Rights of Way Projects
The McLean County Soil & Water Conservation District has begun working with the Illinois Department of Transportation to convert roadside vegetation to pollinator friendly habitat. The initial project is located on I-55 on the east side of Linden street. The project will develop nearly 1 mile or 15 acres of highly visible road frontage to pollinator habitat. The current stand of cool season grasses and invasive species will be controlled and eradicated before the initial seeding takes place. Bush honeysuckle, autumn olive, and cedar were removed from the location to manage and improve the area.
Additionally the McLean County SWCD has identified a number of potential projects adjacent to Historic RT 66. The district has joined efforts with the RT66 Monarch Flyway Committee to aid in the development of more projects, fundraising, and planning to convert roadsides from St. Louis to Chicago.
Save the Monarchs- Commit an Acre of Habitat for the Farm
Whether you have 10 acres or 1000 there is room for pollinator habitat on every farm to help make a difference for our crucial pollinator species. This Monarch Mix is a great investment to purchase and plant on your farm. You can frost seed the mix into an existing natural area, or prepare a site to be planted. There are various programs available that offer yearly rental rates to implement habitat on your farm. Contact our office to learn more.
In 2021 16 Landowners took the challenge and implemented 21 acres of Monarch Mix on their farms across McLean County!
Contact a Biologist
Our local area has resource professionals that are ready to help you enhance or install highly diverse native species. Our office has a Farm Bill Biologist on staff and available to landowners and producers. The Farm Bill Biologist Program is a partnership between Pheasants / Quail Forever, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The primary goals of the partnership is to assist landowners interested in enrolling marginal cropland acres into high quality wildlife habitat.
Contact our local biologist, Brodie Eddington, by calling our office at 309-452-3848 ext 3.