Water Tower Park in Oakland, Illinois is the new home of 25 four-foot-tall oak trees. The trees – a mix of White Oak, Red Oak, and Bur Oak – were planted by local 4-H members, Master Naturalists, and community volunteers…
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The Coles County SWCD is offering a selection of native plants suited to a variety of habitat types—everything from sunny, dry prairies to wet, shaded pond edges and everything in between! Pre-orders are due by May 5, 2023. Native plants…
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Are you an amateur photographer residing in Coles County who would like a chance to enter your photos in a local, state, and nationwide contest? The Coles County SWCD is sponsoring a conservation photo contest to recognize individuals whose pictures…
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WASHINGTON – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced (in February) that agricultural producers and private landowners can apply for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) General signup through April 7, 2023. CRP is a voluntary conservation program offered by the U.S. Department…
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A filter strip is an area of permanent vegetation located between cropland or grazing land and an environmentally sensitive area, such as a stream. Vegetative filter strips can reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, and provide significant habitat for grassland…
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Although it may not feel like spring outside yet, we are anticipating warmer weather and that means gearing up to teach Coles County’s third graders all about trees this Arbor Day! Every third grade classroom that we visit will be…
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Wesley and Jane Orman were chosen as Coles County SWCD’s 2021 Conservation Farmers of the year. After coming home from the Marine Corps in 1987, the Ormans started farming in 1991, primarily in the Gays area. Wesley and Jane have…
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To All Owners and Occupiers of Lands Lying Within the Boundaries of Coles County Soil and Water Conservation District: Notice is hereby given that an election will be held on the 1st day of March, 2022 from 7:00am to 5:30pm…
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By Ellen G. Duysen, Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center “Do I really need to go inside this grain bin?” That’s the first question Dan Neenan, Director of the National Education Center for…
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STAR’s second annual report provides insights to the initiative’s continued growth 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…
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