For Immediate Release
Grand Prairie Friends Land Trust Earns National Recognition as Accredited Land Trust
Strong Commitment to Public Trust and Conservation Excellence
Charleston, IL (2/16/25) – Land Trust Alliance, the national accreditation commission for land trusts in the United States has announced Grand Prairie Friends Land Trust has achieved national recognition – joining a network of accredited land trusts across the nation that have demonstrated their commitment to professional excellence and to maintaining the public’s trust in their work. This announcement of successful accreditation makes GPF one of only nine accredited land trusts in the state of Illinois, and the only accredited land trust outside of Chicago, Macomb and St. Louis.
Since 1984, Grand Prairie Friends (GPF) has served east-central Illinois as a nonprofit conservation land trust. GPF owns and stewards more than 1,100-acres of natural area throughout Coles, Shelby, Champaign, Vermilion, Iroquois and Ford Counties. Preserves are open to the public, including 11-miles of trails at the Warbler Ridge Conservation Area.
“For the last three years, GPF Board of Directors and staff worked through the rigorous process of earning national accreditation to achieve the highest standards in land management, transactions and financial stability”, said Sarah Livesay, GPF Executive Director. “As a non-profit conservation land trust, GPF is not a taxing body; we depend on the generosity of donors, members and volunteers to help us protect, preserve and promote natural areas in the communities we serve”.
Grand Prairie Friends provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation prior to achieving this distinction. This included an extensive audit of land and financial transactions to provide transparency and assurance to our partners and members. The certification opens GPF to potential new funding opportunities, grants and programs.
For forty years, GPF has accepted donated land, and raised funds to purchase critically important conservation lands, especially those of remnant prairies or along rivers. “Working with landowners across east-central Illinois who wish to see their land perpetually protected is one of the most gratifying parts of this work”, says Livesay. “We feel so honored to permanently protect land that hold stories for these families. We protect the memories our landowners tell us of tree climbing, wading in the river or watching the perfect sunset. This work is good for nature, but also our human spirit”. All GPF properties are assured care and stewardship in perpetuity, leaving a legacy for families, and open space for the community.
The late Ralph Burnett thought of farming as good conservation. “His ag degree was using natural resources,” says son Gary Burnett. “He passed down his love of the land and habitat to his family. Even from a kid you’re a conservationist if you’re growing crops and have livestock.”
Gary grew to love farming and conservation from his dad. “I went out with dad in nature,” he said. “Going up to a farm in McHenry County … and getting out and greeting the farmers — the bond, the smells and walking the land with dad, are cherished memories”.
“He saw the land as a good place to maintain,” Burnett said. “He went from selling farms and ranches to conserving more of the natural areas in Illinois. He started to see some of the areas that were going away.” In 2015, before he passed away, Mr. Burnett donated 20 acres in rural Villa Grove to Grand Prairie Friends for conservation purposes in the name of his mother, Edna Edwards Burnett.
In 2021, Grand Prairie Friends came to the family and asked about the opportunity to acquire the remaining 60 acres, to which Mr. Burnett’s family readily agreed. A grant was obtained for the purchase making this the northernmost protected land on the Embarras River.
Burnett said he and his family are honored to be able to place the 80 acres in his grandma’s name into the Grand Prairies trust.
“Grandma always liked trees,” he said. She would enjoy the property that bears her name.
“Accreditation demonstrates Grand Prairie Friends’ commitment to permanent land conservation for existing and future projects”, said Craig Milling, GPF President. “We are a stronger organization for having gone through the accreditation program. Our strength means special places – such as Warbler Ridge Conservation Area and Loda Cemetery Prairie – will be protected forever for us and our children.”
“It is exciting to recognize Grand Prairie Friends with this national mark of distinction,” said Melissa Kalvestrand, Executive Director of the Commission. “Donors and partners can trust the more than 450 accredited land trusts across the country are united behind strong standards and have demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.”
Further Information:
What Does it Mean for Your Community to Have an Accredited Land Trust? (2 Minute Video) https://www.screencast.com/t/53ltVcDcH
Become a member or donor today at www.GRANDPRAIRIEFRIENDS.org
