West-central Illinois residents will have the opportunity to explore some of the region’s most inspiring conservation projects through the 2026 Conservation Tours, a season‑long series showcasing local land stewards, restored habitats, and practical strategies for caring for Illinois landscapes. Sponsored by University of Illinois Extension and Prairie Land Conservancy, the tours invite participants to learn directly from landowners and conservation professionals who are restoring forests, prairies, wetlands, working lands, and community spaces.
Each tour offers an up‑close look at real conservation work—from invasive species removal and regenerative grazing to pollinator habitat creation and community food access. Group sizes are limited to ensure a high‑quality learning experience, and registration is required for all events.
2026 Conservation Tour Schedule Cindy Owsley – Forest Tour: Helping Forests Dance May 3 • 2:00–4:00 PM • Cap: 35 Explore a 38‑acre woodland restoration where invasive species removal has allowed native plants to return. This half‑mile hike highlights woodland management techniques and a 20‑year‑old Conservation Reserve planting. S’mores around the campfire follow the tour.
Patrick & Mercedes Heles – Home Garden Tour May 30 • 3:00–4:30 PM • Cap: 20 Visit a whimsical, storybook‑inspired home garden filled with native and locally suited plants, including rare specimens inherited from the property’s former horticulturist owners.
Barrie McVey – Tree Farm Tour & Picnic June 6 • 10:00 AM–1:30 PM • Cap: 35 Tour a long‑established certified Tree Farm featuring forest management practices, invasive species control, pollinator plots, a Chinese chestnut orchard, and a pumpkin patch. Bring a sack lunch.
Carey Boehm‑Corrie – Native “Lawnscaping” Tour June 13 • 10:00 AM–12:00 PM • Cap: 30 Explore a home landscape built on former strip‑mine ground and transformed over 23 years with native trees, shrubs, prairie plants, aquatics, and perennials.
Giving Gardens – Project Insight Garden Tour June 20 • 8:00–9:30 AM • No Cap Learn how the Giving Gardens supports community food access through public‑harvest gardens and discover how these spaces strengthen neighborhoods and increase local food abundance.
Brent Fowler – Curtis Farm Wagon Tour July 4 • 9:00– 11:00 AM • Cap: 40 Ride through prairie and pollinator plantings managed to support bobwhite quail and other wildlife across 135 acres of habitat and 30 miles of field edges.
Trevor Toland – Cattle Farm Wagon Tour: Conservation of Working Lands with Regenerative Grazing July 11 8:30–11:00 AM • Cap: 50 Visit River Oak Ranch to see one of Illinois’ leading regenerative grazing operations and learn how conservation practices support soil health, livestock, and long‑term land resilience.
Angella Moorehouse – Short Fork Seep Tour August 7 • 5:00–6:30 PM • Cap: 25 Explore a high‑quality 42‑acre Illinois Nature Preserve featuring Grade B seep and sedge meadow wetlands. Learn about restoration efforts to revive sunlight, hydrology, and the historic oak‑hickory community. Trail rated difficult.
Brent Fowler – Sapp Farm Wagon Tour August 22 • 9:00–11:00 AM • Cap: 40 A second opportunity to tour Fowler’s prairie and pollinator habitat work, with a focus on wildlife restoration—especially bobwhite quail.
Prairie Land Conservancy – Mindfulness Walk at Stony Hills Nature Preserve September 5 • 10:00 AM–12:00 PM • Cap: 35 A guided mindfulness walk through a 200‑acre preserve near the Mississippi River. Participants will slow down, observe nature, and experience the health benefits of time outdoors.
The Conservation Tours offer residents a chance to learn practical conservation skills, connect with local land stewards, and experience the beauty and diversity of the region’s natural areas.
For registration details or additional information, contact University of Illinois Extension at 309-837-3939 or Prairie Land Conservancy at 309-833-4747.
