Signup for
CCSWCD
E-news

Receive e-mail newsletters from the Soil & Water
Conservation District. Cick the icon at right to register.

The CCSWCD is working to complete the educational center at our St. Joseph Wetland site.  Construction began this spring, and the 90' long concrete entrance of Illinois Route 150 is complete.  Donations are being accepted from those who want to be part of this exciting opportunity for environmental education and enjoyment. The education center will include a permeable pavement for parking, bio-retention basins and raingardens, educational signage around a viewing area and seating benches built by high school students at St. Joseph-Ogden.  The site has already been used by many groups and individuals, and the local Boy Scout troop, along with others, will be part of completing the center. Please help us bring this premier outdoor classroom to life so all can learn about the flora and fauna of a wetland.  To learn more, please check out our history and plans for education at the St. Joseph Wetland Restoration and Education Site. 

 

Cast Away to a Better Pond

Mike Garthaus, IDNR Fisheries Biologist, and Dave Shiley, U of I Extenstion Educator, were on hand Monday, May 6th is discuss pond management.  Mr. Garthaus surveyed the fish population with a pond shocking and then talked about different ways to manage the pond based on the owner's goals.  During the spring and summer, Mr. Garthaus performs a limited number of pond surveys, however, he is more available by phone for consultations. He recommended people fish their pond and note their catch from species to size.  With this information, he can make management recommendations to help pond owners reach their goals.  Mr. Shiley described the NPDES permit process for applying aquatic chemicals; more information and the application can be found on the IEPA website. Time was also spent discussing nuisance wildlife and the ways to manage them. Overall, it was a great meeting and large thank you goes to the pond owners for hosting the meeting.