Hello, My name is Misti Neal Lewis, I live in Charleston with my husband Raymond and daughter Megan. I would like to introduce myself as the new Agriculture in the Classroom Coordinator for Coles County. I am a graduate of …
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Illinois has over 4.8 million acres of forest land, most of which, about 83%, is privately owned. With the weather cooling down and the leaves dropping, it’s time to start thinking about forestry management plans and this season’s management goals.…
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Harvest season is here, and according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor the majority of Coles County is “Abnormally Dry.” These abnormally dry conditions could enhance the potential for combine and field fires this fall. Low relative humidity levels and high winds…
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Celebrating our Natural Resources: Kids Activities, Expert Advice, Nature Walks, Kite-Flying Performances, Food Trucks, Kayak Demos, and more! Come and learn about all the natural resources Charleston has to offer for leisure, mental and physical health, and best practices for conservation.…
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Sandra Cooper of rural Oakland has been announced as a winner of the 2024 Association of Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts Photo Contest in 2 categories: “Close Up Conservation” and “Ag Across America.” You may recognize her name… Mrs.…
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The USDA began accepting applications for the Continuous CRP signup on Jan. 12, 2024. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) encourages agricultural producers and landowners interested in conservation opportunities for their land in exchange for yearly rental payments to consider the…
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Every spring, early blooming ephemeral flowers are a welcome sign from nature that winter is almost over. But Virginia bluebells, mayapples, spring beauties, and other native plants are fighting against invasive species for a place in Illinois forests. Forest owners, land managers,…
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Grand Prairie Friends will be hosting SAWW Training Programs on Thurs., Feb. 29th and Fri., Mar. 1st, 2024 at Warbler Ridge Conservation Area. The SAWW Training Program provides professional and recreational chainsaw users with highly effective, hands-on training programs delivered…
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Saving Tomorrow’s Agriculture Resources (STAR) is a FREE nationwide tool to assist farm operators and landowners in evaluating their nutrient and soil loss management practices on individual fields. The goal of STAR is to encourage the continued adoption of conservation…
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Clay Weber of rural Ashmore was chosen as the Coles County SWCD’s Conservation Farmer of the Year for 2023. As an SWCD participating farmer for the last several years, Clay has implemented soil and water conservation practices like grassed waterways,…
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