CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois STAR (Saving Tomorrow’s Agriculture Resources) is excited to announce open enrollment for farmers for the 2023 crop year. As summer settles in and crops are growing throughout the Midwest, it’s time for farmers and landowners to reap the results of investing in conservation practices on their fields. By participating in STAR,... Continue reading→

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... Continue reading→

Join the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts for the 75th Annual Meeting and Summer Training conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center in Springfield, Illinois from July 16 to July 18, 2023. Over the course of the three day event, we will have the opportunity to learn from and engage... Continue reading→

More than a dozen SWCD volunteers from across the state gathered at the Illinois State Fairgrounds for tree sorting in support of the 2023 statewide tree planting initiative in partnership with the University of Illinois Extension and Illinois 4H. Volunteers unloaded a semi trailer containing 950 oaks comprised of three specie; red, white, and burr... Continue reading→

AISWCD joined with the Illinois Stewardship Alliance on Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 to advocate for soil health and other conservation issues before lawmakers. More than 60+ volunteer advocates travelled into Springfield from all corners of the state to show their support for these issues. The highlight of the day was listening to a rostrum of... Continue reading→

2020 SUMMER TRAINING CONFERENCE & ANNUAL MEETING The Covid-19 pandemic of 2020 has disrupted the lives of all Illinoisans and existing restrictions on public life currently in place which are aimed at reducing the spread of the Covid-19 virus prevents large in-person gatherings. The AISWCD Board of Directors considered these unique circumstances during a Special... Continue reading→

AISWCD celebrated Agriculture Day with the Illinois Department of Agriculture at the 2022 Illinois State Fair! We helped to honor Ulen Farms, our 2022 Conservation Farm Family of the Year, as well as the Saving Tomorrow’s Agriculture Resources (STAR) award winners! It was also great to visit with state elected officials – especially House Agriculture Chair,... Continue reading→

That’s a wrap! The 74th Annual Meeting and Summer Training Conference has come and gone. If you missed out on the fun, we have you covered! View photos from the event here!   Social event: An Evening on the Lake   Opening Ceremony   Awards Luncheon   Exhibitor Hall   AISWCD Auxiliary   Director Service... Continue reading→

The Illinois Cover Crop Initiative is a new program available for Illinois farmers who intend to plant cover crops following their 2022 cash crop. Farmers can receive $10 per acre for cover crops planted by December 1, 2022, even if they have planted cover crops before! Browse resources with the included links or visit American... Continue reading→

The annual AISWCD Poster and Photo Contests, part of the larger national competitions hosted by the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), provides students from kindergarten through 12th grade as well as adults the chance to have their art displayed as part of a national conservation outreach initiative. Each year, the winning entries reflect NACD’s... Continue reading→