Copy
View this email in your browser

McLean County SWCD NEWS

The McLean County Soil and Water Conservation District proudly preserves McLean County's most valuable resources. 

SWCD Website SWCD Website
LinkedIn LinkedIn
Facebook Facebook
Save the Dates
2021 McLean County Plat Books Available!
Plat Books are $35 Cash/Check or $40 Credit. Add $5 per plat book for shipping

Orange Marking Flags Available
Orange marking flags are available in bundles of 100 for $12.00 per bundle.
Contact our office to purchase.


2023 General Election of Directors
Save the date for January 11, 2023 for the General Election of Directors at USDA Field Office. For more information, contact us at 309-452-3848 ext. 3
Timber Harvesting
Before You Agree to a Timber Harvest

Selective timber harvesting is an important woodland health practice to promote native species and wildlife habitat. Professional consulting foresters are available to assist woodland owners with a variety of forestry-specific needs: Forest Management Plans, Timber Sales, and Wildlife Habitat Projects; and management plan implementation practices such as Crop Tree Release / Timber Stand Improvement, Invasive Species Control, Prescribed Fire, Pruning, and Tree Planting. The University of Illinois Extension Forestry has an incredible website to connect landowners with consulting foresters, woodland information and other resource professionals. 

Learn More and Locate a Consulting Forrester

 Click Here
New NRCS Website Launched
It’s destined to be better, easier to use and navigate, and better for our customers.
Website Link

McLean County Cost-Share

Funds Available for Conservation Installation

This funding pool is available on behalf of the McLean County Soil and Water Conservation District. The funds can be used for projects outside of current practices enrolled in an active government contract. To learn more about the partners for conservation fund:

Click Here

Conservation Practices include but are not limited to:
Cover Crops 60% Cost Share up to $40/ac-3 year Maximum
Grassed Waterways 60% Cost Shared
Water Well Decommissioning 60% Cost Shared
New Adoption of No-till or Strip Till 60% Cost Shared

*Cost share is based on a practice component list that sets expectations for average costs of installation. 
To Apply Contact Brett Irwin at 309-452-3848 ext 3
Deadline December 1st 2022

McLean County Monarchs

Spring will be here before we know it, and monarchs will be visiting us once again. To prepare for their return, IMP invites you to take the 2022-2023 Illinois Monarch Pledge, an annual pledge open now through December 31st. Unlike in previous years, the option for individuals or organizations to take the pledge is only available during this pledge window. So, don’t delay and take the pledge today!
Don't worry, taking the pledge is easy!
  • PLEDGE: First, head to our website here or click the button below to pledge.
  • PLANT: In the next twelve months (October 1st, 2022 through September 30th, 2023), take action in your community by planting milkweed or engaging in a variety of our recommended action items.
  • POST: Finally, post your stories on social media using the hashtag #PledgePlantPost to be recognized for your hard work.

Data collected from your pledge will help estimate progress towards Illinois monarch conservation goals that allow monarchs to thrive. On behalf of the Illinois Monarch Project, thank you for your dedication to monarch conservation. Together, we can help keep monarchs on the move!
Take the Pledge
Learn More about McLean County Monarch Project

Soil Testing Services

Why have a soil tested? Does my soil have problems? Does my crop need fertilizer? What kind of fertilizer should I use? How much should I apply? A soil analysis can help farmers and gardeners answer these questions. A basic soil analysis provides information on two important soil characteristics:
 
• Soil pH is a measurement on a scale from acid (low pH) to alkaline (high pH). Most soils are on the acid side of the pH spectrum. Good soils for crop production are often moderately acid, but some soils in Hawaii are acidic to the extent that crops grow poorly. Soil tests indicate pH problems and allow recommendations for correcting them.
• Available nutrient levels in the soil determine how good crop growth will be. Testing for phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) helps determine the need for soil amendments (phosphate, and lime or dolomite) and the right fertilizer formulations for the crop to be grown.

Learn more about soil testing services and labs near you 

 Click Here
McLean County Contractors List
McLean County contractors can provide conservation services to you for the installation of practices and programs. For a full list of contractors and their services, click the below link. If you would like to be added to our contractors list. Please return the below application to our office at 402 N Kays Drive, Normal IL 61761
Contractors List
Burn Plans & Permits 
Inquire about your CRP Burn Plans and Permit Applications for Mid Contract Management. Contact Brodie Eddington, Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Biologist in our office. 

Email: beddington@pheasantsforever.org
Phone: 309-452-3848 ext 3
Pollinator Species ID

Leadplant (Amorpha canescens)

Leadplant is a species that is commonly found in prairies in the northern two-thirds of the state. It does grow throughout Illinois, however. Its leaves are arranged alternately along the stem, and each contains from 21 to 51 leaflets. It blooms from May through August. The flowers are dark purple and are produced in a spike at the stem tip. They attract many pollinators. The fruit is a pod. Leadplant grows from one to three feet in height. The name “leadplant” was given to it due to the gray-green color of its leaves.
 

Learn more by: Clicking Here
McLean County Pheasants Forever Drills

The McLean County Pheasants Forever chapter has made three Truax Drills available for wildlife habitat installation in McLean County. These drills were purchased in cooperation with Illinois DNR through Habitat Stamp funds purchased by Illinois Hunters. Reporting of seeding is required to maintain records of habitat installed. The Drills are located at the SWCD office for rental. 

Rental Agreement Details: Checks made payable to: Pheasants Forever

  • $250 Security Deposit (Returned when equipment is returned in good working order. **Operable and Clean) Drill inspection is made by Resource Conservationist, and must be dropped off with the employee present.
  • $50 per Business Day Cost. (Planter to be picked up and returned on same day. If not, an additional $50 charge for each day utilized.
  • $100 per Business Day Cost for Waterway Seedings

Equipment Requirements/Specifications

Learn how to calibrate the Drill for the Correct Seeding Rate Per Acre

- Minimum 50 Horsepower Tractor
- Drill has Pioneer ends and 2 hydraulic Lines for raising/lowering
- A truck with a hitch pin needed for transport (45mph max speed)
- Drill is pulled with a tow bar
- Drill is 8 feet wide and does 5 feet of planting
- The three seed boxes are capable of planting native seed mixes, pollinator habitat, food plots, and cool season plantings.
SWCD SPONSORS
Special thanks to the following sponsors for their support of our conservation mission in McLean County. 
These sponsors are advertisers in our SWCD publications and not an endorsement of the company or services provided. We are an equal opportunity farm advertiser.  

-OUR POLICY-

The McLean County Soil and Water Conservation District does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status or disability. This policy covers all programs, services and procedures of the District, including employment. The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
 

-SWCD BOARD MEETINGS-

SWCD board meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at our office. Contact our office for changes and details.

Our mailing address:
402 N Kays Drive Normal Illinois 61761
309-452-3848 ext 3
mcleancountyswcd@gmail.com

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

 






This email was sent to <<Email Address>>
why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences
McLean County Soil & Water Conservation District · 402 Kays Dr · Normal, IL 61761-2286 · USA

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp