Why Land Restoration?

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, we have approximately 10 years to radically shift agriculture systems in order to prevent dangerous levels climate change. Current agricultural practices emit tremendous greenhouse gases. We want to turn this site, which is contributing to the climate crisis into a climate solution.

In Illinois, less than 0.1% of pre settler prairies exist today.

Similarly, over 90% of Illinois’ wetlands have been drained for farming or other development projects, making the region more susceptible to flooding. Conventional farmlands now make up 75% of Illinois total land area. 

We want to demonstrate how agricultural lands, which dominate the landscapes of Illinois can be sites of food production, community well-being, and climate solutions.

Timeline:

Year 1 (2022) - Identify site, work with landowners to conduct a site assessment, gather an advisory committee, convene stakeholders

Year 2 (2023) - Develop community partnerships, develop volunteer programs for plantings, seek grant funding, determine calendar for restoration

Year 3 (2024) - Purchase native seeds and begin prairie planting based on drain tile assessment, engage community and volunteers for restoration efforts

Year 4 (2025) - Continue to manage the land restoration areas, monitoring for weeds and adding seeds or seed plugs as necessary. Hold education workshops on the topic of land and sustainable agriculture.

Year 5 (2026) - Build structure on site so we can host even more programs and have an indoor space.

Help us make this vision a reality.

Want to help in other ways? Fill out the form and let us know how!