Kara Downin has spent nearly two decades helping Knox County landowners, farmers, and communities protect the soil, water, and wildlife of west-central Illinois. Her work recently earned her induction into the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame — and she joined Galesburg's Morning News to talk about the honor and several programs with deadlines coming up fast.

In this interview

Kara's induction into the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame — what the honor is, how she found out, and what it means to her

What the Knox County Soil and Water Conservation District does and who it serves — from farmers to homeowners to local colleges

The spring bare root tree sale — species available, pricing, and how to order before stock runs out

Fish stocking for ponds — catfish, minnows, and sterile grass carp, plus free delivery on large orders

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) — commonly called set-aside — and why the March 20 deadline is one to take seriously

The Max and Francis Sanford Scholarship — open to Knox County high school students and adults, due April 1

The Lady Landowner event planned for June 26 at the Wataga Fire Station

Upcoming deadlines

March 20: Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) applications — first come, first served; limited acres available nationwide

March 31: Grass carp orders — state permit required

April 1: Max and Francis Sanford Scholarship application deadline

April 7: General fish stocking orders

Rolling: Bare root tree seedlings — until stock is depleted; order sooner rather than later

June 26: Lady Landowner event, Wataga Fire Station — details to come; RSVPs requested

To reach the Knox County Soil and Water Conservation District or to place an order, visit the district office at 233 S. Soangetaha Road, Suite 4, or contact them directly at (309) 342-5138 ext. 3.

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WGIL 93.7 FM – 1400 AM

Kara Downin, Knox County SWCD — Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame and spring conservation deadlines

Jay Redfern

4 hours ago

Kara Downin, Knox County Soil and Water Conservation District, in studio at WGIL for Galesburg's Morning News