Smart Wetlands for tile drainage treatment are one of the most effective ways to keep nutrients from moving off the farmland into Illinois waterways. This proven, long-life practice is eligible for Farm Bill conservation program funding. Federal financial assistance (cost-share) is available through two different Farm Bill conservation programs: the Conservation Reserve Program and Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Currently, several constructed wetlands for tile drainage treatment have been installed on Illinois farms, and we believe this practice could be replicated throughout Illinois and the Upper Midwest Farm Belt to improve local water quality and help address the "dead zone" in the Gulf of Mexico.

While Smart Wetlands are designed specifically to reduce nutrient loss, they are still shallow marsh habitats. Smart Wetlands are not deep enough for fish, but the native emergent wetland vegetation will attract many species of pollinators, waterfowl, birds, and other species. With the surrounding buffer of native grasses and/or flowering plants, Smart Wetlands create an attractive area where landowners can enjoy nature.

Siting, designing, and building a Smart Wetland requires that several factors be considered and incorporated. This video provides an overview of what we do in the Smart Wetland decision-making process.

Support for the development of this blog, photos and videos was provided by Mississippi River Network. Consider becoming a River Citizen to help “clean up and protect our country's greatest River.”