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About The Land Conservancy of McHenry County

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County (TLC) is an accredited nonprofit local land trust working with stakeholders to preserve open, natural and agricultural land resources in McHenry County, IL, in operation since 1991. TLC accomplishes its goals through the efforts of a small staff of trained ecologists and industry professionals, an active Board of community professionals, dedicated members and passionate volunteers.

TLC is privately funded and receives no dedicated public tax funding support 

Download a 2-page document to learn more about TLC or read on below! 

TLC’s diverse programs include: 

Natural Habitat Preservation

Apple Creek Easement Dunn Richard 2016 2

Conservation Easements

TLC has facilitated donations of 99 privately owned parcels, preserving 2,308 acres of land. The development rights are held by TLC in perpetuity. Conservation easements often receive property tax reductions for private owners.

TLC Preserves

As of 2024, TLC owns and manages eight sites open to the public totaling almost 1,000 acres of protected and restored woods, wetlands, and natural habitats. Sites are maintained by stewards and staff who guide volunteer restoration efforts. 

Project Quercus

Encourages awareness and dedication to preserving oaks as a keystone species supporting large numbers of flora and fauna. 

Community Education

Conservation@Home and @Work

These programs offer low-cost, on-site evaluation and recommendations for native plant landscaping for homes and businesses.

Lectures and Presentations

Need a presentation for a group? TLC offers presentations on a variety of conservation topics  countywide.

Training

TLC offers training for safe power equipment use and burning activities to use on your own property or as a volunteer. 

TLC YouTube Channel

A variety of free webinars and videos are available for you to learn more about conservation awareness.

TLC Website & Social Media

Up-to-date stories about land preservation, events and information are available on our website and on social media. 

Conservation Leader Internship Program (CLIP)

Offers summer hands-on training for environmentalist students with focus on women/minority applicants.

Women Caring for the Land Learning Circles

Learning Circles help women farmers and farmland owners to promote sustainable land use, increase productivity and offer social connections.

Innovative Land Use Projects

Apple Creek Food Forest

TLC site that demonstrates sustainable, edible, perennial plants, trees and shrubs.

Farmer/Landowner Lease Match

This program pairs small-acreage landowners with users.

Carbon Credits

Calculated for select TLC sites to attract corporate investment.

TLC is Privately Funded:

TLC receives no dedicated public tax funding support.

TLC Annual Memberships

Your support offers bi-monthly newsletter, social gatherings, volunteer opportunities and discounts on event tickets and native plants.

Charitable Donations and Grants

Fund a wide variety of TLC programs and events.

Open Space Stewardship Services

TLC help is contracted by municipal entities, including several City of Woodstock parks.

Fundraisers

Include fall’s Art of the Land event, spring’s Annual Celebration and the Spring & Fall Native Plant Sustainability Sales.

TLC Merchandise

Promotes conservation awareness with natural comfort.

TLC is an Accredited Land Trust

Accreditation is awarded to land trusts meeting the highest national standards for excellence and conservation permanence. Each accredited land trust completes a rigorous review process and joins a network of organizations united by strong ethical practices.


McHenry County’s landscape is richly diversified. Its features range from glacial remnants such as kames, moraines, and outwash plains, to the more recent woodlands, prairies, stream corridors, bogs and fens.

Lifelong residents, as well as new residents, are attracted to McHenry County’s special combination of small towns, natural areas, rural character and rural agricultural fields and farmsteads.

Since 1991, The Land Conservancy has helped protect over 3,200 acres of McHenry County’s prairies, wetlands and woodlands by working with private landowners, communities and other partners. We do this by accepting donated conservation easements and direct acquisition of property (through purchase or donation).

When we take such sites under our care, it is our intention to protect them on behalf of the community forever.

Preserving Land For Life

Vision: The Land Conservancy of McHenry County will be a respected voice for local land and water resources and for the contributions of private landowners in ensuring that future generations will enjoy the natural, agricultural and scenic landscapes that residents enjoy today. The County will be known for its permanently preserved diverse and irreplaceable landscapes, scenic vistas that reveal the glacial and agricultural heritage of the area, and strong community support for conservation. A diverse and growing membership and a strong volunteer base will work effectively  alongside staff to nurture and expand a conservation community.

Mission: To partner with the residents in and around McHenry County to preserve natural, scenic and agricultural land for the benefit and health of the whole community.