Lake County, IL, with its diverse landscapes ranging from wetlands to woodlands, is home to a rich variety of native plants. These indigenous species play a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of local ecosystems. This article explores the importance of Lake County’s native plants and their numerous benefits to the environment. What
State’s Investment in Conservation Reduced to Pre-2000 Levels In a move that has left many in the conservation community disillusioned, Illinois’ 103rd General Assembly has finalized the FY25 budget, which includes a significant cut to funding for Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs). The budget, totaling $53.1 billion, will return the state’s investment in SWCDs
Opportunity to Contribute Expertise in Innovative Production, Higher Education, Supply Chain, and Urban Farming The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently accepting nominations for four positions on the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. The nomination period runs from May 7, 2024, to July 7, 2024. This 12-member Committee, established in
Spring marks an exciting period of renewal and optimism for farmers, gardeners, and conservationists alike. As fields and gardens come alive with vibrant shades of spring green and purple foliage, the Association of Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD) extends our best wishes for sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship efforts underway across Illinois. Dr.
SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Director John J. Kim announced the release of two Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) totaling $4.75 million to combat nonpoint source water pollution. These Section 319(h) Clean Water Act grants aim to facilitate watershed-based planning projects and on-the-ground implementation efforts to prevent, mitigate, or remediate surface
In the heart of the Midwest, the State of Illinois has embraced an unwavering commitment to soil health, recognizing its pivotal role in sustaining the state’s thriving agricultural sector and safeguarding the environment. During the Soil Health Week’s “The Art and Science of Soil Health Advocacy in Action Day” held at the Illinois State Capitol
Dick Lyons, a former agricultural professor at Lincoln Land Community College and Illinois State University, was among the four founders of Illinois Soil Health Week. He was recognized as the top corn and wheat producer, and the fourth-highest soybean producer in Montgomery County during a census conducted in 2018. Dick attributed his success to implementing
A historic opportunity awaits Illinois landowners to unravel the mysteries of their soil’s transformation over more than a century. In exchange for permitting soil sampling, they could receive complimentary analyses worth $5,000 and expert consultations from a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign research team. The project emerged when soil scientist Andrew Margenot unexpectedly discovered an ancient
For years, residents and businesses in North Chicago have dealt with the costly and disruptive impacts of flooding from major storm events. However, help is on the way in the form of the North Chicago Storm Sewer Project, a comprehensive effort to reduce flood risks throughout the area. The project, funded through the Federal Emergency
Soil Conservation: A Social Imperative Dr. Michael Woods, executive director of the Association of Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts, penned a thought-provoking letter to the Illinois Times in response to David Blanchette’s recent article on the inaugural Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition conference. Blanchette’s piece, “Grass is good for land, livestock, and livelihoods,” explored the
