We came, we saw, we conferenced!
We hope this message finds you well and brimming with inspiration after the successful conclusion of the 75th Annual Meeting and Summer Training Conference of the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD) on July 18th, 2023. It was truly an unforgettable event, made possible by the dedication and passion of each and every one of you.
Throughout the conference, we had the privilege of recognizing outstanding individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to conservation and sustainability. Let us extend our heartfelt congratulations to the following award winners:
Friend of Conservation Award:
Steve Chard and Ivan Dozier (Dual Awardees)
Outstanding Forestry Contribution Award:
Bill Littrell of Union County
SWCD Director of the Year:
Al DeCrane of Henry County
Conservation Woman of the Year:
Shelly Sunquist of Henry County
Conservation Farm Family Awards:
Bill and Ginger Imhoff of Jackson County and the Gartner Family of Lawrence County (Dual Awardees)
Lawmaker of the Year:
Senate President Don Harmon
ISWCDEA Employee of the Year:
Vicki Heath of LaSalle County
ISWCDEA Scholarship Award:
Braden Hartmann of Bond County
George McKibben Memorial Scholarship:
Evan Kraft of McLean County
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the award winners, recognizing their exceptional commitment to conservation and sustainability, and the positive impact they’ve made in Illinois.
Beyond the accolades, the 75th Annual Meeting and Summer Training Conference also provided an exceptional educational and training experience for all attendees. The conference offered a diverse array of seminars and presentations, each designed to enhance knowledge, skills, and understanding of the latest trends and best practices in conservation and sustainability.
The conference featured an impressive lineup of breakouts led by industry experts, researchers, and practitioners. Topics covered included soil health management, water conservation techniques, forestry practices, wildlife habitat restoration, agricultural sustainability, and more. Participants had ample opportunities to exchange ideas, experiences, and strategies with fellow attendees, fostering camaraderie and unity within the statewide conservation community.
We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support from our sponsors and exhibitors, who played a pivotal role in making this event a resounding success. Our heartfelt thanks go out to the following sponsors:
Illinois Department of Agriculture
Illinois Soybean Association
Marathon Pipeline, LLC.
Troxell Insurance
Their unwavering commitment to our cause and their generous contributions have been instrumental in creating a memorable and enriching experience for all.
We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the following exhibitors for their participation and valuable contributions:
American Farmland Trust
Aquatic Control, Inc.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources: CREP Program
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency: Bureau of Water
Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association
Illinois Soybean Association
Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership
JULIE, Inc.
Marathon Pipeline, LLC: 811 Safe Digging
Marathon Pipeline, LLC: Sustainable Landscapes
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever
Quail & Upland Game Alliance
SIU School of Medicine; Center for Rural Health & Social Development Farm Family Resource Center
The Nature Conservancy
The knowledge, resources, and expertise shared by our exhibitors enriched the conference and furthered our collective understanding of conservation practices.
In addition to the enriching educational sessions, we were delighted to provide a fun and enjoyable social outing for conference attendees. As a special treat, we had the opportunity to attend the Springfield Municipal Opera’s showing of the play “Beauty and the Beast.” Under the stars and amidst a bug-free and cool evening, we were thoroughly entertained by this captivating performance. It was a wonderful way to unwind and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow attendees.
A special thanks is also in order for SWCD Director Brent Miller of the Pulaski-Alexander Soil and Water Conservation District for his help in making the Annual Auction one of the highlights of this event. Well done, Brent and thank you!
Once again, congratulations to all the award winners, and a heartfelt thank you to all our sponsors and exhibitors, volunteers, as well as each attendee, for contributing to the success of the 75th Annual Meeting and Summer Training Conference of AISWCD. We look forward to welcoming you back for future conferences as we continue to learn, grow, and collaborate in the realm of soil and water conservation.
Clean water, healthy soils.
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AISWCD Auxiliary: A Note of Gratitude for Your Support!
We would like to take a moment to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all attendees for their unwavering support of the AISWCD Auxiliary’s “Country Store” and raffle during the 75th Annual Meeting and Summer Training Conference. Your generous participation played a significant role in making these fundraising activities a great success.
The Country Store is always a delightful addition to the conference, offering a wide array of delicious baked goodies, preserves, and artisan crafts from local vendors. Your enthusiastic patronage of the Country Store contributed to our efforts to raise funds for various conservation and community-oriented initiatives.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the talented bakers and artisans who contributed their time and skills to create the delectable goodies and handcrafted items available at the store. Your dedication to supporting the AISWCD Auxiliary’s mission and conservation efforts is truly commendable.
Your support of the Country Store and Auxiliary Raffle has had a direct and positive impact on our group’s ability to fund scholarships, community projects, and educational initiatives focused on conservation. It is through the collective efforts of individuals like you that we can make a significant difference in our local communities and foster a sustainable future for our environment.
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