2025 | American Farmland Trust

Contact

Applicant Organization: American Farmland Trust

Contact: Shelby Leick

Email: sleick@farmland.org

Project

American Farmland Trust is working alongside farmers and local partners to bring conservation practices to life through hands-on demonstration projects and community outreach. These efforts give farmers the chance to see best management practices (BMPs) in action and explore how different approaches can benefit both their land and nearby fish habitats.

This project is focused on expanding conservation agriculture practices that reduce sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus runoff—ultimately improving water quality and fish habitat in local streams. A key goal is to elevate the leadership and involvement of women farmers and landowners in conservation efforts. American Farmland Trust (AFT) will also develop a long-term monitoring plan for the demonstration site, with support from Fishers & Farmers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), and other partners.

To achieve these goals, AFT will:

• Launch two on-farm demonstration projects along the Illinois River or nearby creeks between the Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge and Sanganois State Fish and Wildlife Area. These sites will showcase practices like controlled drainage, prairie strips, and cover crops tailored to local conditions.
• Conduct farmer outreach to promote the project and conservation practices, reaching at least 200 farmers through a variety of strategies.
• Host two farmer-led field days, engaging a minimum of 80 farmers and 20 resource professionals to highlight the demonstration sites.
• Organize one farmer-led workshop in the watershed, bringing together at least 50 farmers and 20 additional stakeholders.
• Reach at least 100 local women farmers and landowners through outreach and events.
• Create a monitoring plan to track changes in fish habitat and other key indicators before and after project implementation.