DECATUR, Ill. – State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, is alerting families that applications are now being accepted by the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) for the 2022 Conservation Achievement Scholarship program.

“The ICF Conservation Achievement Scholarship will give high school seniors going into college who want to go into majors and professions focused on working with and protecting our natural resources much-needed financial aid,” said Scherer. “It is increasingly important as we continue to develop in a technologically-advancing world to have future generations still focused on preserving and protecting natural spaces.”

Scherer, who cares about educational opportunities for Illinois students, is encouraging high school seniors to apply for one of four scholarships of $2,000 available. The ICF annually awards scholarships to outstanding high school seniors in Illinois who demonstrate effective, voluntary, long-term dedication to the preservation, protection or enhancement of the state’s natural resources.

The ICF Conservation Achievement Scholarships have been awarded since 2005. Qualifying applicants must be an Illinois resident and a senior in an Illinois high school. The deadline for applications to be received by the ICF is March 1, 2022. Detailed instructions and the 2022 application form can be accessed through the ICF website at www.ilconservation.org or by contacting the Illinois Conservation Foundation at 217-785-2003 for more information about the Conservation Achievement Scholarship program.

“I strongly recommend for students who qualify for the ICF scholarships to apply before the March 2022 deadline,” said Scherer. “If I can be of any assistance to anyone interested in applying, or if you have any questions about accessing other forms of state funding, please contact my district office at staterepsue@gmail.com.”

CHICAGO – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, chair of the Illinois House Agriculture & Conservation Committee, recently visited Southern Illinois as part of a multiday agricultural tour.

“Illinois is an agricultural leader, not only for the United States, but for the entire world. As chair of the House Agriculture & Conservation Committee, it is imperative that I work to protect the place of agriculture in Illinois while also ensuring that it continues to grow as a source of economic development and jobs while acting as a critical source of our food supply, among other products,” Harper said. “That’s why I was proud to tour farms and agricultural businesses in Southern Illinois to hear directly from farmers on how to grow Illinois agriculture.”

Harper’s tour of Southern Illinois agricultural was organized in conjunction with state Rep. Charlie Meier, R-Okawville, During the multiday visit, Harper visited Meier’s family farm, the dairy farm of Craig Finke, the pork production farm of The Maschoffs, Top Ag Cooperative, and Wehmeyer Seed Company. Harper’s visits were designed to connect directly with Illinois farmers and agricultural producers in order to better understand the needs of the state’s farmers and agricultural businesses. Illinois is one of the five largest agricultural producing states according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and agriculture in Illinois has a total economic output of nearly $121 billion dollars according to the Illinois Livestock Development Group (ILDG), making it one of the state’s largest economic sectors.

Harper represents the 6th District, which includes all or portions of Armour Square, Bridgeport, Chicago Lawn, Englewood, Gage Park, Back of the Yards, Canaryville, New City, West Englewood, Marquette Park, South Loop and River North.

DES PLAINES, Ill. – Underscoring the need to help our environment and highlighting the important conservation work of the Brookfield Zoo, state Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, recently hosted the Zoo’s Animal Ambassadors at the Frisbie Senior Center in Des Plaines.

“I’m thankful Brookfield Zoo was able to bring some of their Animal Ambassadors to our community,” Walker said. “It’s difficult sometimes to get to the zoo, so we’re glad Brookfield provides this great informative and interactive experience.”

In addition to the zoo keepers from Brookfield, the seniors attending the event engaged with Athena the Great Horned Owl and Slinky the Boa Constrictor. Each keeper gave a short presentation about their respective animal and highlighted conservation work done by Brookfield Zoo, like rescuing injured animals in the wild and leading efforts to protect environments around the globe.

“The Animal Ambassador program is just one part of the important community outreach events Brookfield puts on every year to make sure nature touches all of our lives,” Walker added. “With environmental issues at the forefront of many of our local, state and national concerns, we can’t pass up opportunities to remind us of how important the health of our wildlife and planet truly is.”

LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Mary Edly-Allen, D-Libertyville, visited the Radical Roots Organic Farm in Libertyville on Earth Day to learn about their conservation practices to reduce soil erosion and nutrient pollution.

“The opportunity to tour a local farm and learn about their initiatives to care for the soil while harvesting organic products helps me learn how I can help support local sustainable, forward-thinking businesses in our community,” said Edly-Allen. “The efforts of local farms are a reminder that our contributions and work as a community today have long-lasting effects for tomorrow.”

To advocate for environmental wellness Edly-Allen is hosting her Environmental Issues Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Thursday, April 25 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Libertyville Civic Center, located at 135 W. Church St. in Libertyville. In addition to her committee on Environmental Issues, Edly-Allen will also form committees focused on healthcare, senior citizens, women’s issues, economic development, public safety, opioid abuse, and veterans’ issues.

“As a member of the House Energy and Environment Committee, I strive to work towards the state’s goals that will create good paying jobs right here in Illinois,” said Edly-Allen. “I invite anyone interested in learning about these issues and how they affect our community to join my Environmental Issues Citizens Advisory Council.”

AURORA, Ill. – Encouraging residents to make earth-conscious choices in their home landscape, state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, is partnering with The Conservation Foundation to bring the Conservation@Home program to the Aurora Public Library at 6:00 p.m. tonight.

“There are many easy, low-cost ways that homeowners can contribute to a healthier environment,” said Kifowit. “From installing rain barrels to planting native vegetation and removing non-native, invasive plants, this seminar will help residents make their yards more environmentally friendly and attractive to wildlife.” 

Kifowit will welcome an expert from The Conservation Foundation to share information about the Fox River Education and Outreach Initiative and how to apply conservation tactics in your own backyard. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Kifowit’s constituent service office at 630-585-1308 or RSVP@ILDistrict84.com.