Illinois Valley Soil and Water Conservation District and Illinois Valley Watershed Council

We strive to be a source of accessible, understandable, and relevant source of information about the local environment and conservation issues. Combined, our board
members and staff have many 100 years of experience with natural resources. We host workshops and presentations on conservation issues, and we are happy to arrange a site visit to your property to discuss your concerns with your land. We also have a variety of print and electronic resources available for your reference.

Here, you can find local information about our landowner programs; online copies of brochures and other publications; and fact sheets about invasive weeds that can be found in the Illinois Valley.

Landowner Assistance

Are you worried about controlling weeds? Limiting erosion? Improving pasture quality or reducing mud? Improving wildlife habitat on your property? Our staff is happy to meet with you to discuss your concerns and offer suggestions and information that can help meet your concerns. In some cases, we may be able to suggest sources of grant funding for improvement projects. Visit our Landowner Assistance Program page for more information.

Streams & Riparian Areas

If you live in the Illinois Valley, chances are you live close to a stream. If you have problems with flooding or erosion, questions about salmon and other aquatic wildlife, are wondering about your water quality, or have other concerns, we may be able to help. Contact Kevin or Nancy with your questions or read more about Streams. You can also find information from our January Stream School workshop.

Horse & Livestock Owners

Winter in the Illinois Valley often means dealing with mud. If you have horses or other large livestock, you may also have concerns about mud and pasture quality. We host an annual Healthy Horses Clean Water Workshop and offer several publications for livestock owners. To learn more, contact  Nancy or read more about Horses and Mud.

Weeds & Invasive Plants

Human beings aren’t the only “immigrants” to the Illinois Valley! We have thriving populations of introduced, invasive weed species that can be harmful to people, animals, and the environment. Read more about Weeds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here you will find responses to common inquiries. If you do not find an answer to your question, please contact us.

Publications

We publish a number of in-house booklets and brochures about local conservation issues. You can download a number of these publications here.

Meeting Minutes

The recent minutes of the Illinois Valley Soil and Water Conservation District and Illinois Valley Watershed Council are available online.