ENCAP, Inc.

06/05/2026

Today we're recognizing by celebrating the native midwest environments that we work in everyday - captured in our May/June Photo Contest! From forest preserves to residential lawn conversions, we take pride in the work we do stewarding the native prairies, wetlands and woodlands in our care.
Join us in celebrating the U.N. World Environment Day by voting in our photo contest (like your favorite!), learning about conservation work happening near you (so many volunteer opportunities!) and visiting https://www.un.org/en/observances/environment-day to learn about global environmental initiatives.

05/29/2026

📍Shaw Nature Reserve, Franklin County, MO

This week we got to explore the glades, restored prairies and open oak woodland of this amazing area for the 2026 Grassland Restoration Network workshop. Sharing trials, research and best practices in ecological restoration with so many passionate and knowledgeable practitioners was a great experience.

05/11/2026

May 9th was International Migratory Bird Day! We love a good birding moment. Spring seems to have gotten an early start this year, are you keeping note of what you've seen so far? How many of these can you identify? Keep your eyes to the skies and ears open to enjoy this magical time of year.

05/07/2026

This picture perfect Rue Anemone wins our recent photo contest, congrats to Kara Protz for this lovely photo!
Rue anemone are one of many spring ephemerals to pop up in deciduous woodlands in the spring. Their flowers range from pink to white, with 5-10 petal-like sepals, over a whorl of the cutest little leaves.
Hope you take some time to appreciate something up close today!

'Dew Drop'

05/01/2026

📍George B Fell Nature Preserve
Steep ravines made brush clearing an adventure, but among the shaded sandstone cliffs are some rare and relict boreal species that exist in few other places in the state, requiring the utmost care.
Named after the founder of Illinois' system of nature preserves, the George B Fell Nature Preserve is a sight to behold and a delight to botanize. The work completed here will ensure the unique native species present can continue to exist within the equally unique conditions they require.

04/17/2026

Like a spring ephemeral, our photo contest has been dormant over the last few cold months; Waiting for a chance to display its beauty.
(Edit: Whoops- We were really busy but we're back, baby!)
The beginning of 2026 was full of the trudges of winter, the beauties of spring, comradery and some fun mushies! You know the drill, take a look at what we've been up to the last few months and don't forget to 'like' your favorite!

03/28/2026

📍Lost Mound National Wildlife Refuge
This past month, one of our office locations took us to Lost Mound NWR, an old army depot that now houses one of the largest intact sand prairie communities in the state.

02/02/2026

Worldwide, wetlands are disappearing at a rate nearly 3x faster than forests, with the continental United States losing over 50% of historical wetland coverage since the 1700s.
February 2nd is World Wetlands Day. Though our work is not restricted to these habitats- a big section of our work is dedicated to restoring, protecting, monitoring natural and constructed wetlands. Cheers to the sedge meadows, wet prairies, shrub swamps, shallow marshes, floodplain savannas, bogs, fens and seeps that help improve water quality, control flooding, and provide critical habitat to innumerable plant and animal species.
Learn more: https://www.worldwetlandsday.org/
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12/20/2025

The ENCAP, Inc. Office is closed from December 22nd through January 2nd to give our hard-working staff a much needed break and time with loved ones. Stay warm out there and enjoy the season!

12/16/2025

The November to December transition was a doozy this year. Crisp mornings and brilliant autumn colors quickly turned to icy tundra, and our crews have been out for all of it. Take a look at these entries for the final 'ENCAP at Work' Photo Contest of 2025 and don't forget to 'like' your favorite!