The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Coastal Management Program has announced the allocation of $1,075,395 in grants to various organizations across Illinois. These funds are designated for projects focused on coastal education, recreation, water quality protection, planning, and design and engineering along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
This initiative is part of a collaboration between IDNR and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), aiming to support local efforts in protecting and restoring the Illinois coast. The 16 projects funded by these grants cover the entire coastline of Lake Michigan in Illinois. They involve communities, educational institutions, non-profits, park districts, and forest preserve districts working together to enhance coastal resources while engaging both youth and adults in stewardship activities.
Natalie Phelps Finnie, director of IDNR, emphasized the collective effort required for this initiative: "It takes all of us working together to protect, preserve, and restore the Lake Michigan shoreline." She highlighted that these grants represent significant investments in education and coastal resiliency to address challenges faced in Chicago and northeastern Illinois.
The 2024 Coastal Grants Program prioritizes projects that demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. It aims to benefit communities historically underserved or disproportionately affected by environmental issues.
Among the grant recipients are several notable organizations with diverse project focuses:
- Chicago Audubon Society received $22,325 for training leaders from diverse communities in birding leadership.
- Friends of the Forest Preserves was awarded $149,156.78 for deepening community engagement along the Little Calumet River.
- Urban Rivers secured $150,000 for revitalizing ecosystems along Chicago's urban rivers.
Other recipients include Faith in Place with its Migration and Me Program ($74,136.35), Friends of the Parks' Nature Along the Lake ($42,632.60), Navy Pier's Preserve the People's Pier project ($30,000), among others.
These initiatives reflect IDNR's ongoing commitment through its Coastal Management Program to foster healthy ecosystems and resilient communities around Lake Michigan by providing necessary expertise and funding support.
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