The McLean County Soil and Water Conservation District
The McLean County Soil and Water Conservation District proudly preserves McLean County’s most valuable resources. Our desire to protect soil and water, and serve area producers is 82 years strong. The experienced staff and strong dedication to conservation gives landowners professional options and solutions to protect their investment. The past and present District Board of Directors has given this county the strong leadership and correct direction to maintain the rich agricultural integrity of McLean County.
McLean County is the largest and one of the richer agricultural counties in the state of Illinois. It owes this distinction to the heritage of a fertile soil- a soil developed over centuries from the accumulation and deterioration of plant and animal life.
Tall dense growth of bluestem and other grasses carpeted the prairie. Lakes and swamps dotted the landscape. Heavy growths of trees and underbrush covered many of the slopes, fish, birds, and wild animals abounded. But alas, man came and appropriated these resources to his own benefit. He cut the forest, he killed the wildlife-he plowed the prairies- he exploited the fertility of the soil. He destroyed organic matter-he muddied the waters. Erosion by wind and water followed his erring course.
In order to focus attention on these devastating processes and to halt these ruthless in roads on this sacred heritage and to restore the some degree the vital assets of plant food elements, the McLean County Soil Conservation District was organized in the spring of 1942. The nine southeast townships in the county, being those in the upper Sangamon river valley, comprised the original district. It was enlarged to include the entire county in the spring of 1944 and water was later added to the name. It is composed of and controlled by landowners who have elected their own Board of Directors working in conjunction with local and state agencies. Through the facilities made possible by the organization, technical assistance with problems of building and maintaining soil fertility and controlling erosion is now available to all landowners and operators in the county.
2025 Conservationist of the Year
On behalf of the McLean County SWCD Board and Staff we are excited to present the Conservationist of the year award to the Wyant Family. For over
35 years, they’ve acquired and developed 152 acres along the Mackinaw River near Colfax, into a thriving wildlife haven. Their conservation story begins in 1964, when 10-year-old on a school bus, caught his first glimpse of three deer running across a McLean County field—on the very farm his grandfather once worked. In 1990, he claimed those 40 acres as his own, farming them until 2005. That year, they enrolled every cropland acre into CRP. This legacy of conservation began with Mike and Trisha Wyant and ignited in their sons a fire for wildlife habitat development and conservation. Michael and Adam attended SIUC to achieve degrees centered around conservation. Michael with a forestry degree and Adam, wildlife biology. Adam has worked for NRCS since 2004 and served as the District Conservationist in McLean County. Since 2005 the family has planted a windbreak with more than 1,100 trees and shrubs. They seeded tallgrass prairie and carved a 4+ acre shallow pond. Wildlife answered instantly: Pheasants, surged; deer and turkey returned; meadowlarks sang from the grasses; and the pond drew waterfowl—species unseen before. 19 acres of the farm is in a permeant conservation easement now, CREP. Today, the 152 contiguous acres is nearly all habitat, with a family passion to preserve it for generations to come. The Wyant family is a great example of conservation legacy and stewardship. Congratulations to the Wyant Family, your 2025 McLean County Conservationists of the Year. The McLean County Board and Staff are honored to induct you into this special recognition of our counties greatest Conservationists.
The Watersheds of McLean County
Every person on this planet lives in a watershed. A watershed is the area that drains water to the same place. During every rainfall, the surface water flows into a stream, river, or lake. Some of that water ends up in your glass after it travels through the water cycle!
Sponsors Donate $150 to be displayed here, our e-newsletter, and bi-annual mailed newsletter.
Contact our office to become a sponsor in 2026!
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.
2025 Plat Books Available!
Contact the office for purchase:
$35 Cash or Check, $40 Credit Card
Upcoming Events
Announcements
- 2025 Plat Books Available
- 2025 Evergreen Lake Shoreline Bid Notice
Trees & Fish
Spring Fish and Tree Sales 2026
Check back in the spring of 2026
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.
