East Peoria, IL – Whether you are from the country or town, there will be something of interest to all ages at the upcoming Ag and Conservation Family Night event at Illinois Central College’s (ICC) East Peoria campus on August 2, 2023. Visitors will get an up-close view of farmers' many practices and technologies to improve soil health and protect water quality on their farms from 5:30-8 pm that evening.

The tour will feature conservation drainage installation equipment, a constructed wetland, cover crop plots, and even a soil pit! There will be plenty of time to ask questions and connect with the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership (ISAP), Illinois Central College, and the Illinois Natural Resources Conservation Service staff, along with plenty of family-friendly activities.

The event kicks off at ICC (1 College Dr, East Peoria, IL 61635) with appetizers, refreshments, and a welcome from the event’s organizers at 5:30 pm. Then, from 6:15-7:45 pm, attendees are invited to visit several nearby field stations, including:

• An ag-tile drainage constructed wetland hosted by The Wetlands Initiative

• Rainfall simulator hosted by Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership 

• Soil Pit & Cover Crop plot presented by the Illinois NRCS and The Nature Conservancy

• Agriculture drainage tile and water and sediment control basin installation demonstrated by the Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association

The event will wrap up at 7:45 pm, with ISAP providing additional resources.

Register today at agandconservation.eventbrite.com. Transportation will be available to help those with limited mobility to and from the Workforce Sustainability Building and through the various displays.