Interactive map showcases conservation

DEKALB, Ill. — Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership has launched an interactive Conservation Story Map to showcase sustainable agriculture efforts in Illinois and facilitate connections to support healthy soil, clean water and profitable farms.

“There is an expansive network of farmers, retailers and conservation professionals working to improve soil health and achieve Illinois’ Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy goals,” said Jean Brokish, ISAP coordinator.

“ISAP built the Conservation Story Map to showcase the work that is being done and highlight opportunities for further action and collaboration across the state.”

ISAP’s Conservation Story Map features farmers, service providers, conservation specialists, research and demonstration sites across the state of Illinois that are successfully adopting, exploring, or promoting conservation cropping systems and conservation drainage management.

The Story Map communicates the system-wide approach that is necessary to achieve the state’s nutrient loss reduction goals, acknowledging that every farmer’s soil health and water quality journey may look a little different.

Farmers ready to grow cover crops or implement no-till on their farms may be looking for local resources and advice. The Story Map was designed to fit this need — to connect farmers with service providers or other local farmers willing to share their expertise.

With the Story Map’s navigation panel, users can filter map profiles by geographic location, 11 different conservation practices, over 20 agronomic services and several beneficial outcomes of conservation cropping systems.

Each profile includes contact information and links to additional resources to encourage further engagement.

ISAP invites farmers, service providers, researchers and other conservation professionals to put their pin on the map. Visit https://tinyurl.com/bdhtwha5.