SYCAMORE, Ill. — Dean Johnson knows what it feels like, as a farmer, to see a season’s hard work washed away by flooding. “I farmed right along the Kishwaukee River. I always tell people it’s because of that river that I have this job today, because flooding was an issue when I was farming. It... Continue reading→

Mark your calendar and register today for SWCD Legislative Day, held virtually on Tuesday, March 8th, 2022. We need your voices more than ever to tell our legislators what we do and why we are essential to the health of soil and water in Illinois! From the home office to the tractor cab – we hope this... Continue reading→

Simply put, Illinois cannot meet its water quality targets without new investment in conservation practices. The state must act now to get back on track with the goals of the state’s Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS) and protect public health, the state’s agricultural sector and the environment.  SB 3471 is the first step that is... Continue reading→

In view of the recent surge in the number COVID-19 cases due to the omicron variant, AISWCD has fielded a number of questions inquiring about the continued ability to host public meetings remotely. The answer is yes – SWCDs can still meet remotely at this time, but must meet a few requirements in doing so.... Continue reading→

Each year, AISWCD recognizes a lawmaker who has shown an understanding as well as a commitment to the principles of soil and water conservation. AISWCD was pleased to present this year’s award to Senator Ram Villivalam. For the past two consecutive years, he served as the lead sponsor of two incredibly important bills that addressed the... Continue reading→

AISWCD is excited to release it’s 2021 Annual Report which celebrates the many successes of 2021! Despite the continued challenges presented from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) continued to deliver natural resource and conservation management for working lands across Illinois. Click HERE to view and download the report! Continue reading→

Join us! The Annual Meeting of the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts will occur Sunday, December 5th – Monday, December 6th, 2021 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center in Springfield. Registration will be accepted until November 20th. Please complete the registration form and return via email to info@aiswcd.org, or simply... Continue reading→

To meet Illinois’ aggressive water quality goals and sustainably feed a growing world population, agricultural conservation practices need to work at the individual farm and field level. Communicating how conservation solutions solve real issues farmers face, while also providing environmental benefits, will be key to long term adoption. The IL STAR Coordinator will help implement... Continue reading→

  CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – STAR (Saving Tomorrow’s Agriculture Resources), an initiative developed by farmers for farmers, is excited to release its annual report for the 2020 crop year. The report documents STAR’s continued growth and summarizes the benefits of in-field practices implemented by Illinois’ farmers and landowners. “The Illinois Department of Agriculture commends STAR on... Continue reading→

Considering cover crops? Check out this great reference guide from the Nutrient Research Education Council for great tips on successfully implementing cover crops to reduce soil erosion, nutrient management,  and improve water quality.  View the guide by clicking HERE.