NATURAL LAND INSTITUTE

George B. Fell founded the Natural Land Institute in 1958 and served as Executive Director until his death in 1994. George's dedication to the preservation of natural areas continues to inspire the programs of NLI. George created a land conservation movement that has protected the wonderful diversity of native plants and animals and the beautiful tapestry of life that we enjoy. Supporters and staff of the Natural Land Institute have sustained his important work of protecting the forests, rivers and wetlands that are threatened throughout northern Illinois. NLI has negotiated the acquisition of more than 100 tracts of land totaling more than 16,000 acres. A few of these areas include Harlem Hills Nature Preserve, Rockton Nature Preserve, Sugar River tracts, Nachusa Grasslands, Markham Prairie, Franklin Creek State Natural Area, Matthiessen State Park, Briggs Wetland, Apple River Canyon and the Castle Rock area. NLI currently owns and manages 21 tracts of land totaling 1,836.86 acres and holds 40 conservation easements on 3,499.49 acres.