Environmental Conservation

Flowers Pollinators Solar Panels

Finding Balance: The Realities of Integrating Solar Energy into Conservation Initiatives

As we aim for a more sustainable future, integrating solar energy into conservation initiatives isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a careful balancing act that requires us to consider the pros and cons of the transition. We need to be cautious to ensure that our efforts to go green don’t unintentionally harm our ecosystems. One […]

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Sowing the Seeds of Sustainability: Switchgrass, Your Go-To Native Grass for Autumn Planting

Amidst the rustling leaves and the crisp air, we find solace in the transformative beauty of the season. Often overlooked by the untrained eye in the amber landscapes of fall, Switchgrass remains an unsung hero in the symphony of sustainable land management and will often become a natural companion to the diverse landscapes we’re used

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What's New in Illinois CREP in 2022

What is a wildlife management area and why are these areas so important? 

Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) play a crucial role in preserving our natural environment and the diverse species that call it home. These areas, set aside for the protection and conservation of wildlife and their habitats, are invaluable for several reasons. What Is a Wildlife Management Area? A Wildlife Management Area is a designated tract of

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Japanese Honeysuckle

Invasive species removal and how it helps promote a well-rounded ecosystem

Let’s explore the critical topic of invasive species removal and how it plays a pivotal role in restoring and maintaining the health of our ecosystems worldwide. Invasive species are non-native organisms that, when introduced to a new environment, outcompete native species for resources and disrupt the ecosystem’s natural functions. These invaders can be plants, animals,

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How Solar Vegetation Can Revitalize Rural Communities and Agriculture - Sheep-Friendly Solar Vegetation Plantings 

How Solar Vegetation Can Revitalize Rural Communities and Agriculture – Sheep-Friendly Solar Vegetation Plantings

The marriage of renewable energy production and agricultural practices, known as agrivoltaics, has introduced yet another groundbreaking concept – sheep-friendly solar vegetation plantings. This approach involves integrating solar panels with carefully selected vegetation that is conducive to grazing by sheep. This strategy not only optimizes land use but also offers a range of benefits for

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Wetland Conservation

More than $146 Million for Wetland Conservation Projects and National Wildlife Refuges from the U.S. Department of the Interior

This year the US Department of the Interior has granted over $50 million for conservation projects and wildlife refuges, which will be matched by partners and amounts to over $146 million. This will help either conserve or restore over 240 thousand acres (about the area of San Antonio, Texas!) of wetland and upland.

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What is the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program

What is the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program?

Developed by the USDA as a part of CRP, the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program is a federally funded initiative designed to preserve grasslands across the country. Specifically, the program was established to ensure that environmentally sensitive grassland, or other land of significant value, is conserved rather than farmed.   In 2022, over 3.1 million acres of

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