HELP SAVE THE MONARCH BUTTERFLY BY CREATING HABITAT The monarch is one of the most familiar butterflies in North America. The orange-and

-black butterfly is known for its annual, multi-generational migration from Mexico to

as far north as Canada. Monarch butterflies depend on milkweed to lay their eggs

during the journey.

But monarch populations have decreased significantly over the past two decades, in

part because of the decrease in native plants, including milkweed, on which their

caterpillars feed. Agriculture and development have removed much of the native

milkweed that once spanned the country.

NRCS is working with agricultural producers to combat the decline of monarch butterflies by planting milkweed

and other nectar-rich plants on private lands. NRCS provides technical and financial assistance through various

programs such as EQIP and CSP.

With assistance from NRCS, producers and conservation partners can plant milkweed and nectar-rich plants

along field borders, in buffers along waterways or around wetlands, in pastures and other suitable locations. The next EQIP application deadline for the Monarch Butterfly Project is Friday March 17, 2017. Contact the

NRCS office at 217-352-3536 extension 3 for more information.

FEBRUARY 2017 SOIL STRUCTURE .. 2

FISH SALE .............. 3

TREE SALE ............. 5

SOIL & WATER focus W ORKING TO PR O TE C T A ND EN HAN CE OU R NA TU RAL R ES OU RCE S

BUILDI NG O N THE PA ST - PRESE RVI NG F O R TH E FU TU RE

CCSWCD TO CONDUCT SECOND YEAR SURVEY

Champaign County Soil & Water

Conservation District

www.ccswcd.com

217 -352 -3536 ext 3

6

SWCD Board Members Steve Stierwalt, Chairman

Joe Rothermel, Vice-Chairman

Eric Suits, Secretary-Treasurer

Eleanor Blackmon, Director

Lennie Heiser, Director

Kenneth Kesler, Associate Director

SWCD Staff: Jonathon Manuel, R.C.

Renee Weitekamp, A.C.

Larry Thurow, Special Projects Coord

Clay Bess, PCS

Sharyl Walker-Ogle, GIS

NRCS Staff: Adam Wyant, D.C.

Kevin Donoho, S.C.

Richard Parks, S.C.T.

DRILL RENTAL ........ 4 POLLINATORS ........ 4

2110 W Park Court, Suite C, Champaign, IL 61821

PCM ........................ 2

CLIENT GATEWAY .. 7

SPONSORS ............ 7

This information will be used to evaluate current tillage, nutrient, and cover crop practices found within various

watersheds of Champaign County, and provides a baseline of information in creating strategies and practices to-

wards the goal of reducing the amounts of nutrients lost within the county. The Champaign County Soil and

Water Conservation District appreciates those who contributed data for the 2016 Survey and look forward to

everyone’s participation in the 2017 Survey.

DRAINAGE WORKSHOP ............

FISH DESCRIPTIONS

Channel Catfish: They

are excellent for food and

sport fishing. They are

compatible with all pond

species and can grow 1 lb.

per year if fed with

commercial feed.

Black Crappie: Excellent

for food and sport fishing;

however, they can quickly

overpopulate and are not

recommended for small

ponds.

Straight Bluegill: An

excellent sport fish that

grows a little slower than

sunfish.

Largemouth Bass: One

of the most sought after

game fish. The average

size is 20 inches and they

may live up to 23 years.

Fathead Minnows:

These are especially

important when stocking

new ponds. They are also

good for ponds prior to

stocking largemouth bass.

Young bass use them for

food.

Red Ear Sunfish:

Excellent in deeper ponds

and with Bluegill and

Hybrid Sunfish.

Hybrid Sunfish: They

come from crossing a

male bluegill with a female

Green Sunfish. They

produce 90% males so

they do not over populate

a pond. They are a good

choice for small ponds and

will grow ¼ to ½ lb. per

year. They can reproduce

with bluegills if they are

present in the pond.

Triploid Grass Carp:

They eat many weeds, but

not algae, and do not

reproduce.

GOT SOIL STRUCTURE?

