The environment is everything that isn't me.

Welcome to Callie’s Environmental & Scientific Learning Center (CESLC), a sanctuary dedicated to preservation, education, and the spirit of community.  CESLC is more than a nature preserve; it is a living tribute to the Spraggins family heritage and the rare ecosystems of Illinois. Nestled within the nationally significant Pembroke Savannas, we offer a vibrant space to unplug, learn, and grow. 

Mission

To cultivate a living laboratory that inspires multi-generational stewardship of the Earth’s rarest ecosystems. We provide a sanctuary for hands-on scientific discovery and environmental advocacy, ensuring that the biodiversity of the Kankakee Sands is preserved through community-led education, inclusive outreach, and safe, restorative outdoor experiences. 

The Core Pillars of Our Mission:

• Stewardship: Actively restoring the 11-acre Callie Mae Spraggins Savanna to its peak ecological health.
• Education: Bridging the gap between classroom theory and field-based environmental science for local youth.
• Safety & Inclusion: Creating a "civilization-free" space where all community members feel a profound sense of belonging and peace.

Vision

To lead the region in environmental education and sustainable economic development.

To serve as the premier regional catalyst for ecological excellence and sustainable prosperity. We envision a future where the preservation of the Pembroke Savannas fuels a vibrant ecotourism economy, creating a circular model of growth that empowers local residents, honors our cultural heritage, and sets a global standard for how humanity thrives in harmony with nature."

The Aspirations of Our Vision:

• Economic Sovereignty: Transforming Pembroke into a world-class destination that generates local jobs and sustainable tax revenue.
• Academic Leadership: Becoming the primary research hub for sand savanna restoration, attracting scientists and scholars from across the country.
• Cultural Preservation: Protecting the legacy of the Spraggins family and the historic identity of the Kankakee Sands for centuries to come.