Overview
What is Natural Land Institute?
The Natural Land Institute is a nonprofit organization based in Rockford, Illinois, dedicated to preserving natural land through the acquisition of land or conservation easements. With a vision for clean water, clean air, and flood prevention, they have recently expanded their conservation efforts, protecting 380 acres of the Pecatonica River floodplain forest. This land is home to several threatened and endangered species, as well as being a crucial habitat corridor for over 100 bird species. For 14 years, the Natural Land Institute has owned and managed Milan Bottoms, a 94-acre floodplain forest with diverse wetland ecosystems. They have also advocated for the protection of Bell Bowl Prairie, an important natural area with historic significance and significant dry prairie community that supports rare and endangered species. With a mission to create an enduring legacy of natural land in northern Illinois for people, plants, and animals, the Natural Land Institute has a long history of stewarding the land they protect.
Official website here: www.naturalland.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
97% rating from Charity Navigator.
The Natural Land Institute has achieved a remarkable Four-Star out of Four Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its strong commitment to accountability and finance. With a perfect score in several key areas, including its independent board and financial oversight, the organization demonstrates a high level of transparency and responsible fiscal management. The program expense ratio of over 90% indicates that a substantial portion of its funding is directed towards its conservation efforts.
User reviews consistently highlight the effectiveness of the Natural Land Institute in preserving natural areas and working lands. Accreditation as a land trust illustrates its adherence to national quality standards, showcasing its commitment to ethical practices and excellence in conservation. Reviewers praise the organization's scientific expertise and ability to collaborate with local agencies, enhancing its impact on regional conservation efforts.
While the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, it is essential for potential donors and supporters to recognize that the organization operates in a challenging landscape where natural preservation can be complex. Nonetheless, the strong financial health and community recognition of the Natural Land Institute position it as a vital player in the conservation field.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator and Great Nonprofits.
What do the Facebook reviews say about Natural Land Institute?
82% of reviewers on Facebook recommend the Natural Land Institute. Here's a summary of their reviews:
Supporters express strong enthusiasm for the organization's mission geared towards preserving natural areas in Northern Illinois. Many highlight the beauty of the protected and restored environments the Institute offers, appreciating the accessibility these spaces provide to the public. This dedication to conservation resonates with individuals concerned about the diminishing natural landscapes in the region.
The overall sentiment reflects a community that values and embraces the efforts of the Natural Land Institute, indicating that it successfully fulfills its promise of environmental stewardship and public engagement.
This AI summary has been generated from reviews found on Facebook.
Is Natural Land Institute legitimate?
Natural Land Institute is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Natural Land Institute submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.
Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:
Executive Compensation: $107,920
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $292,399
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.naturalland.org
What is the mission statement of Natural Land Institute?
The Natural Land Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving natural land. Its mission is to create an enduring legacy of natural land in various regions, focusing on Northern Illinois, for the benefit of people, plants, and animals. The Institute protects natural areas through acquisition or conservation easements, ensuring the preservation of important habitats, such as the Pecatonica River floodplain forest and Milan Bottoms, a floodplain forest area rich in biodiversity. The Institute also advocates for the protection of significant natural areas like Bell Bowl Prairie, which hosts rare and endangered species and is of historical significance. By preserving these lands, the Natural Land Institute aims to protect clean water, air, and biodiversity, and promote the growth and regeneration of various tree species and the animals they support.
Official website here: www.naturalland.org
What is the revenue of Natural Land Institute?
Natural Land Institute's revenue in 2024 was $2,949,631.
Official website here: www.naturalland.org
Who are the executives of Natural Land Institute and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Natural Land Institute during 2024 was $44,480. There are 9 employees and 286 volunteers at Natural Land Institute.
Here are 19 key members and their salaries:
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- Compensation: $98,501
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- Other: $9,419
Official website here: www.naturalland.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Natural Land Institute?
Natural Land Institute's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2024 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.naturalland.org
Learn more at the official website: www.naturalland.org
Mission Statement of Natural Land Institute
The Natural Land Institute, a dedicated non-profit organization, strives to preserve natural land, creating an enduring legacy in northern Illinois for people, plants, and animals. Established with a mission to protect and conserve natural areas through acquisition or conservation easements, the organization has made significant strides in preserving valuable habitats for wildlife.
One of their notable achievements includes partnering with the Carleton brothers, who, with a grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, put their land into conservation agreements. This action not only protects 380 acres of the Pecatonica River floodplain forest but also forms part of a larger complex of bird and animal habitats. This area, known for its diverse ecosystem and home to seven threatened and endangered species, is a crucial part of the Pecatonica River corridor, offering some of the best wild bird habitats in the county and hosting over 100 species of birds.
In addition to land preservation, the Natural Land Institute has been actively managing Milan Bottoms, a 94-acre floodplain forest with access to the backwaters of the Mississippi River. This site, rich in biodiversity, provides habitat for several Illinois-listed species, including bald eagles. It also contains diverse wetland ecosystems essential to migratory waterfowl and wildlife species. The organization has played a crucial role in conserving this important natural area, with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources purchasing the preserve from NLI with a deed restriction to protect it in perpetuity.
In their efforts to protect natural habitats, the Natural Land Institute has advocated for the protection of Bell Bowl Prairie, located at the Chicago Rockford International Airport. This prairie, with historic significance to Rockford from the early days of Camp Grant and the Civilian Conservation Corps, hosts a significant natural dry gravel prairie community that supports rare and endangered species. The institute, along with its partners, has a long history of stewarding the Bell Bowl Prairie and hopes to work with all parties to alter the development footprint and save this precious piece of Illinois' historic landscape.
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Impact
June, 2024
The Natural Land Institute's impact lies in its dedication to preserving natural land in Northern Illinois. By acquiring and conserving land through conservation easements, the organization protects important habitats for a variety of wildlife, including threatened and endangered species. For example, the institute's efforts have resulted in the preservation of the Pecatonica River floodplain forest, an area that is home to over 100 species of birds and serves as a crucial habitat corridor.
Additionally, the Natural Land Institute owns and manages significant natural areas such as the Milan Bottoms, a biologically rich floodplain forest that provides habitat for Illinois listed species and supports wildlife conservation efforts. By advocating for the protection of places like the Bell Bowl Prairie, the institute works to safeguard unique environments and species from development and ensure their preservation for future generations.
Through its ongoing efforts and partnerships, the Natural Land Institute plays a critical role in creating an enduring legacy of natural land that benefits not only the flora and fauna of the region but also the people who value and appreciate these natural spaces.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Natural Land Institute. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.
Financials
This financial information is from Propublica.
Other financial information:
This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2024.
- Investment Income: $211,115
- Program Service Revenue: $46,658
- Gross Receipts: $6,304,060
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $18,758,522
- Total Liabilities: $619,369
- Net Assets: $18,139,153
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
LAND HOLDING & MANAGEMENT
Revenue
$44,048
PROGRAM FEES
Revenue
$2,610
Organization Details
Founding Year
1958
Principal Officer
Paul Baits
Website
www.naturalland.orgNTEE Category
Code: C340 - Environment
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