Edgar County Soil & Water Conservation District

05/27/2026

Happy to be able to help out with the Ride Right Rally held a couple weeks ago. The purpose was to inform 6th grade students from across Edgar County about ATV, UTV, and mower safety. Thank you Edgar County 4H & Illinois Extension for organizing the event!

05/27/2026

05/18/2026

The use of drones in agriculture has steadily gained traction, particularly in the application of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.

June 5, 8:30 AM to 3 PM, Agriculture Drone Education Day, Georgetown

Attendees can learn more at a field day-style event exploring the key benefits and challenges of using spray drones in agriculture.

The free event will feature educational presentations on drone features, hauling, safety, insurance, regulations and state requirements, equipment demonstrations, and a networking session with industry professionals.

There is no cost or registration required to attend. Lunch will be provided. Certified Crop Adviser Continuing Education Units will be available at the end of the event for qualified individuals.

🔗 Read more about the event at https://extension.illinois.edu/news-releases/explore-key-benefits-challenges-using-agricultural-drones-illinois-extension-field

🔗 Get right to event details and contacts at https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2026-06-05-agriculture-drone-education-day

The 2026 drone event partners include: University of Illinois Extension, Hunsinger Ag Solutions, ProHarvest Seeds, Agri Spray Drones, Hefty Seed Company, and Flightline Assurance.

05/18/2026

As the weather warms up and more people head outside, IDNR is reminding everyone to leave young birds and other animals alone when they encounter them in the wild.

Well-intentioned people may believe they’re helping nature by taking possession of young rabbits, fawn deer, baby birds and other animals that appear to be orphaned or abandoned. However, in nearly all cases, human intervention does more to hurt animals than to help. Young birds and animals are still being fed and cared for by their parents, who usually stay away from nests and dens if humans are nearby.

Learn more here:https://www.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/illinois/iisnewsattachments/32505-051226-04122026-spring-wild-animal-reminders.pdf.pdf

05/18/2026

Illinois environmental leaders are urging lawmakers to approve new funding for soil and water conservation districts, warning that a lack of funding could hurt farmland in the state.

05/15/2026

05/14/2026

Another successful day at the Capitol! 🌱

AISWCD Board President Dale Shumaker joined Rep. Chung in presenting HB 4755 before the House Appropriations – General Services Committee, legislation requesting $10 million in FY27 operations funding for Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts.

Dale did an outstanding job telling the story of where our districts are today and why investing in local conservation matters. After getting word the night prior that the bill would be heard, he made the 8-hour round trip to Springfield for a 10-minute testimony slot — a true example of dedication to conservation and our districts.

The committee response was encouraging, with strong engagement and support from members. We also had the opportunity to briefly highlight HB 5593, our companion legislation creating a dedicated funding source through an agricultural conservation fee, demonstrating our commitment to finding responsible, long-term funding solutions.

Thank you to everyone continuing to advocate for soil and water conservation across Illinois. The work is being noticed.

05/07/2026

05/07/2026

This Wildflower Friday we are bringing you a collection of our May watch Prairie bloomers! With the warm weather finally looking like its going to stick around, keep your eyes out for these beauties in the prairie the rest of the month!

When planning a pollinator plot, it is important to include early season species that bloom throughout the Spring such as the ones shown here.

📸: http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/