A Legacy of Land Conservation with the Natural Land Institute

Presenter: Mark Luthin

Founded by George Fell in 1958, the Natural Land Institute was the first land trust established in Illinois. Based in Rockford, NLI’s service area includes 12 counties in Northern Illinois, stretching from the Mississippi River to the collar counties of Chicago. The mission of the Natural Land Institute is to create an enduring legacy of natural land in northern Illinois for people, plants, and animals. We do this by preserving forests, prairies and wetlands for native plants and animals, restoring habitat for wildlife, protecting rivers and streams for fish and other aquatic species, educating people about their part in nature, and providing opportunities to enjoy natural areas to enrich the lives of residents of northern Illinois. NLI’s newest president, Mark Luthin, will share NLI’s efforts to accomplish its mission, either by purchasing land or through conservation easements. “We are living at the time of man’s final conquest over the wilderness. What we have saved, and what we may save in the next few years, will be all the true wild nature that will remain to pass on from generation to generation in the years ahead. There will never be another chance.” George Fell

Mark is a retired educator, having taught Biology and Environmental Science in the Belvidere School District for 32 years. Mark occupies his time volunteering with the Natural Land Institute, serving on the Board of Trustees, currently as President. Mark also is a frequent volunteer land steward with the Boone County Conservation District, and also occupies his time with several other local organizations.