Illinois Buffer Partnership

Illinois Buffer Partnership™

The Illinois Buffer Partnership promotes and showcases the voluntary conservation efforts of Illinois farmers and landowners. This program is a collaborative partnership of Trees Forever, Syngenta, GROWMARK, state and federal government agencies, Trees Forever members and participating landowners.

Primary Goals:

To reduce soil erosion, improve water and soil quality, as well as provide wildlife and pollinator habitat.
To highlight the ongoing efforts to restore Illinois’ flood plains.
To increase the awareness of buffers and other conservation practices.

Eligible Participants

Each year, between10-20 Illinois Buffer Partnership participants are selected to receive cost-share assistance, on-site assistance from Trees Forever field staff, project signs and the opportunity to host a field day to highlight their project.

Types of conservation projects eligible for the Illinois Buffer Partnership program include: riparian buffers, livestock buffers, streambank stabilization projects, wetland development, pollinator habitat, rain gardens and agroforestry projects.

Benefits for Participating

Farmers and Landowners

Cost-share funds are available to select landowners to help support their project. Participants will be reimbursed, in an amount up to $2,000 for 50 percent of the expenses that remain after Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) or other federal, state or local funding has been applied to their project. Landowners can also benefit from a seed cost-share program offered through FS/GROWMARK.

Help Others Conserve!
Program participants also have the opportunity to showcase their efforts during field days. These events bring producers, landowners and communities together to educate the public about the benefits of conservation buffers and practices.

Applications are due December 31.

Application period is August through December. Click here for the application form. For help with your application, please contact Debbie Fluegel at 309-613-0095.

Trees Forever works with landowners, farmers, conservation groups and community leaders to plant trees and native grasses in buffers along rivers, streams and waterways. These conservation efforts improve water quality, soil retention and wildlife habitat. Read success stories from landowners, farmers, conservation groups and community leaders here.