Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation Inc

Land preservation: jdcf preserves land in two distinct ways, conservation easements and acquisitions. In 2024, jdcf acquired a conservation easement of 120 acres preserving native forest habitat, a tree planting area, a remnant hill prairie and some indigenous cultural areas. With this easement jdcf now holds 35 conservation, cultural and agricultural easements totaling 4,708 acres. In 2024, jdcf acquired two additional fee simple properties totaling 41.74. Acquisitions like these allow jdcf and partner organizations to preserve agricultural land and natural areas in perpetuity in jo daviess county and the surrounding areas. The 40-acre mostly wooded thomson bluff property was acquired in partnership with the archeological conservancy. In the beginning of 2024, jdcf sold its ward's grove property to the il department of natural resources, increasing the size of its same-named nature preserve area. The sale of this property brought in $500,000 in restricted funds held in reserve for future land acquisitions. The remaining sale proceeds in the amount of $150,000 were allocated to support our new stewardship shop facility and created a board designated fund for future capital equipment needs. Operating revenue for the land preservation program totaled approximately $819,000 and expenses totaled approximately $707,000. Donor contributions totaled approximately $244,000

Educational services: in 2024, jdcf continued making deep connections with indigenous tribes (who formerly called jo daviess county home), specifically the ho-chunk (and winnebago) nations and the sac and fox nation of oklahoma. In collaboration with these groups, jdcf has begun providing education and outreach opportunities for listening, learning, and celebrating the heritage of the land it preserves and stewards. Delivering jdcf's education and outreach services depends on support from a robust volunteer corps of over 50 volunteers and support from local businesses including a $10,000 sponsorship from a local bank and a portion of two capacity building grants from private giving foundations. Expenses, including salaries, and education program costs were approximately $234,000. Grants, individual and local business partner contributions totaled approximately $119,000.