Fall 2023 ForeverGreen

FALL 2023

Check out our Fall Inventory!

We have Green Dragons!

They are dormant, but ready

to plant for spring debut!

Seed Libraries

Locations Throughout Kane & DuPage Counties

In fact, there are seed libraries all over the world! Check with your local library. We recently spoke with the St. Charles Library to learn more about their program.

The St. Charles Seed Library has been providing seeds to patrons for 10 years. In 2023, they gave out about 7,000 seed packets! These included vegetables, herbs, flowers and native plants. Illinois Extension Master Gardeners help sort the seeds for display in a vintage card catalog on the main floor.

If you are harvesting seeds this fall, your local seed library may take donations, St. Charles does! Their Seed Library will prep over the winter and open again in late February 2024. This year, they "sold out" by May, so mark your calendar!

A Magical Bus Tour - Recap

What a Tour! Thank you Chicago Wilderness, Kane County and Kane County Forest Preserve for coordinating a marvelous day showcasing the farmland of Kane County including a variety of farms around the county that are rooted in sustainable and organic practices, committed to community wellness, climate friendly and focused on farmland protection. KDSWCD is proud to serve these critical properties and landowners.

Two busloads of people passionate about the protection of our local agricultural operations had the opportunity to visit several key sites on a beautiful late summer day. They learned about the diversity, history, protection and innovation of agriculture taking place in Kane County!

And it all ended with ice cream! A perfect day!

Photos courtesy of

Daniel Suarez (Audubon Great Lakes), Patrick McPartlan (KDSWCD) and Becky Monreal (KDSWCD)

You Deserve to be Recognized!

Enrollment is open for Star Crop Year 2023

You work hard - Show It Off!

STAR is an exciting initiative developed by farmers and soil and water conservation professionals that offers farm operators and landowners a simple, free, and confidential tool to evaluate their conservation land management practices.

The goal of STAR is to encourage the continued adoption of conservation practices, and recognize farmers for their commitment to sustainability. From improved nutrient management to cover crops to edge of field water treatment and even crop rotation or inclusion of livestock, a suite of practices can result in a rating of between one and five STARs!

Get started HERE or contact us to start reaping the benefits. Enroll early and practices can still be implemented this season.

Do you need Land Improvement Contractors?

Click on the List above!

Food, Fun and Fellowship

Envirothon 2024 Update

We Can't Do This Without YOU!

Each spring, teams of 5 high school students prepare with a teacher/coach to compete in the areas of aquatics, forestry, soils, wildlife and a current issue in natural resources. Regional winners advance to the state and then the national competition. The Northeastern Illinois Envirothon is organized by local soil and water conservation districts for high schools in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Will, Boone, DeKalb, Lake and Winnebago counties.

Sponsor support ensures

that all eligible students can participate

and that each event is successful!

Any donation amount is welcome - Thank You!

Click HERE to Sponsor

For 2024, Envirothon has chosen a renewable energy focus. "In our modern world, energy touches almost every aspect of our lives. It lights our homes, transports our food, cleans our water, fuels our cars, powers life-saving medical equipment and so much more. Governmental policies, industry and public opinion are shifting to embrace a sustainable future that includes renewable energy. New energy innovations are constantly transforming this emerging field, with technological developments in energy sources, production methods and flexible delivery.

Students will learn about the different sources of renewable energy; the challenges facing the transition from traditional fossil fuels to renewables; the environmental, economic, and social impacts of energy consumption; and how individuals can affect change in their communities."

KDSWCD will continue to share details as they come available,

Dates and locations are being finalized!

Meet the Board

Vice Chairman

Thomas Konen

Tom joined the KDSWCD Board in 2010. He grew up on a farm in Kane County and today is a resident of Sugar Grove. Retired now, Tom’s career was focused on the water infrastructure of Kane County.

He served as Water Superintendent for the Village of North Aurora for over 10 years. During his 8 years with Rempe-Sharpe and Associates, Tom helped to develop an infrastructure maintenance and repair program for the Village of Elburn. Tom retired as Water Foreman for the United City of Yorkville.

Today, Tom continues to champion our watersheds, serving as KDSWCD’s Vice Chairman, Association Director for Land Use Council 16 and Commissioner with the Sugar Grove Drainage District. A few of Tom’s other affiliations include the American Water Works Association, Kane County Water Association and Illinois Potable Water Supply Operators Association. Oh, and ask him about Whiskey Acres when you see him!

AISWCD Summer Conference Recap

KDSWCD in Springfield 2023

The 75th Annual Association of Illinois Soil and Water Districts Summer Conference included a day chock full of a diverse array of seminars and presentations, each designed to enhance knowledge, skills, and understanding of the latest trends and best practices in conservation and sustainability. PLUS training sessions for SWCD staff, awards to a deserving group of dedicated, hardworking individuals, networking opportunities and delightful social gatherings!

Congratulations to these KDSWCD Directors for their Years of Service Awards:

Maggie Soliz - 10 years

Tom Quinn - 5 years (not pictured)

Vice Chairman Tom Konen and his wife enjoyed the open-air presentation of the Springfield Municipal Opera's showing of the play "Beauty and the Beast".