(70 ILCS 405/22.07b) (from Ch. 5, par. 127.7b)
    Sec. 22.07b. Natural area guardians. The governing body of any soil and water conservation district may designate Natural Area Guardians for the purpose of managing natural areas on the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory and natural areas of regional or local significance designated by the governing body within the district. The powers of the Natural Area Guardians shall include the following:
        (1) Locating and inventorying natural areas of
    
regional or local significance located in the district.
        (2) Managing or restoring natural areas in the
    
district by itself or in cooperation with other organizations.
        (3) Assisting landowners in managing natural areas at
    
the request or with the acquiescence of the landowner.
        (4) Providing education programs concerning natural
    
areas and otherwise promoting public awareness of natural areas and their preservation.
    No individual or entity other than a district governing body, as provided in this Section, shall designate Natural Area Guardians.
    Natural Area Guardians shall have no power with respect to those areas designated as National Historical Sites or Areas.
(Source: P.A. 87-85.)