The deep soils, dense forests and lush wetlands sequester carbon in many parts of the state. By restoring and conserving more natural areas, Illinois has the opportunity to sequester more carbon, while expanding nature’s benefits of recreation, biodiversity, clean water and clean air.

We have developed several “What if….” scenarios to help imagine and compare different scenarios for the future. These scenarios include restoring natural areas (forests, grasslands and wetlands) and creating buffers along rivers and roads. These are not intended as recommendations for policies or management; similarly, the analysis does not recommend or prioritize any specific sites for restoration.

Explore the scenarios by clicking the cards below, or the Explore menu above.

Historic Landcover

Before Europeans created farms and cities, the state of Illinois was primarily prairie and forest, with abundant wetlands throughout the state. Explore the historic landcover of Illinois, based on land cover and land use records from the 1800’s.

Restoring Forests

Forests once covered 40% of Illinois. See how forest restoration can help meet the goal of conserving 30% of land in Illinois, while sequestering carbon.

Restoring Grasslands

Prairies once covered 54% of Illinois. See how prairie restoration can help meet the goal of conserving 30% of land in Illinois, while sequestering carbon.

Restoring Wetlands

Wetland once covered 3% of Illinois. See how wetland restoration can help meet the goal of conserving 30% of land in Illinois, while sequestering carbon.

You can find more results of our analysis on the currently conserved page, using the buttons above or the link in the menu.