Welcome to Henry County's SWCD online presence

2024

Fall Fish and Tree Sales 2024

Fall fish and tree sales have passed., Contact the office to make sure you are on the list to be notified for spring sales. 

State Cost-Share Funds Available

The Henry County Soil and Water Conservation District is taking applications for FY2023! Our state cost share program, "Partners for Conservation," is a one-time cost share payment covering up to 75% of project costs. Partners wanting to do practices such as waterways, cover crops, dry dams, pollinator gardens, conservation cover, buffer strips, well-sealings, and conservation tillage are great applicants for this program.

We rank our applications based primarily off soil savings and time on the applicant waiting list. So, if you are wanting to do a project that helps conserve water and soil, give us a call to get your application in as soon as possible and to start racking up waiting list points!

Rain Barrels!

Rain barrels are a great way to retain rainwater. Decrease the amount of storm water runoff entering your streams and conserve water resources for future use!  Note: Grey and terracotta are our rain barrels, and the black barrel is an example of our composter.

We have three colors available: black , terracotta, and grey.

For questions about conservation sales or to make sure you are notified about upcoming sales, send an email  to:  sharon.matson@il.nacdnet.net or call the office at 309-937-3377, ext. 3

Image: Henry, Stark, and Knox Counties organize their annual fall tree sales. 

2023 Financials: 

Our operations are public knowledge, click below for more information on last year's budget and income information.

Interested in trying a conservation practice?  Have a farm you want to fix a waterway on?  Have a backyard that you want to install a rain garden in?  Click here for more information on Partners for Conservation and our cost-share programs that are available and apply today!

History of the Henry County Soil and Water Conservation District

A Soil and Water Conservation District is a governmental body created by state law for the purpose of promoting the protection and conservation of soil, water and natural resources in the county and state. Although a SWCD is a governmental body, it is not a branch of federal, state or county government. A SWCD is classified as a local unit of government. Each SWCD is governed by a five-member board of directors. Directors are elected by land owners and occupiers of the land in the county. The SWCD board meets regularly to administer a program of work that fits the needs and natural resources concerns in the county. There are 98 Soil and Water Conservation Districts in the state of Illinois.

In 1932, the Illinois State Legislature approved the creation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts through the Soil and Water Conservation Act. The Munson Soil Conservation District was formed August 4, 1939. Henry County was the second district organized in Illinois. The Munson Soil Conservation District originally encompassed Munson Township, and parts of Osco and Cambridge Townships. By 1949, the entire county was included and the name changed to Henry County Soil Conservation District. The named was changed to Henry County Soil and Water Conservation District in 1962. The mission of the Henry County Soil and Water Conservation District is to provide leadership and administer programs to help conserve, improve and sustain our natural resources and environment.

"Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land."-Aldo Leopold 

2024 Poster Contest 

Theme "May The Forest Be With You Always"

All Henry County students, Kindergarten through 12th grade, public, private or home schooled can participate. All entries due by March 10th, 2024.

Additional information can be found at https://www.nacdnet.org/stewardship-and-education by following the " National Poster Contests" links.

Local Prizes : Bicycle for K-1 , Bicycle for 2-3, Bicycle for 4-6, $50 gift card for 7-9 $50 Gift card for 10-12

Henry County SWCD

301 East North Street
PO Box 162
Cambridge, Illinois 61238

Sharon.Matson [at] il.nacdnet.net
Phone: 309.937.3377, ext. 101