2024 Conservation@Home West Central Illinois Certification Application

Conservation@Home West Central Illinois recognizes and certifies properties that demonstrate environmentally sound landscape practices. This program is brought to you by the partnership of University of Illinois Extension and Fulton County Farm Bureau.

Through the Conservation@Home certification program, residents of Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties have the opportunity to shape their private landscapes in a conservation-minded way with guidance and criteria provided for them. The biggest reward for integrating sustainable practices on your property is being aware that you are contributing to clean water, rich soil, and resilient ecosystems that support people and wildlife.

Conservation@Home is a program of The Conservation Foundation. Illinois Extension is pleased to be a partner.

Contact Information

First Name

Last Name

Street Address

Street Address 2

City

State

ZIP

Daytime Phone

Evening Phone

E-mail Address

Address of property to be certified (include town):

I learned about the Conservation@Home program from: Please check all that apply

Yard certification sign

Programming from Illinois Extension or Master Gardener/Naturalist

The Conservation Foundation Program

Program flyer at library/community center

A website

A letter in the mail

Programming at Fulton County Farm Bureau

Other

The approximate size of my property is: 1 acre = 43,560 sq. ft., 1/2 acre = 21,780 sq. ft., a typical city lot is 25 x125 which is 3,125 sq. ft.

Less than 1/4 of an acre

1/4 acre to 1 acre

Over 1 acre

I have been integrating conservation efforts into my yard.

Yes

If yes, for how long?

Beginning to add changes

1-2 years

3-4 years

5+ years

I have planted native flowers, grasses, shrubs or trees on my property.

Yes

Current planting installation and management: Please check all that apply - reflecting what you are currently doing on your property

Incorporate a variety of native flowers and native grasses

Incorporate a variety of native trees and and native shrubs

Create or restore native woodland, wetland or prairie

Manage invasive species

None of the above

I inherited a native woodland, wetland or prairie on my property.

Yes

I currently have invasive species on my property Note: Common Illinois invasive species include but are not limited to bush honeysuckle, autumn olive, and garlic mustard

Yes

I am unsure

Current wildlife habitat offering food, shelter, and water on my property: Please check all that apply - reflecting what you are currently doing on your property

Providing bird feeders

Providing bird bath, pond, or other water feature

Leaving native plants standing in the fall

Landscaping with native plants that attract birds or butterflies

Providing bird or bat houses

Retaining brush piles, dead trees (where safely possible) and logs

None of the above

Current water stewardship on my proprety: Please check all that apply - reflecting what you are currently doing on your property

Use of rain barrel to gather/conserve water

Use of permeable patio, walk, or driveway to reduce runoff

Use native vegetation border around property to slow runoff

Directing water from downspouts to areas vegetated with native plants (including rain gardens and bioswales) to help retain/slow water

Directing downspouts to a bed of rocks to slow water

None of the above

Current use of chemicals on my property: Please check all that apply - reflecting what you are currently doing on your property

Minimal/non-use of synthetic fertilizers

Minimal/non-use of synthetic pesticides

Utilize integrated pest management (IPM), apply pesticides as last resort

Use organic fertilizers when needed

None of the above

Unique features on my property: i.e. pond, shoreline vegetation, storm water collection system, etc

Conservation practices are important to me because:

Photo release I, the undersigned, do hereby consent to the use by The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois (University) of my image, voice, or both described below, in (1) the video, photograph, or audio recording described below; and (2) any video, photograph, or audio recording reproduced either in whole or in part from the video, photograph or audio recording described below: regardless of whether these materials are used for fundraising, advertising, publicity, or any other purpose on behalf of either the University or its Foundation. I warrant that I have the full right and authority to grant this consent. In addition, I waive all claims to compensation or damages based on the use of my image or voice, or both, by either the University or the Foundation. I also waive any right to inspect or approve the finished photograph or video or audio recording. I understand that this consent is perpetual, that I may not revoke it, and that it is binding on me, my heirs and assigns. I warrant that I am at least 18 years of age and that I am competent in my own name insofar as this consent is concerned, or that I am the parent or legal guardian authorized to sign on behalf of a person under age 18. I further attest that I have read this consent form and fully understand its contents.

Yes

I am interested in becoming a member

I want to become a member (includes Newsletter, yard evaluation/sign, educational programming, special events) ($50.00)

[3 of 100 filled]

Civil Rights Compliance - Participant Info

As part of our commitment to providing equal opportunities in our programming, University of Illinois Extension is required to collect and report overall statistics about the race, ethnicity, and gender of program participants. Your responses are voluntary and appreciated.

Gender

Ethnicity

Race

Total Registration Cost