with personal ties to Indigenous and migrant communities, an environmental activist with strong connections to other environmental organizations, and a recent environmental studies graduate with special interest in biodiversity. Volunteers include students and new graduates working as community leaders. Their many programs address equity, not just in terms of environmental justice, but in terms of the contributions that have been and can be made by women, LGBTQ+ individuals, Natives, people of color, and those of every other description. Their engaging Facebook posts, in both English and Spanish, use photos and videos that emphasize the wonders of nature, biodiversity in Illinois and throughout the world, and actions being taken to increase sustainability and environmental justice. The group’s website and social media invite all to join their programs and volunteer and to cooperate with other pro-nature organizations.
Together for Nature conducts projects and research on various sustainability topics with several high school and college students.