Mercer County Soil & Water Conservation District

05/21/2026

Join us for our next event!

05/19/2026

We were lucky to have great weather for another walk in the remnant prairie. Our native plants are thriving after the last prescribed fire. Lots of species to be discovered and to watch grow and bloom this season. The birds and beneficial insect species were very active last night taking advantage of this small but amazing habitat. Want to plant natives on your property? Let us know! Keep your eye out for our next guided prairie walk and thank you again Dr. Jenkins!

05/18/2026

Today is the day! Looks like mother nature is going to cooperate. We will also have some native plants for sale. Wear long pants and boots and take a stroll back in time through the old headstones and remnant prairie with us tonight.

Mercer County Soil & Water Conservation District will be hosting their Spring Sunset Walk tomorrow, May 18th @ 6:30pm.

It's a FREE event for all where you can take a walk in Brownlee Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve with experts in the field.

Grab your walking shoes and head on over to 52 220 St. Alexis, Illinois!

Learn more about the event on their page!

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.

05/12/2026

Don't forget our fish sale pickup is this Friday at the fairgrounds 1pm. And join us Monday for our prairie walk!

05/06/2026

It sure was a cold one, but we all helped shape young minds outside the classroom yesterday. It's always good to have some positive news coverage too!

05/05/2026

Help us pass SB 4044 to secure funding for Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs)!
Support conservation implementation in Illinois by taking 30 seconds to fill out a witness slip!

1. Open the witness slip link below.
2. Fill in your info (no fax needed)
3. Representation = org name or “self”
4. Add SB 4044 - select Proponent - click “Add Position”
5. Testimony = Record of Appearance Only
6. Submit!

https://ilga.gov/Senate/hearings/details/3108/22958/createwitnessslip

04/27/2026

Save the date!

04/24/2026

Happy Arbor Day. Today is a perfect day to plant a tree! Liz Gray and Jessica will be giving each Mercer County Soil & Water Conservation District 4th grade students a red oak today and teaching them a little bit about oaks and Arbor Day. Pictures to follow! You can also see them at Saturday's event at the RI Hauberg Estate.