Of all soil’s physical properties, which includes soil

texture, horizons, color, consistency, and bulk density,

structure tends to be the least discussed by land

owners and producers. Soil structure can be defined

as the arrangement of primary soil particles into group-

ings called aggregates or peds. The commonly

accepted structure categories include, granular, platy,

blocky, prismatic and columnar. Additionally, structure-

less soils can be described by the groupings of massive

and single grain.

More than any of soil’s physical properties, changes in

soil structure can be highly influenced by cropping and

tillage practices. Soil compaction, field conditions

during tillage, timing of tillage activities and crop

selection, all can have an impact on structure. Repetitive trips across certain areas of a field such as

end rows or headlands, can cause soil structure

damage that can decrease soil health and crop

productivity. Such repetitive trips with heavy

equipment can damage soil to the point of causing

structureless soil conditions, where no consistent or

uniform aggregates exist. However, remedies can be

implemented to rebuild soil structure.

Often when cover crops are discussed, their benefit

tends to focus on enhancing nutrient cycling such as

nitrogen/phosphorus or the reduction of soil loss.

However, cover crops can also improve soil structure

by the increase of microbial activity including bacteria

and fungi. These “decomposers” of plant materials

leave proteins known as glomalins, which act as a

natural glue or cement, which in turn enhance the

development of soil structure.

So when you think about good soil structure, consider

the use of cover crops as a tool to improve good soil

structure in your fields.

Please make checks payable to: Champaign County SWCD Or pay by credit card from our web site: www.ccswcd.com

To Place an Order:

Complete order form and mail along with your check: Champaign County SWCD 2110 W. Park Ct, Suite C Champaign, IL 61821 217-352-3536 ext 3

Champaign County SWCD Spring 2017 Fish Sale

Fish Type Size Bag or Pound

Quantity Price

Quantity Ordered

Price

Channel Catfish 4-6” $ 0.65 each

Channel Catfish 6-8” $ 0.80 each

Channel Catfish 8-10” $ 0.95 each

Albino Catfish 4-6” $ 1.05 each

Black Crappie 2-3” 100 per bag $ 55.00 per bag

Fathead Minnows 100-150 fish per lb $ 10.00 per lb

Hybrid Sunfish 1-2” 250 per bag $ 65.00 per bag

Hybrid Sunfish 3-5” $ 0.75 each

Hybrid Sunfish 5-7” $ 1.05 each

Largemouth Bass 2-3” $0.80 each

Largemouth Bass 5-8” $ 2.50 each

Red Ear Sunfish 1-2” 250 per bag $ 65.00 per bag

Bluegill 1-2” 250 per bag $ 65.00 per bag

Bluegill 3-5” $ 0.75 each

Triploid Grass Carp 8-11” $ 10.00 each

Pond Delivery available on orders over 1,000 fish $ 100.00 Yes____ No____

Last day to order Fish: Wednesday, March 15th

Grass Carp must be ordered by Monday, March 6th

Fish Pick-up will be: Monday, March 27, 1-2:30 p.m.

Total Cost

Additional Information for Grass Carp Orders Only: (Grass Carp Must be Ordered by March 6th) Pond Acreage: _____________ Township: ________________ Section: ___________

Office Use Only

Date: ________________

Amt pd: ______________

Payment:_____________

Name: ________________________________________ Phone: ____________________

Address: ______________________________________ City: ______________________ Zip: __________

NO-TILL DRILL AND TRACTOR AVAILABLE

The CCSWCD has a 15’ John Deere 1590 no-till drill and tractor. Please

contact us for tractor and drill rental options for planting your wheat,

soybeans, etc. Options are also available for rental or a planting service for

your cover crops.

POLLINATOR HABITAT ESTABLISHMENT A “How – to” on establishing a successful project

By Jason Bleich – Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Biologist

jbleich@pheasantsforever.org

In the last 5 years, pollinator habitat has become a

continental phenomenon in the conservation world

due to the decline of many pollinator species such as

honey bees and monarch butterflies. Many of our

conservation programs are putting special emphasis on

getting pollinator habitat back on the landscape thus

incentivizing landowners and farmers to help the cause.

In this article, I’m going to discuss the “how-to” of

establishing a successful pollinator project.

There are 3 vital steps to creating and maintaining successful pollinator projects 1) Site preparation 2)

Seeding timing and methods 3) Habitat management.

