Several organizations are working together to improve water quality and wildlife habitat in north-central Illinois by building two wetlands on a private farm. The public is encouraged to stop by and watch land improvement contractors carve out the wetlands in just days near Dwight, IL. In addition, the public is invited to three free special functions on August 24 and 25.

Over one week, members of the Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association (ILICA) will be building two wetlands at Feather Prairie Farm. The 12.3-acre project will include implementing a 0.58-acre restored wetland and a 2.01-acre created wetland for treating tile drainage.

The US Fish & Wildlife Service's Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program and the Wetlands Initiative are covering design and construction costs. In addition, Illinois Pheasants Forever will be developing a prairie around the wetlands that will be planted with native species to attract pollinators and other wildlife to the area.

"Andie and I welcome you to visit our farm as we create two new wetlands! The goal of the project is to improve the quality of water flowing through Feather Prairie Farm and into the surrounding area. This area is also designed to support bees, butterflies, and other insects and wildlife. It is always our best intention to promote natural habitat; this project will be a great addition to our local environment." said Wes Lehman, the landowner.

The site will be open for anyone to visit and view the construction from 10 am to 4 pm, Tuesday, August 23 through Friday, August 26. Driving directions and the latest details about special events can be found at: https://www.smartwetlands.farm/smartwetland6

An Agriculture and Conservation Expo will be held Wednesday, August 24, from 11 am to 2 pm and will focus on the project's agricultural and conservation aspects, including the wetlands' live installation. Live presentations will cover the advantages of water control structures in ag tile drainage systems and demonstrate how they are used to manage water flow. In addition, attendees will be able to talk with experts about other in-field and edge-of-field conservation practices to reduce the loss of nutrients from Illinois cropland. Lunch will be served from Noon to 1 pm.

Later on August 24, another event will be held from 4 to 8 pm. The emphasis will be on recreational conservation practice opportunities for landowners, hunters, farmers, and others interested in wildlife and waterfowl. Attendees will be able to talk with staff from Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, the Wetlands Initiative, and US Fish & Wildlife Service about Illinois' conservation programs and habitat management. The Livingston County Pheasants Forever chapter will be raffling two guns, including one that is sized for young hunters. Grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, and brats will be served from 5 to 7 pm. This event is sponsored by Illinois Pheasants Forever and the Wetlands Initiative.

The final function will be a Contractor Expo gathering held on Thursday, August 25, from 4 pm to 8 pm. Land improvement contractors, agricultural drainage tile system installers, and earth-moving equipment operators are invited to attend. Ag drainage contractors and representatives from drainage tile manufacturer Springfield Plastics. Inc. will discuss the connection between tile and conservation drainage practices, business opportunities, and more. Dinner will be served from 5 to 7 pm. This event is sponsored by Springfield Plastics, Inc. and the Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association

PROJECT PARTNERS: Smart Wetlands – a program of the Wetlands Initiative
The Wetlands Initiative (TWI) designs, restores, and creates wetlands. We innovate, collaborate, and employ sound science to improve water quality, habitat for plants and wildlife, and our climate. Through the Smart Wetlands program, TWI works with farmers and cropland owners to reduce nutrient loss from farm fields into local waterways by constructing tile-treatment wetlands. These wetlands are precisely sited along ditches or small streams on a farm to intercept tile drainage flow and remove nutrients through a combination of natural physical, biological, and chemical processes.

Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association (ILICA)
Illinois LICA is a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to the professional conservation of soil & water resources. ILICA encourages high standards of workmanship in resource management and land improvement practices by providing contractors with construction and conservation education, business & legislative resources, and industry discounts. For over 65 years, Illinois LICA has been bringing people with the passion, determination, commitment, and skill set for improving our natural resources together.

US Fish & Wildlife Service
The USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program provides free technical and financial assistance to landowners, managers, tribes, corporations, schools, and nonprofits interested in improving wildlife habitat on their land. Since 1987, the program has assisted more than 60,000 landowners in restoring more than 7 million acres of forest, prairie, wetland, and stream habitat for wildlife. The main focus of the program in Illinois is wetland and prairie restoration.

Pheasants Forever
In 1982, a group of pheasant hunters saw the connection between upland habitat loss and declining pheasant populations. An organization dedicated to wildlife habitat conservation was needed, and Pheasants Forever was formed. Pheasants Forever's mission work quickly garnered a reputation as "The Habitat Organization," a tagline the nonprofit conservation group proudly uses to this day. Pheasants Forever's mission is to conserve pheasants, quail, and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public access, education, and conservation advocacy.

Feather Prairie Farm
Husband and wife, Wesley & Andie, aim to provide an area for your working canine to train and exercise their skills. We also have a game bird farm that provides hunting clubs and dog trainers with pheasants. We are dedicated to giving outdoor dog enthusiasts great experiences and places to strengthen their bond with their canine companions. Also, our doors are open for canine owners looking for a place to house their furry friends while on vacation.

Springfield Plastics, Inc Springfield Plastics, Inc., based in Auburn, Illinois, is a Midwest manufacturer that has created plastic pipe solutions in the agricultural, residential, commercial, and highway markets since 1978. Springfield Plastics, Inc. is the only US manufacturer certified to use only 100% virgin resin in all products that provide peace of mind through the highest quality and con