Washington County Soil & Water Conservation District - SWCD - Illinois

Washington County Soil & Water Conservation District - SWCD - Illinois Proudly Protecting & Conserving the Natural Resources of Washington County, IL since 1947. Each SWCD is governed by a five member board of directors.

We are located in Nashville, Illinois, within the USDA Service Center at 1521 West Saint Louis St. A Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) is a governmental body created by state law for the express purpose of promoting the protection & conservation of the county's & the state's soil, water, & related natural resources. The Soil & Water Conservations Act (70 ILCS 405/3.01) defines districts as

"...a public body corporate & politic..."Although an SWCD is a governmental body, it is not a branch of federal, state, or county government. Each SWCD is a local governmental entity, very similar to a school district. SWCD directors are elected by owners & occupiers of land in the district. The board meets regularly to formulate & administer a program of work that is tailored specifically to the conservation & protection of the district's natural resources.

June is a busy month across Southern Illinois. Crops are growing, wildlife is raising young, and conservation practices ...
06/01/2026

June is a busy month across Southern Illinois. Crops are growing, wildlife is raising young, and conservation practices are hard at work protecting soil and water through spring rains and summer storms. It's a good reminder that some of the most important conservation work happens quietly, one field, stream, and habitat at a time.

Field borders can tell an important story about land health. Areas along lanes, fences, and ditches often show the first...
05/29/2026

Field borders can tell an important story about land health. Areas along lanes, fences, and ditches often show the first signs of w**d pressure, habitat value, or maintenance needs. Managing these spaces with intention can support pollinators, reduce unwanted spread, and improve the transition between working land and natural areas.

As late spring settles in, beneficial insects become more active across fields, gardens, and natural areas. Lady beetles...
05/27/2026

As late spring settles in, beneficial insects become more active across fields, gardens, and natural areas. Lady beetles, lacewings, ground beetles, and native bees all play important roles in healthy landscapes. Some help manage pests, while others support pollination and plant growth. Protecting small habitat areas and reducing unnecessary pesticide use can help these helpful species thrive.

Today we pause to remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice is the reas...
05/25/2026

Today we pause to remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice is the reason we are able to gather with family, enjoy our communities, and live with the freedoms we often take for granted. On Memorial Day, we honor their courage, their service, and the loved ones who carry their memory forward.

Two inches of rain spread over several days affects land differently than two inches in one storm. Slow rainfall often a...
05/22/2026

Two inches of rain spread over several days affects land differently than two inches in one storm. Slow rainfall often allows better infiltration, while intense storms can increase runoff and erosion.

Healthy soil stores water, cycles nutrients, supports organisms, and anchors roots. It is one of our most valuable natur...
05/20/2026

Healthy soil stores water, cycles nutrients, supports organisms, and anchors roots. It is one of our most valuable natural resources and worth protecting through good stewardship.

While leaves and stems are easy to notice, roots are doing just as much work underground. Roots help stabilize soil, imp...
05/18/2026

While leaves and stems are easy to notice, roots are doing just as much work underground. Roots help stabilize soil, improve structure, and gather nutrients needed for growth. Healthy roots lead to healthier plants.

As temperatures rise, some soils begin to crack at the surface. This is common in clay soils and can reveal how moisture...
05/15/2026

As temperatures rise, some soils begin to crack at the surface. This is common in clay soils and can reveal how moisture is changing below ground. Monitoring soil changes helps guide management decisions.

When water enters the soil instead of running off the surface, it helps recharge moisture reserves and reduce erosion. S...
05/13/2026

When water enters the soil instead of running off the surface, it helps recharge moisture reserves and reduce erosion. Strong soil structure and living roots help make infiltration possible.

If you notice earthworms while working in the garden or field, that is often a sign of active and healthy soil. Earthwor...
05/06/2026

If you notice earthworms while working in the garden or field, that is often a sign of active and healthy soil. Earthworms help improve aeration, break down organic matter, and create channels that allow water to move deeper into the ground. Healthy soil life supports healthy land.

Address

1521 West Saint Louis Street
Nashville, IL
62263

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+16183278862

Website

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