Downstate Illinois Conservation Program

Applied Research

Downstate Illinois Needs Assessment
In 2002, The Foundation commissioned an environmental needs assessment of Downstate Illinois. The objective of this research was to help The Foundation better understand the region and better focus its efforts as an environmental grantmaker to ensure maximum impact. The final report describes the socio-economic and political atmosphere of the region and outlines the three primary issues of environmental concern to area leaders. Click here to view the full report (4mb).

Public Perceptions of Water Quality in Illinois
The Lumpkin Family Foundation and Prairie Rivers Network commissioned the Illinois Natural History Survey to conduct a survey of residents and policy-makers in East-Central Illinois during the spring of 2003 to determine attitudes and perceptions on water quality. Survey results show that Illinois residents view water quality as an important issue, with fully 59% saying it is the most important community issue. Click here to view the full report.

Feeding Ourselves: Strategic Steps Toward a More Diversified Illinois Food System
In 2004, The Foundation joined with several other funders to commission a study of the Illinois Food System. The Foundation's purpose in doing so was to learn how we might more effectively support downstate farm communities. Click here to view the full report.

Illinois Water Quality and the Clean Water Act Report
The Foundation commissioned The Environmental Law and Policy Center, the Midwest's leading environmental legal advocacy and eco-business innovation organization, to study and report on the water quality of Illinois' rivers, lakes and streams, and Illinois' implementation of the Clean Water Act. Click here to view this report.

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