Mclean County SWCD

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day McLean County! A lot of these beauties got planted this spring. Keep watch for our Fall 2026 Conservation Sale!

04/06/2026

Thursday April 9, 2026 is our Spring Tree Sale Deadline. See link in the comments to find the order form. Thank you for supporting conservation!

04/02/2026

Fish Sale Order Deadline April 3, 2026! Check the comments for a link to order.

04/01/2026

Event Postponed! Planting season preparation has begun, and our farmer feedback has been appreciated. We look forward to a future event to discuss all things conservation with our speakers. If you would like to be contacted in the future about our event, please reach out to the McLean County SWCD office and provide us with your contact information.

03/24/2026

Join us for an informative evening with Illinois Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Biologist, Mike Garthaus at Lake Bloomington and Evergreen Lake! This free community event will highlight active projects with a focus on fish populations in both lakes.

📅 Tuesday, March 31, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 Lake Bloomington – Davis Lodge
25449 Davis Lodge Rd, Hudson, IL 61748

Hosted by McLean County SWCD, and Friends of Everbloom, this event brings together local partners working to protect and enhance our lakes.

03/16/2026

💦 Fix a Leak Week! Do you know how much water a family of four uses every day in the United States? Not 50 gallons, not 100 gallons, but 400 gallons! You could take up to 10 baths with that much water—but who would want to do that? Fortunately, there are many things we can do to save.

Pick-up your Leak Detection Kit here in Bloomington-Normal this week at the following locations!

Home Depot
Menards
Ecology Action Center
McLean County Museum of History
McLean County SWCD Office

03/11/2026

Join McLean County SWCD and partners on Thursday, April 9, for a unique conservation tour as we learn about conservation research and practices at the Tile Research Farm and Illinois State University Farm near Lexington!

What to expect:
✅ Learn about tile drainage research
✅ Learn how cover crops play a role in nutrient runoff management
✅ Pennycress and Biomass-to-Energy opportunities
✅ Farmer panel discussing various conservation practices
✅ Lunch Provided!
Participants should expect to walk through field conditions

Register by April 1, 2026 at https://bit.ly/3Nn7wGZ or call the McLean County Soil and Water Conservation District office at 309-452-3848 ext. 3.

03/10/2026

Applications due March 17th! Please share with McLean County Seniors!

Help us share the opportunity for the Jim Rutherford Conservation Scholarship! McLean County agricultural students, don’t miss the chance to apply. Link in the comments to information and how to apply. Please share!

03/09/2026

The State of the Lakes event for March 10th has been cancelled.

03/04/2026

McLean County SWCD is grateful to have had such an incredible partner for so many years. Congratulations Mike we are excited for you. Thank you for your dedication to McLean County!

Congratulations to Parks & Recreation Director Mike Steffa on his retirement! Mr. Steffa dedicated an incredible 36 years of service to McLean County, fostering a welcoming, relaxing, and enjoyable atmosphere at COMLARA Park, Evergreen Lake, and S.H. West Park. We thank him for his many years of service and wish him the best of luck in all future endeavors. Enjoy your well-earned retirement, Mr. Steffa!

02/13/2026

Help us share the opportunity for the Jim Rutherford Conservation Scholarship! McLean County agricultural students, don’t miss the chance to apply. Link in the comments to information and how to apply. Please share!

02/12/2026

Are you interested in adding Prairie to a tillable field this year with an annual rental rate?

The CRP sign up for FY2026 has begun. If you have a CRP contract expiring this year, or are interested in putting ground in a new CRP contract, contact your McLean County FSA office for more information. Sign up begins TODAY ,February 12th, and ends March 20th 2026 for the Continuous sign up. Limited acres remain, don’t delay your application. Call the McLean County FSA at 309-452-3848 ext 2.