SWCDs are local, trusted resources that provide a wide variety of services that includes technical expertise and assistance towards resource management, conservation planning, outreach and education.
SWCDs work to protect Illinois’ greatest assets – the rich, fertile soils and water resources of the state through strategic conservation efforts. SWCDs, working in conjunction with agricultural as well as environmental stakeholders, have for decades over played a central role in efforts to protect and sustain the viability of Illinois’ natural resources for future generations.
SWCDs help to implement farm conservation practices, protect groundwater resources, conserve and restore wetlands/habitat, and work with other levels of government, homeowners, and developers to manage Illinois’ land in an environmentally sensitive manner.
A catastrophic event that was witnessed from the Great Plains to the U.S. Capitol over 80 years ago resulted in efforts that still have positive impacts on farms today. Beginning in 1932, persistent drought conditions Read more…
Travel along rural roads in our area this winter, and you just might see an unusual sight. Those standing corn rows, still there weeks after the fall harvest? Those are no mistake: They’re helping keep Read more…
Conservation & Water Quality One conservation practice that greatly benefits water quality, yet is often overlooked, is wetlands. Consider promoting this practice in your District or constructing one on your land in an area with Read more…
SWCDs provide technical assistance on a variety of natural resource issues such as soil conservation, water quality, nutrient manegment, sustainable land use, and conservation education. Over 500,000 Illinoisans across the urban and rural landscape benefit from the services of SWCDs each year.
SWCDs provide ongoing technical and administartive support to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implement various federal Farm Bill programs. At any given time in Illinois, there are over $400M in active, multiyear USDA contracts that SWCDs are helping to administer.
SWCDs help to implement conservation practices that help to prevent an estimated 170,000 - 180,000 pounds of Nitrogen from reaching ditches, streams, lakes, and rivers. This supports the goals of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy.
SWCDs help to implement conservation practices that account for an estimated reduction of 85,000 - 90,000 tons of soil loss that curbs erosion of waterways, stream banks, and productive farmland.
SWCDs hosted 92 watershed meetings last year with 1,872 people attending those meetings. SWCDs are doing their part to raise awareness of water quality issues.