Links
Browse our collection of internet resources you may find useful.
Education
A great page to learn about upcoming events for students year-round about agriculture!​​
CTIC is an excellent website for information on farming publications.
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Parkland College ​
Parkland College staff and programs is a host for great agricultural and conservation information. They often have research plots relating to soil fertility, conservation practices (i.e., cover crops, tillage), and crop rotation.​
A great deal of information on farming, Production agriculture, crops, animals, food science, and natural resources can be found on this website.
Provides practical, research-based information and programs to help individuals, families, farms, businesses and communities in Illinois. Its mission in short, is to help the citizens of Illinois put knowledge to work. ​
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Government Agencies
IDOA works with soil and water conservation districts across the state to implement and promote conservation programs, including Partners for Conservation and Fall Covers for Spring Savings.​
From the Illinois Department of Natural Resources web site you may purchase hunting, fishing and boating licenses. You may also find information on recreation in Illinois and much, much more!
The mission of the Illinois EPA is to safeguard environmental quality, consistent with the social and economic needs of the State, so as to protect health, welfare, property and the quality of life.
The Illinois National History Survey website has many different pictures of birds and insects, as well as research and historical information.
The United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service is a federal agency that works in partnership with the American people to conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment. Click here to find NRCS programs.
The RC&D Program is based on the premise that local citizens can develop and carry out an action oriented plan for social, economic and environmental enrichment of their communities.
A great website for finding out about animals in the United States.​
The USDA website gives you the latest news on agriculture and farming in the U.S.​
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Organizations
AFT works with farmers, landowners, and conservation partners to improve the health of our soils and protect them from water and wind erosion. AFT is a close partner on STAR.
The AISWCD serves Illinois soil and water conservation districts by hosting training and membership for district employees, resources for professional development, and grants with NRCS.​
The Champaign County Farm Bureau website has daily updates on local grain prices, educational videos, policy updates.
ISAP is comprised of diverse organizations that work collaboratively to increase technical capacity of ag professionals and to utilize data and consistent messaging to encourage the adoption of in-field and edge-of-field practices to reduce nutrient loss, while minimizing risk and increasing profits of the farmer.
The non-governmental, nonprofit organization that represents conservation districts across the nation.​
​Pheasants Forever's mission is to conserve pheasants, quail, and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public access, education, and conservation advocacy. Find a Farm Bill Biologist in your area for your wildlife habitat needs.​​
​Practical Farmers of Iowa’s mission is equipping farmers to build resilient farms and communities. Their small but mighty team of staff create resources, host events, and share information about conservation systems for both rural and urban settings.​ We recommend the following videos, created in 2022!
Nitrate and Water Quality - How nitrate ends up in the water, and how different farming practices work to keep it out (mainly cover crops, diversified crop rotation and rotational grazing)
Cover Crops and Weed Control - How cover crops help with weed management
Green Manure Crops and Nitrogen - How green manure crops fix nitrogen and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
The Soil and Water Conservation Society is recognized and respected as an effective advocate for the conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources.​
​Conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends by developing and supporting organizations and programs. TNC is a close partner on STAR.​
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Park Information
Find the latest activities happening in the Urbana Park District
Find the latest activities happening in the Champaign Park District
Find a phone number for the Lake of the Woods Golf Course or reserve a picnic area for a function. They have many wonderful parks throughout Champaign County
The Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) is a nonprofit service, research and education organization that represents park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies.
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Technical
Led by the Champaign-Urbana Urbanized Area Transportation Study (CUUATS), the REF is a centralized resource to help local planners, agencies, and engineers make informed decisions about transportation projects by providing data and analysis regarding ecological, cultural, and regulated-waste resources across Champaign County.​
The electronic Field Office Technical Guide is the primary scientific reference for NRCS. eFOTG contains technical information to assist in the conservation of soil, water, air, and related plant and animal resources.
The Midwest Cover Crops Council seeks to significantly increase the amount of continuous living cover on the Upper Midwestern agricultural landscape using collaboration and the free Cover Crop Decision Tools. The Cover Crop Decision Tools are an initiative by the MCCC to consolidate cover crop information by state to help farmers make cover crop selections at the county level.
NRCS's online tool to find a technical service provider(s), and for technical service providers to register, become certified, and manage their TSP Profiles.​
USDA Agriculture Research Service developed a cover crop chart to help sort cover crop species by their growth cycle, plant architecture, relative water use, growing season, and leaf type.​