Ford County Soil and Water Conservation District

04/18/2026

Yesterday Sarah went to PBL 3rd grade and talked to the kids about the importance of trees and the History of Arbor Day. Each 3rd grade student received a Bare-root White Pine Tree to take home, plant, and care for! What a fun day!

04/13/2026

ATTENTION: This is a reminder that the Primary ground nesting dates for IL are April 15th- August 1st!

As the name implies, these dates are when ground nesting birds like pheasants, quail, turkey, killdeer, woodcocks and other species nest. During this time, it is highly recommended to NOT mow or burn large areas where ground nesting wildlife may reside.

Keep in mind, these animals do not have calendars with these dates marked!
Please be considerate of their nesting periods. August 1st does mark the relative end of the nesting period, but it is not uncommon to find birds such as quail or pheasants nesting well past August 1st.

So keep a lookout, be mindful and be vigilant if you're planning any activities on your ground during or past these dates!

To learn more, follow the link below 👇
https://www.pheasantsforever.org/BlogLanding/Blogs/Pheasants-Forever/Facts-Surrounding-the-Magic-of-Nesting-Season.aspx

04/10/2026

We have Bare-root Norway Spruce trees available for sale, a bundle of 10 for $35. Let us know if you would like any! They are only available until we sell out as we have already received our shipment!

04/03/2026

Pre-enrollment for the I-COVER Program is now OPEN!

This 3-year commitment (2026–2028) supports new or innovative cover crop practices that improve soil health and resilience.

💲 Incentive rates available:
• $61.13/acre (winter kill)
• $85.65/acre (single species, spring terminated)
• $105.40/acre (multi-species, spring terminated)

🗓 Applications open April 15
💻 Get started at https://apps.agr.illinois.gov/ICover/

Pre-enroll now so you’re ready to submit when the application window opens!

Learn more: https://agr.illinois.gov/resources/landwater/i-cover.html

03/17/2026

Here are a couple upcoming events in the local area. Please RSVP to Joe Stuckel at 309-287-3490.

Both events conclude with Lunch!

03/05/2026

Do you have ground in Ford, DeWitt, Iroquois, Livingston, McLean, Macon, or Piatt County? Reach out to Kate Schafer for a free design AND $1000 for your time!!!

If you're a producer along the Illinois River Basin, call us today to find out how you can get a conservation drainage practice design at no cost AND receive $1000 per outlet for participating!

03/03/2026

If you know a senior in High School that lives in Ford County who is wanting to attend an Illinois College for Agriculture, please let them know we have a scholarship available. The application is due Friday March 6th!!!

📢📢FORD COUNTY SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT SCHOLARSHIP 2026📢📢
We are pleased to announce that we are offering one (1) $1000.00 scholarship to be awarded this year to a graduating high school senior.
Requirements: 1. Live in Ford County, 2. be a high school senior soon to be enrolled in an agricultural program for 2026-2027 academic year at any Illinois college, 3. Have a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or a 4.0 on a 5.0 scale
If you meet these requirements then please fill out the application on our website and submit with required documents by March 6, 2026!!!
Please visit our website for the application fordcountyswcd.com

Pictured below are staff Sarah Earles presenting our 2025 Scholarship winner Kasi Hughes with her award.

02/18/2026

Today is our Election of Board of Directors. Please stop into our office between 7am-5:30pm to place your vote. You must be of legal voting age and be an owner or occupier of land in Ford County. We hope to see you today!

02/04/2026

SpringTree and Fish order forms are available now!

🐠Fish orders are due 3/26/2026 and pick up will be 4/16/2026

🌲Tree orders are due 3/23/2026 and pick up 4/10/2026

01/07/2026

📢📢FORD COUNTY SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT SCHOLARSHIP 2026📢📢
We are pleased to announce that we are offering one (1) $1000.00 scholarship to be awarded this year to a graduating high school senior.
Requirements: 1. Live in Ford County, 2. be a high school senior soon to be enrolled in an agricultural program for 2026-2027 academic year at any Illinois college, 3. Have a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or a 4.0 on a 5.0 scale
If you meet these requirements then please fill out the application on our website and submit with required documents by March 6, 2026!!!
Please visit our website for the application fordcountyswcd.com

Pictured below are staff Sarah Earles presenting our 2025 Scholarship winner Kasi Hughes with her award.

01/07/2026

There is still time to sign for for the Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program !

📣 The 2025-2026 Fall Covers for Spring Savings Cover Crop Premium Discount Program is still open, and acres are still available! Submit your application now. The program closes at 11:59 PM on January 15th, 2026.

Submit your applications here: https://bit.ly/4iracyq

12/19/2025

🌱 Bring Your Soil Back to Life! 🌱

Listen, learn, and connect with people who know conservation at the 2026 Illinois Conservation Cropping Seminars. Discover how farmers like you are improving soil health, incorporating cover crops, and using sustainable techniques that boost profitability and resilience against weather, pests, and weeds.

🎤 Learn from educators, researchers, experts — and Illinois farmers putting conservation into practice.
📅 January 27 – Sycamore, IL
📅 January 28 – Mt. Vernon, IL
🕘 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM CST

Register here: https://www.ccswcd.com/conservation-cropping-seminars
⚠️ Deadline to register is January 9th!

Join the movement to build healthier soils and a stronger future for Illinois agriculture. 🌾