Healing the land and protecting water was a major focus of the work we accomplished in 2018.
We released a paper on nitrates in our drinking water titled Illinois’ Ignored Water Crisis and developed a map of nitrate violations across Illinois. We successfully advocated for Illinois to reinvest in its agricultural conservation programs after several were unfunded in the 2016 fiscal year. These included continuing to fully fund Soil and Water Conservation Districts and once again participating in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, which had been suspended since 2015.
With farmers, partner organizations, and researchers, we worked to advance the regenerative, biodiverse farming movement in Illinois and across the Midwest that will lead to on the ground changes that protect our soil, water, and ecosystems.
We helped lead the Illinois Monarch Project, developing a statewide effort to expand the habitat that monarchs and native bees need to thrive. We also held sessions led by farmers for researchers, landowners, and their peers interested in learning more ecologically-friendly ways to protect and expand habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.
We were a team leader for Monarch Wings Across the Eastern Broadleaf Forest, where PRN members joined together to collect and clean seed for Monarch habitat. We also worked with farmers and private landowners in agricultural watersheds to create and improve pollinator habitat on their lands.
We worked with members and partners to build awareness about harmful herbicide trespass and the damage it can do to specialty crops, private property, and wildlife habitat. We led the creation of a sign-on letter with our valuable partner organizations to justify the denial of the re-registration of the controversial and highly volatile herbicide dicamba.
Our efforts would not have been possible had it not been for members like you. Together we will continue to heal the land for years to come!
