Nicor Gas awards $100,000 in environmental stewardship grants to 20 community organizations

NAPERVILLE, Ill.  – August 19, 2024 - Nicor Gas is pleased to announce $100,000 in environmental stewardship grants for organizations and nonprofits across our service territory. These grants are dedicated to supporting initiatives that provide equitable access to natural green spaces and enhance sustainability efforts, making a meaningful impact in our communities.

“We are thrilled to offer environmental stewardship grants that empower organizations to create lasting positive change in our communities,” said Jackie Nagel, manager of Community Affairs at Nicor Gas. “By funding initiatives that promote equitable access to green spaces and advance sustainability, we are investing in a healthier, more sustainable future for everyone."

This year, Nicor Gas awards 20 organizations with grants up to $5,000 to support their environmental initiatives, including:

Boone County:

• Severson Dells Nature Center - Supports a free, once-a-month opportunity for learners of all ages to participate in hands-on, minds-on nature education around a specific theme through informative, interactive activities encouraging engagement with the natural environment.

Cook County:

• Barrington Area Conservation Trust, Inc. - Supports the ecological restoration of a 3.9-acre historically unmanaged wetland complex adjacent to Flint Creek. Restoration will include clearing of the area and planting native seeds.
• Forest Preserve Foundation, Inc. - Supports a summer internship opportunity that gives participants essential job skills and conservation education experiences.
• Friends of the Forest Preserves Cook County - Supports improvement of volunteer, engagement and workforce development programs, while creating new opportunities in response to community needs.
• Lake Katherine Nature Preserve - Supports the installation of pollinator gardens at schools in underserved areas, allowing students from those schools to have easy access to natural areas. The project also involves providing those schools with tools and supplies to care for the pollinator gardens so they can be used for educational purposes for years to come.

DeKalb County:

• Oaken Acres Wildlife Refuge & Rehab Center - Supports preparing approximately two acres of a combination of grass and wooded area and planting seeds for pollinators. Preparation activities include removal of small invasive trees and brush in wooded areas.

DuPage County:

• Cosley Foundation, Inc. - Supports an educational program that serves youth in grades seven through 12 who have a strong interest in animals, conservation and the environment. The program introduces young people to the study of animal behavior, learning about endangered species and animal welfare.
• Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County - Supports habitat restoration work and outdoor recreational improvements.
• Turning Point Autism Foundation - Supports the third phase of a pollinator garden and an outdoor learning space project, increasing access to nature for people with disabilities.

Jo Daviess County:

• Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation, Inc. - Supports the restoration of Rutherford Refuge through removal of invasive species and native plant seeding, introducing greater plant diversity and creating a thriving habitat.

Kankakee County:

• Redd Sage Farms Ltd. - Supports the establishment of a thriving habitat to support and enhance existing community conservation initiatives focused on preserving indigenous flora and fauna.

Lake County:

• Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves - Supports restoration stewardship at Nippersink Forest Preserve by facilitating the removal of aggressive invasive species and seeding of pollinator-friendly, healthy native species.

McHenry County:

• Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge - Supports the establishment of a “pocket refuge” consisting of a 600-square foot pollinator garden in McConnell Park in the Village of Richmond and adding native plants.
• McHenry County Conservation Foundation - Supports the restoration of the High Point Conservation Area, clearing out invasive species and planting native grasses, sedges and forbs.

Ogle County:

• Ogle Natural Areas Alliance - Supports the restoration and enhancement of a 14-acre floodplain forest along the Rock River in Byron, Illinois.

Will County:

• Friends of the Forest Preserve District of Will County - Supports native plant sale events and free native plant seminars.
• Joliet Park Foundation, Inc. - Supports the removal of an invasive plant species and increases the biodiversity of desirable native plants through the purchase of tools and training for volunteers. Native plants will be planted in the bird viewing area at the nature center with the help of The Conservation Foundation and Will County Audubon Society.

Winnebago County:

• Hoo Haven - Supports wildlife rehabilitation, providing medical care for injured and orphaned wildlife with the goal of restored health and release back into the wild.
• Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful - Supports educational efforts and environmental practices, and features organizations that deal with water conservation, litter prevention or enjoying nature and the outdoors. 
• Natural Land Institute - Supports restoration work at Silver Creek through cutting and disposal, mulching and/or burning of invasive brush and trees, improving the habitat that will increase forest plant species recruitment.
• Severson Dells Nature Center - Supports “Science Saturdays,” an opportunity for learners of all ages to engage in hands-on nature education, fostering engagement in building sustainable communities.

To learn more about Nicor Gas’ commitment to protecting the environment and giving back to the communities it serves, visit www.NicorGas.com/CharitableGiving.

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About Nicor Gas
Nicor Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Nicor Gas serves more than 2.3 million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. For more information, visit nicorgas.com.

About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.3 million natural gas customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states with approximately 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com. 

Media Contact:
Nicole Frett
630-388-2178
nfrett@southernco.com