The Fishers & Farmers Partnership has funded conservation projects in northern Illinois and the Upper Midwest for 16 years. The funding supports projects that improve fish habitat while engaging farmers and landowners in conservation efforts.
Projects can take place anywhere within a watershed, not just along rivers and streams.
Heidi Keuler, a coordinator for the partnership, said involving farmers is essential because improving fish habitat often begins farther upstream.
"It really comes down to the soil," she said. "It really comes to putting roots in the soil, getting good prairie — and different — plants in the soil to create better soil health."
She said that while these projects focus on fish habitat, farmers are a huge piece of this work as well.
"They want to leave something for their kids and their grandkids, for the next generation," she said. "By doing these fish habitat projects, we're improving the rivers and streams ... But then you're also improving the farm."
The award amount can vary from $15,000 to $100,000. The partnership has funded both large and small groups, but organizers say grassroots efforts have been particularly successful.
Fishers & Farmers is accepting proposals through Sept. 10. Coordinators encourage anyone with project ideas to reach out, as they are able to answer questions and help develop the proposal.
Copy Edited by Eryn Lent
