DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District

06/05/2026

Everything that happens on the land affects our rivers. A watershed is an area of land where rain and snowmelt drain to a common stream, creek, or river. Here in DeKalb County, local watersheds like the East Branch South Branch Kishwaukee River, Upper South Branch Kishwaukee River, Central South Branch Kishwaukee River, and Lower Little Rock Creek all contribute to the health of our region's waterways. Through watershed planning and alongside the DeKalb County Watersheds Council and local partners, we identify ways to:
💧 Improve water quality
🌱 Restore habitat
🚜 Reduce soil erosion
🌊 Address flooding concerns
🐟 Protect fish and wildlife
During , we're highlighting the work being done throughout DeKalb County to protect our streams and rivers for future generations.

06/03/2026

The Kishwaukee River doesn't begin at one place, but is fed by hundreds of miles of streams, creeks, wetlands, farms, forests, and communities throughout DeKalb County. June is , so watch all month long as we highlight the work being done throughout DeKalb County to protect our streams and rivers for future generations.

06/01/2026

We love to see our rain barrels in action! Thanks to the DeKalb County Forest Preserve District for sharing their set-up at the Russell Woods Forest Preserve Natural Resource Education Center, which features a rain chain to guide water off the roof and into the rain barrel, which empties into the pond to keep it full and create the perfect breeding spot for frogs and toads. 🐸💧

05/21/2026

Are you looking to seed any conservation projects this year? Look on Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever of Illinois new map and you'll find... us! We work with DeKalb County Pheasants Forever to provide air seeding to DeKalb County residents. 🌱

05/15/2026

Thank you to everyone who filled out witness slips for HB 4755 (Chung)! The positive momentum continues for additional funding for Soil and Water Conservation Districts!

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.

05/14/2026

Farmers - are you looking to improve soil health, manage input costs and protect your water quality with practical, locally tested solutions?

Join KDSWCD and American Farmland Trust for a kick off meeting of FLASH : Farmer-Led Advances in Soil Health. These farmer coalitions work together to address the needs of their local communities.

Join us Thursday, June 25 at 4:30 at the Kane County Farm Bureau

Questions? Contact Kat at 630-584-7960 ext 3

05/13/2026

Please take 2 minutes to complete a witness slip to support funding for Soil and Water Conservation Districts state wide!

Welcome to the Official government website of the Illinois General Assembly

05/13/2026

Help support $10 million in Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts FY27 funding by completing a Witness Slip by 4 p.m. TODAY! Proponent Witness Slip Instructions for HB 4755: 1)Navigate to the witness slip page for 4755: https://ilga.gov/house/hearings/details/3050/22999/CreateWitnessSlip/?legislationId=165887&GaId=18&View=Create
2) Complete the first identification section (Fax # not required)
3) Complete the Representation section:
If you are submitting on behalf of your organization, list them here; Or: If you are filling this out on your own behalf, just put "self".
3) Scroll to the Position section and follow these steps: Select "Original Bill" under the first drop, select "Proponent", and then click the "Add Position" button. You should see the bill populate in the adjacent window with "Proponent" listed.
4) Under Type of Testimony, select “Record of Appearance Only.”
5) Finally, click "Submit Witness Slip" at the bottom of the page

05/12/2026

Great opportunity to learn more about our local watershed! 💧🏞️

05/11/2026

Thanks to all the SB 4044 supporters who helped get it past the first hurdle! More to come! 🌱🌾🌻💧🏞️

It was a great day for SB 4044. Senator Koehler spoke in favor of the benefits of the Agricultural Land Conservation Act during the Senate Appropriations Committee early this morning. This bill is a budget neutral impact to substitute additional funding for SWCDs across the state to continue and expand our conservation initiatives.

We can't thank you all enough for your support. Today we had 310 Proponents listed, much higher than any other bill talked about today.

Let's keep the pressure on!