Illinois NLRS Program and Project Narratives

In 2020, the Illinois Corn Growers Association used a grant from the Illinois Council on Best Management Practices to conduct a targeted awareness campaign promoting conservation lease addendums developed with University of Illinois Farmdoc. These customizable addendums help tenants and landowners incorporate nutrient management, soil health, and conservation habitat practices into farm leases. Outreach through mailings, media campaigns, and webinars reached tens of thousands and resulted in more than 2,000 unique views of the addendums on the Farmdoc website.

The Illinois Pork Producers Association offers a tree buffer cost-share program for swine producers who implement fresh landscaping on their farms. For more information see ilpork.com/farmers-care/ funding-opportunities/tree-buffer-grant-program

Precision Conservation Management (PCM), launched in 2016 by ICGA and ISA, helps farmers adopt conservation practices while maintaining profitability. Working with over 350 farmers and 30+ partners, PCM provides one-on-one support, data-driven insights, and financial guidance. Its platform analyzes environmental and economic impacts across 825,000 acres. From 2019–2020, PCM practices reduced nutrient and sediment losses significantly, including 1.2 million lbs of nitrate-N and 250,000 tons of sediment.

In summer 2019, the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts hosted four regional Soil Health and Cover Crop workshops in Sycamore, Galesburg, Decatur, and Mt. Vernon, with 136 total attendees. The sessions aimed to promote cover crop adoption and soil health practices among Illinois agricultural producers through a cover crop insurance rewards program. Workshops brought together Soil and Water Conservation District directors and staff to support implementation and outreach efforts statewide.

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. STAR’s goal is to encourage the continued adoption of conservation practices and recognize farmers for their commitment to improved water quality and soil health. For more information, see www.starfreetool.com

The Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership is a non-profit member-based organization working collaboratively to encourage the adoption of sustainable and profitable production practices that improve soil health and restore local waters. By developing comprehensive programming, building a strong network of sustainable agriculture advocates, and sharing relevant research and resources, the partnership is committed to working together to support healthy soil, clean water, and profitable farms in Illinois. The organization invites conservation leaders to share their own conservation story by adding their pin to its new Conservation Story Map at ilsustainableag.org/conservation-story-map.

Updates on previously-reported NLRS programs and projects, such as the Advanced Conservation Drainage Training, Advanced Soil Health Training, and Soil Health and Conservation Drainage Specialist Network (Local Farmer-Led Networks), and Illinois Alphabet Soup Group, can be found at www.ilsustainableag.org. 

ISAP’s Advanced Conservation Drainage Training program focuses on practices such as saturated buffers, constructed wetlands, controlled drainage, and bioreactors to reduce nitrate‑nitrogen from tile drainage. The program provides classroom and hands‑on training to help make conservation drainage a standard part of tile installation and farm management, while building a professional network to support these practices. In 2019, in‑person trainings were held in central Illinois. In 2020, training shifted to a three‑part webinar series, with recordings available online.

ISAP’s Advanced Soil Health Training was developed to build expertise among farmers, advisers, retailers, and conservation professionals on the science and management of soil health. Topics include soil structure, chemistry, and biology; cover crops; planting and tillage equipment; field demonstrations; and outreach strategies. The 18‑month program combines classroom and in‑field training and encourages graduates to share knowledge through field days and presentations. Cohorts completed training in central Illinois (2019) and the tri‑state region (2020), with a bi‑state cohort beginning in 2020.

The annual Risk Management Conference highlights soil health and land stewardship as tools to reduce production and market risk. Farmer‑led presentations focus on productivity, profitability, and adapting to changing climate and market conditions. The 2019 conference in Sycamore, Illinois drew nearly 100 participants to explore soil health systems and farm resilience. In 2020, the conference reached over 200 people through three webinars addressing climate impacts on fieldwork, soil health’s role in working capital, and consumer demand for sustainably produced crops. AFT and TNC are recognized for leadership in planning the conference.

AFT engaged female non‑operating landowners through the Women for the Land initiative by hosting two virtual learning circles in 2020 with Champaign County SWCD, funded by PepsiCo. The events increased participants’ knowledge of cover crops and confidence in discussing conservation with family and tenant farmers, with over half requesting more information. AFT also partnered with ICGA and ISA to host discussions for advisers and conservation professionals focused on conservation on rented land. Follow‑up interviews showed strong interest in additional information on cover crops, soil health, and related topics.

The Soil Health and Conservation Drainage Specialist Network builds on ISAP’s train‑the‑trainer programs to support farmers and professionals interested in conservation cropping systems and edge‑of‑field practices. Over 40 specialists—including farmers, consultants, and SWCD staff—are listed on the ISAP website and provide technical assistance and field day presentations. ISAP and AFT also host monthly calls featuring cover crop research and peer discussion. Individuals interested in participating or sharing expertise are encouraged to contact ISAP.