Without question, the most important step in this

process is site preparation. First, look at what

currently exists on the project area. Pollinator

seedings need at least 50% bare ground… and the

more bare ground, the better. Typically soybean fields

are ready for seeding ‘as is’. Cornfields will need to

have the stalk residue removed by burning, baling, and /

or very lightly working the ground. Pre-existing CRP

grasslands will need to be burned, followed by multiple

glyphosate applications to eradicate the existing grasses

in the seedbed (this often takes 2 – 5 herbicide

treatments). Once the existing seedbed has been

eradicated and there’s good bare ground, it’s time for

Step 2.

Winter broadcast seedings have become a popular

method for pollinator seed mixes. This can be done

anytime the ground is froze with a thaw in the short-

term forecast. The seed typically needs to be mixed

with 100-150#/acre of potash as a seed carrier.

Airflow fertilizer spreaders and standard fertilizer

spreaders are the best options. This broadcast method

can also be done in the spring, but then it’s necessary

to follow with a cultipacker or roller to incorporate

the seed. Traditional Truax and Great Plains native

seed drills will also work for spring pollinator seedings.

Cracked corn, oats, or rice hull filler must be mixed

with the grass seed to ensure accurate drill seedings

(typically 10#/acre). The drill should be set on its

shallowest setting and its most reduced output setting.

The last step is the easiest… sit back and wait

patiently. Pollinator seedings typically take 2-3 years to

become established. Don’t expect the seeding to look

good in Year 1. Most native seedlings are establishing

their root system

and only grow a

few inches in the

first summer. In

the first growing

season, it may be necessary to

mow once or

twice early July – early August. Please contact your

NRCS staff or local biologist to see if mowing is

necessary. The general rule of thumb with

establishment mowing is to mow HIGH and do not

mow past the first week in August (otherwise you will

hurt the good seedlings). Mowing is only allowed in

Year 1 for government conservation programs. After

the first 2-3 years of establishment, it will be ready for

some management. Prescribed burning is the best

management practice for pollinator habitat. Contact

your NRCS or local biologist for requirements

regarding prescribed burning.

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PFQF) are

heavily involved in the conservation programs

implementing pollinator habitat. Pollinator habitat =

great wildlife habitat! PFQF works with local USDA

offices and landowners through our PF Farm Bill

Biologists, local chapters, and our chapters seeding

equipment.

Year 1

Year 2

Tree Pickup - Champaign County

Fairgrounds, Kesler Hall Friday, April 7, 2017

(7:30 am - 4 pm) Saturday, April 8

(8 am - 11 am)

All orders are subject to availability of stock. The District retains the right to reject stock if it does not meet our standards. We retain the right to limit or reject any orders. These plants are for conservation related projects only and carry no warranty, and shall not be used in any ornamental or landscape plantings.

NOTE: CALL IF YOU NEED OTHER SPECIES,

WE CAN PROBABLY GET THEM.

Name: ________________________________

Address: ______________________________ City: _____________________ Zip: _________ Phone: ____________________

The Source for All Your

Conservation Trees:

Bareroot

RPM

1 gal Evergreens

Total Qty Ordered Price Totals

Bareroot Seedlings $3.00/tree

RPM Potted $20/tree

1 gal Potted $7.50/tree

Total Cost

Bareroot Seedings

$3.00 RPM Potted

$20.00 1 gal Potted

$7.50

Evergreens

White Pine

Eastern Red Cedar

Norway Spruce

Blue Spruce

Hardwood Trees

Bald Cypress

Wild Black Cherry

Deer Apple

Flowering Dogwood

Sugar Maple

Red Maple

Bur Oak

Northern Red Oak

Pin Oak

Swamp White Oak

White Oak

Pecan

Shrubs

Red Twig Dogwood

American Hazelnut

Old Fashioned Lilac

Champaign County SWCD 2017 Tree Sale

Please make checks payable to: Champaign County SWCD Or pay by credit card from our web site: www.ccswcd.com

To Place an Order:

Complete order form and mail along with your check: Champaign County SWCD 2110 W. Park Ct, Suite C Champaign, IL 61821 217-352-3536 ext 3

Champaign County Farm Bureau

801 N. Country Fair Dr. Ste. A

Champaign, IL 61821

217-352-5235

Friday, March 17th from 8:00 am to 11:00 am

at the Champaign County Farm Bureau Auditorium

Topics Include:

Combining and Reactivating Drainage Districts

Tile Monitoring Program

Bridge Structures within Farm Fields - Ownership and Maintenance

Climate Change and Agriculture Along with a Growing

Season Weather Outlook

Drainage, Water & More

For More Information:

Champaign County SWCD

217-352-3536 ext 3

www.ccswcd.com

Champaign County Farm Bureau

&

Champaign County

Soil & Water

Conservation District

The meeting is open to all drainage district commissioners and individuals who have an interest in water related topics.

