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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Saving Tomorrow’s Agriculture Resources (STAR) is launching a national organization to guide, inspire, and standardize state and regional STAR Affiliate organizations as they address local resource concerns and empower local farmers and ranchers to make progress on their conservation journeys…
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Coles County SWCD is pleased to introduce our new Administrative & Education Coordinator, Bryson Gibson! Mr. Gibson is a 2007 graduate of Tuscola High School and 2013 graduate from Eastern Illinois University, where he studied sociology. Prior to accepting the…
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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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