Washington County Soil & Water Conservation District - SWCD - Illinois

Washington County Soil & Water Conservation District - SWCD - Illinois Proudly Protecting & Conserving the Natural Resources of Washington County, IL since 1947. Each SWCD is governed by a five member board of directors.

We are located in Nashville, Illinois, within the USDA Service Center at 1521 West Saint Louis St. A Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) is a governmental body created by state law for the express purpose of promoting the protection & conservation of the county's & the state's soil, water, & related natural resources. The Soil & Water Conservations Act (70 ILCS 405/3.01) defines districts as

"...a public body corporate & politic..."Although an SWCD is a governmental body, it is not a branch of federal, state, or county government. Each SWCD is a local governmental entity, very similar to a school district. SWCD directors are elected by owners & occupiers of land in the district. The board meets regularly to formulate & administer a program of work that is tailored specifically to the conservation & protection of the district's natural resources.

We spend a lot of time looking at what's growing above the soil, but there's an entire world underneath it.Roots are hol...
09/02/2026

We spend a lot of time looking at what's growing above the soil, but there's an entire world underneath it.

Roots are holding soil in place, creating pathways for water, and feeding organisms we can't even see.

It's a good reminder that some of the most important parts of conservation are happening right under our feet.

🌱 Regenerative Ag Field Day in Clinton County!We had a great day in Clinton County bringing farmers, conservation partne...
09/01/2026

🌱 Regenerative Ag Field Day in Clinton County!

We had a great day in Clinton County bringing farmers, conservation partners, and agricultural professionals together to talk about regenerative agriculture, soil health, and the future of our working lands.

A big thank you to everyone who helped make the day possible, including Washington County SWCD, Clinton County SWCD, American Farmland Trust, NRCS, L & R Ag, and our host farm, Main Street Pastures.

Field days like this give us a chance to get out on the land, see conservation in practice, ask questions, share experiences, and learn from one another. There’s a lot of value in bringing different organizations and producers together in one place, especially when we all share the same goal of keeping our soils healthy and our farms productive for generations to come.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make it such a good day! 🌾🌱

Those fading flowers and seed heads might look like they're ready to go, but the birds may disagree.Leaving coneflowers,...
08/31/2026

Those fading flowers and seed heads might look like they're ready to go, but the birds may disagree.

Leaving coneflowers, sunflowers, and other plants standing a little longer gives birds an easy source of seeds and leaves places for insects to shelter.

Sometimes doing a little less yard work is actually good for nature. We can get behind that. 😉

We're getting close to that time of year when the fields start looking a little different every week.Corn is finishing u...
08/28/2026

We're getting close to that time of year when the fields start looking a little different every week.

Corn is finishing up grain development, ears are getting heavier, and the plants are slowly moving toward maturity. There's still plenty happening out there before the combines roll.

Next time you drive past a cornfield, take a look. Harvest season will be here before we know it!

Southern Illinois is full of places worth protecting, from family farms and rolling fields to quiet creeks and wooded tr...
08/26/2026

Southern Illinois is full of places worth protecting, from family farms and rolling fields to quiet creeks and wooded trails.

Share a photo of your favorite local landscape in the comments. We'd love to see what makes Southern Illinois special to you.

A few photos from our AC and RC

As August comes to an end, many native flowers become one of the last reliable food sources for bees and butterflies bef...
08/24/2026

As August comes to an end, many native flowers become one of the last reliable food sources for bees and butterflies before fall arrives.

Late-season blooms help pollinators build the energy they need for the changing seasons, making them just as important as spring flowers.

Photos by Julia our AC from a field day in Washington County.

Take a look at the leaves around your home, farm, or favorite park this weekend. Can you identify the species? Oaks, map...
08/21/2026

Take a look at the leaves around your home, farm, or favorite park this weekend. Can you identify the species? Oaks, maples, sycamores, hickories, and cottonwoods are all common across Southern Illinois, and each plays a unique role in supporting wildlife and healthy ecosystems.

How many different tree species can you identify?
Let us know in the comments!

If your bird feeder seems quieter in August, you're not imagining it.Many birds become less active around feeders after ...
08/19/2026

If your bird feeder seems quieter in August, you're not imagining it.

Many birds become less active around feeders after nesting season because natural food sources are abundant. Seeds, berries, insects, and fruits provide everything they need as they prepare for migration.

Nature's pantry is open this time of year.

Tomorrow is the last day to RSVP!We are excited to announce that Washington County SWCD and Clinton County SWCD have pa...
08/18/2026

Tomorrow is the last day to RSVP!

We are excited to announce that Washington County SWCD and Clinton County SWCD have partnered together for an educational field day on regenerative agriculture. This field day will include a farm tour at Main Street Pastures in Clinton County. Bring appropriate clothing and shoes. We look forward to seeing you there!

If you are interested please call or visit our website to RSVP by August 19th end of day.

Location: Main Street Pastures. St. Rose, IL
Time: 10-2
When: September 1st, 2026

On a hot August afternoon, wildlife looks for shade just like we do.Planting trees doesn't just just cool the air. It he...
08/17/2026

On a hot August afternoon, wildlife looks for shade just like we do.

Planting trees doesn't just just cool the air. It helps reduce erosion, improve water quality, and provide important habitat throughout the summer.

Address

1521 West Saint Louis Street
Nashville, IL
62263

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+16183278862

Website

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