Coles County Soil & Water Conservation District

Water Nitrate Testing
2019-03-06 08:00 - 16:30, 2019-02-06 08:00 - 16:30, 2018-12-05 08:00 - 17:00, 2018-11-07 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | CCSWCD, 6021 Development Drive, Suite 2, Charleston, IL, 61920, United States
On the first Monday of every month, field water testing will be available at the Coles Co. SWCD office. The test measures approximate nitrogen levels so that landowners and operators can get a snap-shot of the amount of nitrogen they are losing via runoff (such as from field tiles, or in drainage ditches).
***This is strictly a service to farmers. RSVPs to this event are kept private, but RSVP is NOT required. The testing is free and confidential. No records of the test results will be kept. ***
To get your nitrogen levels tested, bring ~12 oz. of sample water in a clean glass container (a canning jar works well) to the office. Call for more information.
The water testing kit was sponsored by the Illinois Corn Growers Association.

Fish Sale Orders Due
2019-03-01 | CCSWCD, 6021 Development Drive, Suite 2, Charleston, IL, 61920, United States
Fish orders for the spring fish sale are due by COB today!

Grass Carp Orders Due
2019-02-22 | CCSWCD, 6021 Development Drive, Suite 2, Charleston, IL, 61920, United States
If you’re ordering grass carp in the spring fish sale, those orders are due by COB today!

Holiday: Office Closed
2019-02-18, 2019-01-21, 2018-12-25 08:00 - 17:00, 2018-11-22 08:00 - 17:00, 2018-11-12 08:00 - 17:00, 2018-10-08 08:00 - 17:00

Chili Supper Fundraiser
2019-02-16 17:00 - 21:00 | American Legion, 1903 Maple, Mattoon, IL, 61938
Join us Saturday, February 16th at the Mattoon American Legion! Chili will be served from 5-7pm, followed by a 50/50 raffle, silent auctions, bucket raffles, and the highlight of the evening – live music from 5 Mile Train! Tickets are $50 for a table of 4 or $15 for an individual.
Please email info@colescountyswcd.org or call 217-345-3901 ext. 3 for more information. You can purchase tickets at the SWCD office or register online at https://form.jotform.com/83333983385164.

Board Meeting
2019-02-12 07:30 - 08:30, 2019-01-08 07:30 - 08:30, 2018-12-11 07:30 - 09:30, 2018-11-13 07:30 - 09:30, 2018-10-09 07:30 - 09:30 | CCSWCD, 6021 Development Drive, Suite 2, Charleston, IL, 61920, United States
The Coles County SWCD board of directors meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are open to the public.

E-Recycling Collection
2019-01-17 09:00 - 12:00
The Coles County SWCD is sponsoring an e-recycling collection day on Thursday, January 17th from 9am until the trailer is full. There are no fees associated with this event, but we reserve the right to limit the quantity of items that a single person or family can drop off. A list of prohibited items is available on https://www.facebook.com/events/259309918074876/

Water Nitrate Testing
2019-01-02 08:00 - 17:00, 2018-01-11 00:00

Holiday: Office Closed
2019-01-01 08:00 - 17:00 | CCSWCD, 6021 Development Drive, Suite 2, Charleston, IL, 61920, United States

Tree Sale Pick-Up
2018-04-16 08:00 - 16:30 | CCSWCD, 6021 Development Drive, Suite 2, Charleston, IL, 61920, United States
The Coles Co. SWCD’s Annual Tree Sale orders were due Friday, March 23rd, and pick-up is Monday, April 16th at the Coles Co. SWCD office.

Prescribed Burn Seminar
2018-03-24 10:00 - 14:00 | Hutton Volunteer Fire Department, 21049 Westfield Road, Charleston, IL
This workshop is geared toward landowners who are considering using controlled burning as a tool for habitat management and restoration. Several speakers will discuss the benefits and risks of burning, the planning process, and more! A prescribed burning demonstration will also be conducted, weather permitting.
Prescribed or controlled burning is a technique frequently used in forest management, farming, and prairie restoration. Many CRP contracts for field borders and pollinator habitat also include prescribed burns as a mid-contract-management activity. Fire is a natural part of both forest and grassland ecology, and controlled fire can be a great tool for management of natural areas and control of undesirable species.
Please call the office at (217)345-3901 ext. 3 to RSVP!
Prescribed Burn Seminar – Flyer

Tree Sale Orders Due
2018-03-19 00:00
The Coles Co. SWCD’s Annual Tree Sale is underway! Tree orders are due Friday, March 23rd, and pick-up is Monday, April 16th at the Coles Co. SWCD office.
See the Spring 2018 Tree Sale Order Form for a list of species available. All tree species are sold as bundles of bare-root seedlings. The species were chosen for conservation value (windbreak plantings, wildlife habitat, food sources) as well as aesthetics. Please call the office at (217)345-3901 ext. 3 if you have any questions.

Director Nominations and Proof of Eligibility Deadline
2018-01-17 08:00 - 16:30
Beginning Wednesday, November 8th, 2017, the Coles County Soil & Water Conservation District will be accepting nominations for three positions on the Board of Directors.
Directors serve a two-year term on the SWCD Board, attend monthly board meetings, and serve on committees. They also review, monitor, and supervise the finances, office personnel, and workload of the SWCD. As time allows, directors are to represent the SWCD at local, regional, state, and national conservation-affiliated organizations, events and meetings.
The governing body of the SWCD consists of five elected Directors. Their purpose is to carry-out in the public’s interest the control and prevention of soil erosion and water pollution. The Directors willingly give of their time to decide what natural resource and agriculture issues in Coles County need to be addressed, what action will be taken, and who is responsible for getting the work done. It is their duty to approve the budget for all funds, approve all payments made by the District, and provide for an annual audit. They are also responsible for personnel management including: job descriptions, performance standards, policies, and benefits while providing direction, motivation, and guidance.
Nominees are required to prove eligibility (proof of residency or land ownership within the boundaries of Coles County) by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 17th, 2017, at the Coles Co. SWCD office at 6021 Development Drive, Ste. 2 in Charleston, IL. For more information about the duties and responsibilities, call the office at 217 345-3901 ext. 3.

Office Closed
2018-01-15, 2018-01-01
The Coles Co. SWCD office will be closed for the holiday.

Board Meeting
2018-01-09 07:30 - 08:30 | CCSWCD, 6021 Development Drive, Suite 2, Charleston, IL, 61920, United States
The Coles County SWCD board meets on the second Tuesday of every month.

Water Nitrate Testing
2018-01-08 08:00 - 16:30 | CCSWCD, 6021 Development Drive, Suite 2, Charleston, IL, 61920, United States
Free and confidential water nitrate level testing is provided by the Coles County SWCD on the first Wednesday of every month. To test your farm’s tile drainage water, simply bring in a sample and receive your results.
Sampling Instructions:

Sample containers should be clean and free of any residual chemicals or detergents.
Samples need to be at least 8 oz.
Samples should be taken as close to the testing time as possible (preferably within 48 hours) and be kept refrigerated if not being tested immediately.
An estimate of flow will allow additional calculations (load in lbs/day) – simply record the seconds it takes to fill up a bucket of a known volume.

For more information, call the office at 217-345-3901 ext. 3.
