Illinois Nature Preserves Commission Celebrates
40 Years Of Success

On August 28, 1963, Governor Otto Kerner signed legislation creating the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission (INPC), making Illinois the first state to develop a comprehensive statewide program for permanently protecting ecologically important natural areas.

The late George B. Fell, a dedicated conservationist from Rockford who founded the Natural Land Institute, drafted the legislation. A portion of Illinois Beach State Park, in Lake County, became the first nature preserve in 1964. Since then, the INPC's protection has expanded to 71,700 acres of private and public land in 93 of Illinois' 102 counties.

The Illinois Natural Areas Preservation Act governs the INPC today and charges the commission to preserve, protect, and defend natural areas and endangered species habitat for the benefit of the public. The dedication of land as a nature preserve protects it forever for future generations.

The Commission is celebrating its 40th Anniversary with activities to coincide with each of its four meetings during the year.