The event is free and no RSVP is required.

THANK YOU CCSWCD SPONSORS

Agrible

American Farmland Trust (AFT)

Arends Hogan Walker LLC

ASM (Agricultural Soil Management)

Berns, Clancy and Associates

Busey Ag Services

Capital Agricultural Property Services

CF&H Insurance Agency, Inc

Day Drainage

Dewey Bank

Ehler Brothers Fertilizer

Farm Credit Services

Franzen Construction Group LLC

The Gifford State Bank

Gordon Farms Seed Company

Grussing Construction

Illini FS

Johnson Trailer Sales

Kitchen Seed Company

Koeberlein Drainage LLC

Liberty Land Improvement &

Excavating

Longview Bank

Magsamen Backhoe & Farm Drainage

Martin Equipment

Noel Farm Management

PNC Bank

Premier Cooperative

Rick Wolken Tiling

Saddle Butte

Suits Ag Services

The Andersons

Trés Posh Décor

United Prairie

Waibel Farmland Services

Waypoint Analytical Illinois

PRECISION CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT AND UPCOMING SIGN-UP PERIOD

The Regional Conservation Partnership Program

(RCPP), Precision Conservation Management (PCM),

has 58 farmers enrolled to receive their Resource

Analysis and Assessment Report (RAAP) which

includes a Sustainability Assessment, local resource

concerns, nutrient management assessment, a partial

budget analysis, and local/state conservation programs

which offer financial assistance, including NRCS

programs such as CSP and EQIP. A producer can sign

up for CSP or EQIP at any time. Financial assistance for

these particular programs are allocated from a pool of

money set aside for only PCM farmers and encourage

implementing initial conservation practices and/or

maintaining and improving NRCS’ conservation

metrics. Along with this personalized report, PCM

farmers receive $500 for entering their crop

data and practices in a completely secured and

confidential manner with an enrollment coor-

dinator.

Laura Gentry is developing the RAAPs,

delivered and detailed by Conservation

Specialist, Clay Bess (covering Champaign,

Vermilion, Ford, Edgar, and Douglas counties).

Gary Schnitkey (U of I, farmdoc) and Dale

Lattz (farmdoc, former FBFM) are preparing

the partial budget analysis. Interested? Contact

Clay Bess at 309-445-0278

or cbess@precisionconservation.org,

your Soil and Water Conservation District,

NRCS staff, or your FBFM agent. Meet with an

enrollment coordinator such as Gary Knoblett to sign up. Please visit

www.precisionconservation.org.

The Champaign County SWCD can help you sign up.

Please give us a call at 217-352-3536 ext 3

LOOK INSIDE FOR:

Champaign County SWCD

2110 W Park Court, Ste C

Champaign, IL 61821

FISH SALE ORDER FORM

TRACTOR/DRILL RENTAL

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT

PRECISION CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT

POLLINATORS & MORE

Test Your Stream’s

Water

Thanks in part to C-BMP and Illinois Corn Grow-ers, the CCSWCD will continue with the water sample testing. Bring in at least an 8 ounce water sample in a clean container. The sample will be tested as soon as possible and your results will be given to you. The CCSWCD and C-BMP does not keep any of the infor-mation. The only infor-mation we are keeping is how many people take part in this service. Contact Us for More Information.

Special Note:

Another Thank You to the Illinois Clean Energy Community

Foundation. With a grant from IL Clean Energy and the

Barnhart’s Graciousness, the District has purchased 8.1

additional acres at the Barnhart Prairie Restoration Site

along Old Church Road. These acres have been placed in a

conservation easement and bring the total acres of the

Barnhart Prairie to well over 100!