The Franklin Creek Conservation Association serves as the friends group to Franklin Creek State Natural Area in northwest Illinois. Our mission is to preserve, restore and promote this unique and beautiful landscape while supporting the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in its management of the more than 900-acre state natural area. We help attract visitors, encourage stewardship, and provide opportunities for learning and engagement with the natural world.
The Franklin Creek Conservation Association operates the Franklin Creek Grist Mill as the state natural area’s welcome and education Center. The mill features rotating and permanent exhibits and serves as a hub for programs and activities. From April through October, we host a wide range of regularly scheduled and special events, including guided nature walks, festivals, educational workshops, stewardship days and family-friendly programs.
Throughout the year, visitors can find something meaningful on our calendar, from hands-on conservation work to seasonal celebrations and community gatherings. In addition to programming, we work to strengthen and expand the state natural area by securing grants, coordinating volunteers, and purchasing and restoring conservation land when opportunities arise.