Since 2000, Illinois farmers and TNC researchers have partnered in the Upper Mackinaw River watershed to implement conservation practices and monitor their impact on water quality, hydrology, and biodiversity. Recent efforts have focused on building small tile-treatment wetlands to reduce nutrients entering rivers from drainage tiles. Over the past two years, TNC has also introduced cover crops to evaluate the effectiveness of combined conservation practices at the watershed scale, with nearly 700 acres planted in 2020. 

The Illinois Alphabet Soup Group brings together agricultural professionals, conservation practitioners, advisers, and industry partners for quarterly meetings focused on programs, strategies, and resources that support nutrient reduction and conservation practices. Meetings are held at locations across Illinois to provide regional insights and networking opportunities. While fewer meetings occurred in 2020, plans were made to continue engagement through online discussions until in‑person gatherings could resume. ISAP members lead the group, with key support from AFT, TNC, ISA, and ICGA.

Illinois Corn Growers Association believes in recognizing early adopters and finding ways to support growth of cover crop acres across the state. They partner with various organizations and companies to provide financial support to growers in the form of direct cost-share dollars and incentives. For more information, see Ilcorn.org/covercrops. 

The Franklin Research and Demonstration Farm showcases how agriculture and natural systems can work together to improve crop production, water quality, research, and habitat. Studies found wetlands can store phosphorus while reducing nitrogen. Public tours were held in 2019, though paused in 2020 due to COVID-19, with monitoring continuing. Research and publications by partners highlight the role of constructed wetlands in sustainable agriculture.

In 2020, IFB, Illinois Pork Producers Association, Illinois Milk Producers’ Association, and Illinois Beef Association supported livestock farmers by answering regulatory questions and providing educational resources to promote environmental protection and compliance. They distributed resource guides for swine, beef, and dairy operations to help farmers understand how regulations apply to their operations. The program serves farms of all sizes, with special attention to small and medium-sized operations, helping improve compliance and producer confidence. 

IFCA collaborates with water supply officials in Lake Springfield, Lake Decatur, Lake Vermilion, and Lake Bloomington/Evergreen to regularly monitor nitrate levels and improve nitrogen management practices to keep levels below 10 ppm. Through an Illinois EPA 319 project, IFCA, Sangamon County SWCD, and Springfield’s City Water, Light, and Power conduct nitrogen rate trials to ensure watershed recommendations remain current. IFCA also supports partners by organizing educational meetings and sharing information on 4R nutrient management practices. 

The ICGA water testing program encourages farmers to monitor nutrient loss by providing nitrate test strips and educational resources. Farmers submit anonymous results and support local FFA chapters through donations. Samples from tile drains, runoff, or nearby waterways help estimate nutrient levels and losses, though results vary by conditions. Combined with flow data, results help farmers assess impacts, economic loss, and explore conservation practices to reduce nitrogen runoff.

The Nutrient Research & Education Council (NREC), created in 2012, is a public-private partnership that funds nutrient research and education programs in Illinois through a fertilizer assessment fee. From 2012–2020, NREC invested $23 million in nutrient efficiency research and planned an additional $3.75 million in 2021. Research focuses on 4R nutrient practices, cover crops, edge-of-field conservation methods, and other nutrient management strategies to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus loss while maintaining crop productivity. 

American Farmland Trust provided leadership for the Upper Macoupin Creek Watershed Partnership, comprised of 15 federal, state, and local government partners, agricultural trade associations, environmental groups, agricultural retailers, and a local university. The goal of the partnership is to increase the use of conservation practices that reduce soil erosion and phosphorus loss in the watershed. 

Leadership for Midwestern Watersheds (LMW), led by AFT and partners, is a forum that brings together professionals working to reduce agricultural runoff in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. Since 2011, it has held 12 meetings to promote collaboration, share knowledge, and improve water quality outcomes. Annual meetings focus on farmer engagement, conservation practices, and measuring results. LMW also supports ongoing learning through surveys, digital platforms, and networking, helping watershed leaders exchange tools, ideas, and strategies across the Midwest.

The Vermilion Headwaters Watershed Partnership is a group of stakeholders, including farmers, community leaders, government agencies, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations working to reduce the loss of nitrogen from farmland in the watershed. The adoption of conservation cropping systems, such as reduced tillage, cover crops, nutrient management, and tile water treatment, can help protect water quality and improve a farmer’s bottom line. Key partners include American Farmland Trust, The Wetlands Initiative, NRCS – Pontiac Office, Livingston County Soil and Water Conservation District, Northwater Consulting, Precision Conservation Management, and Compeer Financial. For more information, see farmland.org/vhw. 

The Saturated Buffer Partnership is a five-year collaboration between Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association Inc., Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and Illinois Natural Resources Conservation Service. The purpose of this partnership is to support saturated buffer installation, water quality monitoring of the practice, and outreach events. For more information, see www.illica.net/projects or www.ilfb.org/nlrspractices. 

The Edge-of-Field Partnership for Woodchip Bioreactors is a multi-year collaboration between Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association Inc., University of Illinois, and Illinois Natural Resources Conservation Service. The goal of this partnership is to install a woodchip bioreactor each year and to support research into the impact of woodchip bioreactors on water quality at each site for the five-year collaboration period, and beyond. In previous years, the partnership has installed woodchip bioreactors in Bureau and Henry counties. 

In 2021, the partners finalized the installation of the fourth woodchip bioreactor in McDonough County. Due to extended project delays throughout 2021, the partners pushed back their in-person field day to July 2022. In November 2022, the partners installed the fifth woodchip bioreactor in Sangamon County, with plans to host a field day in summer 2023.

For more information, see www.illica.net/projects or www.ilfb.org/nlrspractices.  

The Nutrient Stewardship Grant Program is a cornerstone of Illinois Farm Bureau’s overall NLRS implementation efforts. Since 2015, more than $1 million has been committed to the program. In addition, it has provided other significant resources for county Farm Bureau and farmer member-led nutrient stewardship projects. To date, funds have been awarded to 138 projects across 74 Illinois counties. Projects have often involved a wide array of partners who provide additional expertise to individual projects. For more information, see www.ilfb.org/FieldDays. 

Watershed planning efforts in Illinois EPA priority watersheds continued to be a significant area of focus for Illinois Farm Bureau and County Farm Bureaus across the state. IFB’s work in this area often included providing technical, financial, and outreach support to these efforts. By working closely with CFBs and their local communities, IFB is also able to help ensure farmer and landowner feedback is brought to watershed planning initiatives. 

The Illinois Farm Bureau has prioritized building relationships and developing cooperative efforts with drinking water suppliers and wastewater treatment plants for a number of years. In 2021 and 2022, these efforts included several examples of supporting watershed planning and implementation projects, as well as co-hosting education and outreach opportunities. For more information, see www.ilfb.org/ruralurban.

The Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association’s Keep it 4R Crop program is based on principles of 4R nutrient stewardship: use the right nutrient source, at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place. IFCA works closely with its members, including fertilizer manufacturers, distributors, and agricultural retailers, to promote the 4Rs and uphold the IFCA 4R Code of Practice, which promotes education and adoption of specific fertilizer management practices designed to reduce nutrient losses and assure nutrient use by the crop. 

The Illinois Buffer Partnership, led by Trees Forever, supports farmers, landowners, and communities in installing and maintaining conservation buffers that reduce erosion, improve water and soil quality, and enhance wildlife habitat. Participants may receive funding, technical assistance, and outreach opportunities. The program has supported dozens of projects statewide, promoting conservation practices, native plant use, and environmental education.

Since 2014, the Calumet Stormwater Collaborative has convened stakeholders to solve flooding and water quality problems in the Little Calumet River and Cal-Sag Channel watersheds. Representatives from more than 40 organizations participate in the collaborative. During monthly meetings, group members exchange information on water quality and flooding needs as well as worthwhile projects and initiatives. The collaborative has developed free, online green infrastructure design templates for communities, a new data-mapping tool for the region, a repository of stormwater management resources, and a logic model for green infrastructure training and maintenance. It developed four watershed plans: the Little Calumet River, Cal-Sag Channel, Des Plaines River in Cook County, and Poplar Creek. These plans were approved by Illinois EPA and recommend best management practices, such as green infrastructure, to reduce nutrient pollution from stormwater.

As of 2023, the Calument Stormwater Collaborative has completed the first iteration of the green infrastructure baseline inventory, led by the Metropolitan Planning Council, and the urban flooding baseline, led by the Center for Neighborhood Technology. 

More information on the green infrastructure baseline can be found at www.metroplanning.org/work/project/23/ subpage/7. 
The urban flooding baseline tool can be found at ufb.cnt.org. 

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s Local Technical Assistance Program supports communities in northeastern Illinois and aligns with the region’s current long-range plan — ON TO 2050 — and its principles of regional resilience, inclusive growth, and prioritized investment. Since 2012, the program has assisted communities in developing more than 200 projects with local governments, nonprofits, and intergovernmental organizations to address local issues at the intersection of transportation, land use, and housing, including the natural environment, economic growth, and community development. The program helps communities plan projects that build local capacity, engage marginalized groups, and connect local partners with implementing agencies and capital funding for infrastructure investments, including stormwater management. For more information, see www.cmap.illinois.gov/programs/lta. 

The National Green Infrastructure Certification Program Training Center is located at Parkland College in Champaign. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ownership transition of the certification program, the center did not hold any trainings in 2021. The center successfully held its first virtual training in spring 2022 and plans to hold two to three trainings annually. Faculty in the center are also involved in the Curriculum Committee to update the program curriculum. For more information, see www.ngicp.org. 

The Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition coordinates a watershed bioassessment program to identify and address priority water quality issues in the Lower DuPage River and its tributaries. The Coalition recently funded the removal of the Hammel Woods Dam in Shorewood, and planning is underway for a second instream habitat restoration project in Plainfield. The Coalition also provides extensive outreach materials for members and the public on issues related to water quality. For more information, see www.LDPWatersheds.org. 

The North Branch Chicago River Watershed Workgroup was formed in January 2018 to identify and assess water quality issues along the three forks of the North Branch Chicago River. The watershed includes portions of Lake and Cook counties and consists of 42 separate organizations, including 24 Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System, MS4, communities and agencies, two of which are publicly owned treatment works. Following Illinois EPA approval of its quality assurance plan and continued water quality monitoring, they developed a NARP work plan in 2021-22 and hired a consultant to help with plan implementation, expected to run through 2025. For more information, see nbwwil.org

DuPage County Stormwater Management recognizes the financial burden a property owner may face when undertaking a project that improves regional water quality. The county’s Water Quality Improvement Program, WQIP, offers financial assistance to projects providing a regional water quality benefit to local waterways. The grant funds up to 25% of eligible construction costs for water quality improvement projects. DuPage County initiated the grant program in 2000 and has awarded nearly $6.3 million across 108 projects. DuPage County government agencies, organizations, and individuals are eligible to receive funds under the WQIP. The WQIP story map provides information on the grant and application process and gives examples of eligible projects, such as rain gardens, green roofs, permeable pavers, and streambank stabilization. The story map also includes animated infographics, photos, project descriptions, and an interactive map of previously awarded projects.

For more information, see dupagecounty.gov/government/departments/stormwater_management/grants/water_quality_ improvement_program.php.

The Lower Des Plaines Watershed Group coordinates a watershed bioassessment program to identify and address priority water quality issues in the Lower Des Plaines River and its 19 tributaries. The workgroup also provides extensive outreach materials for members and the public on issues related to water quality. For more information, see www.LDPWatersheds.org.

The Des Plaines River Watershed Workgroup is a voluntary, dues-paying organization with a mission to bring together a diverse coalition of stakeholders to improve water quality in the Des Plaines River and its tributaries in a cost-effective manner to meet Illinois EPA requirements. The workgroup conducts water quality and bioassessment monitoring and has partnered and sponsored member efforts within the watershed. The workgroup also contracted with Geosyntec Consultants to complete a Nutrient Assessment Reduction Plan. For more information, see go.illinois.edu/NLRS and drww.org. 

The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup was formed in 2005 in response to concerns about total maximum daily loads, TMDLs, set for the east and west branches of the DuPage River and Salt Creek, located in portions of Cook, DuPage, and Will counties in northeastern Illinois. The workgroup seeks to implement targeted watershed activities that resolve priority waterway problems efficiently and cost-effectively. In 2015 and 2020, a special condition to the workgroup’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit was added that substantially increased financial commitments to restoration efforts focused on improving aquatic life. The condition includes 10 stream restoration projects, two studies, and the development of a Nutrient Implementation Plan. For more information, see drscw.org. 

For 20 years, the Fox River Study Group has worked to improve the health of the Fox River for the benefit of the nearly 1 million citizens in the Fox River Valley and the over 300,000 people whose drinking water comes from the river. In 2022, the group updated its 2015 Fox River Implementation Plan and successfully advocated for a relaunch of a multi-dam removal feasibility study. To reduce algae and improve oxygen conditions in the river, the 2022 Fox River Implementation Plan recommends combining further phosphorus reductions from wastewater inputs with dam removals. For more information, see foxriverstudygroup.org.

The Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association concluded its 4R Metric Survey – in reference to right source, right rate, right time, and right place nutrient management practices – in the summer of 2022. A questionnaire was sent to agricultural retail members with questions regarding varying nitrogen and phosphorus agricultural practices for fall and spring. Beginning with the fall of 2018 and concluding after the spring of 2022, the survey spanned four growing seasons.