Conservation Districts are intended to acquire, preserve and maintain "wildland, other open land, scenic roadways and pathways...for the education, pleasure and recreation of the public."
Illinois Commission on Intergovernmental Cooperation Research Memorandum no. 117 (2003). Conservation Districts are covered on page 12. Also available via I-Share (catalog record link).
According to the 2011 Comprehensive Plan this county favors use of the Conservation District over Forest Preserve District. Tecklenburg Woods Preserve in Belleville is mentioned in the comprehensive plan.