The Franklin Demonstration and Research Farm in McLean County is a model of sustainable agriculture. It demonstrates first-hand how nature and agriculture can coexist to produce benefits for crop production, water quality, and habitat preservation (www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/ places-we-protect/the-mackinaw-river-watershed/).
Seven constructed wetlands were installed more than ten years ago to intercept tile drain flow before it reaches the larger watershed. Researchers from The Nature Conservancy, University of Illinois, and Illinois State University have been investigating the effectiveness of these constructed wetlands since 2007 by quantifying nutrient reductions, retention times, denitrification potentials, and groundwater interactions.
The farm also provides an opportunity to engage in outreach through more than 150 tours for landowners, producers, university students, scientists, partners, staff members, and elected officials.
