Septermber 29, 2025.  Chicago, IL — Audubon Great Lakes is proud to announce that Michelle Parker, Executive Director and Vice President, has been re-elected as the Chair of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission (INPC), continuing her commitment to safeguarding some of Illinois’ most ecologically significant lands and the habitats of endangered and threatened species.  

Parker was first elected Chair in 2024. She previously served as Vice Chair and was appointed as a commissioner by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker in 2022.  

“As birds continue to face alarming declines across the U.S., it’s more important than ever that we protect the places they depend on,” said Parker. “I am proud to lead this talented group of Commissioners and Consultants as we continue our work with landowners and partners to ensure Illinois’ precious natural spaces are protected for generations.” 

Audubon is also proud to announce that Daniel Suarez, Conservation Director for Audubon Great Lakes, has been elected as an INPC Consultant, where he will contribute his vast knowledge of plant life, birds, habitat restoration and community engagement.  

“Community and collaboration is at the heart of the Commission’s work with landowners to protect Illinois habitat. I look forward to contributing to INPC’s work to build relationships with landowners, and knowledge of how to restore and care for these important places.”  

Illinois, the Prairie State, has lost over 99 percent of its original prairie and 90 percent of its original wetland acreage. These and other habitat losses have led to sharp declines in many bird populations. A recent report, State of the Birds, shows that U.S. birds are declining sharply across a range of habitats. 

The INPC is instrumental in protecting habitats that endangered and threatened plants and animals depend on, including vulnerable birds like Illinois’ Cerulean Warbler and Bobolink. Established in 1963, the INPC protects more than 600 nature preserves, covering over 100,000 acres of land across the state. The INPC assists both private and public landowners in voluntarily dedicating or registering land into the Illinois Nature Preserve System, which ensures these ecologically significant areas are preserved in perpetuity to ensure future generations can experience the ecological diversity that Illinois has to offer. 

The Commission has made strides under Parker’s leadership. There are now 423 dedicated nature preserves with 65,243 acres and 216 registered land and water reserves with 60,041 acres. Altogether, there are 639 sites totaling 125,284 acres protected in the Illinois Nature Preserves System. 

Todd Strole, Executive Director of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, welcomed Parker’s appointment. “Michelle has been an invaluable leader on the Commission, and her commitment to conservation is unmatched. As Chair, she will continue to drive the mission of the INPC forward, promoting the preservation of Illinois’ most significant lands and providing leadership in their protection and stewardship.” 

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About Audubon Great Lakes   
Audubon Great Lakes is a regional office of Audubon, learn more at gl.audubon.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.      
The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety