John E. Schwegman is the principal author of "The Natural Divisions of Illinois", a classification of the state s natural lands that guides the development of the Illinois Nature Preserves System. He established the Natural Areas Program (now Division of Natural Heritage) at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and since retirement has served as a commissioner of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. In 2004, he received the Conservationist of the Year Award from the Illinois Native Plant Society. Currently, he serves as a consultant to the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission.