Illinois NLRS Program and Project Narratives

Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association continues to work toward nutrient loss reduction to surface water supply reservoirs across central Illinois. In 2021–22, partnerships with the Sangamon County Soil and Water Conservation District and Springfield City Water, Light, and Power continued to track metrics and provide education and outreach to stakeholders in the Lake Springfield and Lake Decatur watersheds.

The Illinois Farm Bureau is committed to highlighting the work our members are doing to reach NLRS goals and to improve soil health and water quality. To showcase these voluntary efforts, IFB video and environmental teams partnered with farmers, County Farm Bureaus, researchers, and other key stakeholders on a year-long effort to create an original documentary “Sustaining Our Future: A Farm Family Story.” For more information, see www.ilfb.org/documentary

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

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 Red Oak Rain Garden is a demonstration landscape on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus, managed by Illinois Extension and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant. The garden reduces flooding, improves water quality, increases green infrastructure literacy, and models best practices for rain garden design, construction, and care. In 2021, the plant and species numbers were expanded to 13,000 individual plants and 59 species. In 2022, Extension hosted a public engagement event at the rain garden, expanded options for volunteer stewardship, and established a campaign for a maintenance endowment. Throughout 2021-22, Extension provided green infrastructure education via several virtual presentations. For more information, see go.illinois.edu/RORG.

The Red Oak Rain Garden is a demonstration landscape on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus, managed by Illinois Extension and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant. The garden reduces flooding, improves water quality, increases green infrastructure literacy, and models best practices for rain garden design, construction, and care. In 2021, the plant and species numbers were expanded to 13,000 individual plants and 59 species. In 2022, Extension hosted a public engagement event at the rain garden, expanded options for volunteer stewardship, and established a campaign for a maintenance endowment. Throughout 2021-22, Extension provided green infrastructure education via several virtual presentations. For more information, see go.illinois.edu/RORG. 

The Rainscaping Education Program is a collaboration between University of Illinois Extension, Purdue University Extension, and community partners to provide training to communities interested in building rain gardens. From 2021-22, Illinois Extension offered seven events with 98 participants. As part of the curriculum, four demonstration rain gardens were built or renovated, one program taught hands-on maintenance, and 11 homeowners qualified for stipends to build residential rain gardens. Illinois Extension and Purdue Extension also taught 10 additional Illinois staff members how to host and teach the Rainscaping sessions. For more information, see iiseagrant.org/work/sustainable-community-planning/ programs-initiatives/purdue-rainscaping-education.

The Rainscaping Education Program is a collaboration between University of Illinois Extension, Purdue University Extension, and community partners to provide training to communities interested in building rain gardens. From 2021-22, Illinois Extension offered seven events with 98 participants. As part of the curriculum, four demonstration rain gardens were built or renovated, one program taught hands-on maintenance, and 11 homeowners qualified for stipends to build residential rain gardens. Illinois Extension and Purdue Extension also taught 10 additional Illinois staff members how to host and teach the Rainscaping sessions. For more information, see iiseagrant.org/work/sustainable-community-planning/ programs-initiatives/purdue-rainscaping-education.

The Precision Conservation Management program is an agricultural service program created to assist farmers with identifying the best management practices for their individual farming operations, conservation interests, and business goals. It is jointly managed by the Illinois Corn Growers Association and the Illinois Soybean Association. For more information, see www.precisionconservation.org. 

The Precision Conservation Management program is an agricultural service program created to assist farmers with identifying the best management practices for their individual farming operations, conservation interests, and business goals. It is jointly managed by the Illinois Corn Growers Association and the Illinois Soybean Association. For more information, see www.precisionconservation.org.

The Precision Conservation Management program is an agricultural service program created to assist farmers with identifying the best management practices for their individual farming operations, conservation interests, and business goals. It is jointly managed by the Illinois Corn Growers Association and the Illinois Soybean Association. For more information, see www.precisionconservation.org. 

American Farmland Trust is collaborating with Argonne National Laboratory to broaden crop diversification and farm resiliency efforts in Illinois. This project will explore opportunities to support the Illinois agricultural community through the adoption and utilization of perennial bioenergy crops. These opportunities aim to provide economic and environmental resiliency to farms while reducing nutrient loss. For more information, see farmland.org/illinois-perennial-bioenergy-crop-diversification-project.

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 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 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.

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. 

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. 

Since 2012, the Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council has been Illinois agriculture’s primary investment into nutrient research. The Council is created by state statute and works closely with a variety of stakeholders across Illinois. It supports the Illinois NLRS through targeted research requests for proposals and investments as well as education and outreach. Focus areas include: applying and understanding the 4Rs, capturing excess nutrients in the field, mitigating loss of nutrients to water supplies, and studying other nutrient management issues. For more information see www.illinoisnrec.org.

Since 2012, the Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council has been Illinois agriculture’s primary investment into nutrient research. The Council is created by state statute and works closely with a variety of stakeholders across Illinois. It supports the Illinois NLRS through targeted research requests for proposals and investments as well as education and outreach. Focus areas include: applying and understanding the 4Rs, capturing excess nutrients in the field, mitigating loss of nutrients to water supplies, and studying other nutrient management issues. For more information see www.illinoisnrec.org. 

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

In 2021–22, the Lawn to Lake Midwest Program used insights from the 2019 Lawn Caretaker Survey to develop five outreach tools, distribute 50,000 copies of each across the state, and create a comprehensive website to showcase them. A social media campaign raised awareness of the new resources by generating 85,000 impressions, or views, and driving 10,000 users to the new website. For more information, see LawntoLakeMidwest.org.

In 2021–22, the Lawn to Lake Midwest Program used insights from the 2019 Lawn Caretaker Survey to develop five outreach tools, distribute 50,000 copies of each across the state, and create a comprehensive website to showcase them. A social media campaign raised awareness of the new resources by generating 85,000 impressions, or views, and driving 10,000 users to the new website. For more information, see LawntoLakeMidwest.org. 

In 2021–22, the Lawn to Lake Midwest Program used insights from the 2019 Lawn Caretaker Survey to develop five outreach tools, distribute 50,000 copies of each across the state, and create a comprehensive website to showcase them. A social media campaign raised awareness of the new resources by generating 85,000 impressions, or views, and driving 10,000 users to the new website. For more information, see LawntoLakeMidwest.org.  

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 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 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. 

New in this Biennial Report, the ILSoyAdvisor agronomy team and website resources provide expert agronomic and management advice for Illinois soybean production. Funded by the Illinois Soybean Association checkoff program, it provides education, outreach, networking, and technical assistance on a variety of practices recommended by the NLRS. For more information, see www.ilsoyadvisor.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.

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. 

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. 

Since 2012, the Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council has been Illinois agriculture’s primary investment into nutrient research. The Council is created by state statute and works closely with a variety of stakeholders across Illinois. It supports the Illinois NLRS through targeted research requests for proposals and investments as well as education and outreach. Focus areas include: applying and understanding the 4Rs, capturing excess nutrients in the field, mitigating loss of nutrients to water supplies, and studying other nutrient management issues. For more information see www.illinoisnrec.org. 

From 2021-23, University of Illinois Extension and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant developed a website, Illinois Groundwork, based on multidisciplinary green infrastructure research and an extension process piloted in the Chicago Calumet region. By improving access to data, research, and other resources, Illinois Groundwork increases the effective use of green infrastructure to address stormwater management challenges. For more information, see IllinoisGroundwork.org.

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 Buffer Partnership promotes and provides cost-share funding to the voluntary conservation efforts of Illinois farmers and landowners with the goal of improving water, air, and soil quality. Buffer projects help to reduce erosion, sequester carbon, provide wildlife and pollinator habitat, and can also create additional income for landowners. This program is a collaborative partnership of Trees Forever, GROWMARK, state and federal government agencies, Trees Forever members, and participating landowners. For more information, see treesforever.org/illinois_buffer_partnership.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Illinois’ livestock industry is dedicated to addressing environmental protection through regulatory programs, industry-led educational initiatives, and publicly funded programs. Illinois Farm Bureau continues to distribute resources that provide members with a first step toward understanding whether and how environmental rules and regulations impact their operations. For more information, see ilfb.org/FarmGate.