Eco.Logic’s Land Restoration Project

We are working with a 90 acre farm in Illinois that will be transitioning from conventional grain production to organic starting in 2024. The process takes 3 years. On this farm, we are entrusted with about 3 acres of ecosystem restoration, where we will work to create a small prairie that consists of native plants as well as a wetland.

This site will be a community space that will serve as an experiential classroom. Eventually this site will also be home to a regenerative agriculture plot, a community events space that is powered by clean energy, and opportunities for hands on learning. This project will not only capture carbon and reduce pollutant runoff, but will serve as a community hub for volunteering, education, and climate action.

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 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) - 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!

Meet the Advisory Team:

  • Gina Roxas

    ETHNOBOTANIST

    Executive Director at Trickster Cultural Center

  • Nathan Aaberg

    LAND STEWARD

    Director, Conservation and Working Lands of the Liberty Prairie Foundation

  • Ben Haberthur

    RESTORATION ECOLOGIST

    Director of Natural Resource Management at Kane County Forest Preserve