By Andi Anderson
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award, which celebrates farmers and forestland owners for their exceptional contributions to soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat management.
Presented by the Sand County Foundation in partnership with American Farmland Trust, IL Corn, and the Illinois Soybean Association, the award acknowledges individuals who inspire others through their dedication to conservation.
Named after Aldo Leopold, a renowned conservationist, the award reflects his "land ethic," emphasizing a responsible relationship between people and the land.
Farmers, forestland owners, or nominators can submit applications for the award. The application form is available at Sand County Foundation, with a submission deadline of May 1, 2025. Entries should be emailed to IllinoisLCA@sandcountyfoundation.org for consideration.
An independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders from Illinois will review the nominations. Last year’s recipient, Richard Lyons, a farmer from Harvel, exemplified the values of conservation by implementing sustainable practices on his land.
Jeff Scales, Chairman of the IL Corn Marketing Board, highlighted the award as one of the highest honors for Illinois farmers, emphasizing the critical role of conservation in securing agriculture's future. Similarly, Ron Kindred, Chairman of the Illinois Soybean Association, praised the initiative for celebrating farmers who prioritize sustainability and inspire others to adopt similar practices.
Kevin McAleese, President and CEO of the Sand County Foundation, and John Piotti, President and CEO of American Farmland Trust, further emphasized the award’s role in showcasing conservation’s importance for clean water, healthy soil, and thriving wildlife.
This prestigious award is made possible by support from partners like the USDA, Illinois Department of Agriculture, and Farm Credit Illinois. By honoring leaders in conservation, it encourages a broader commitment to sustainable farming across the state.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Illinois, General