Quincy, IL — University of Illinois Extension, in partnership with the Adams County Farm Bureau, will launch the Illinois Watershed Steward course in Spring 2026, marking the first time the program has been offered to residents in west central Illinois. The region’s proximity to both the Mississippi and Illinois rivers—major sources of drinking water, recreation, transportation, agriculture, and wildlife habitat—makes locally focused water education especially timely and relevant.
The Illinois Watershed Stewards program prepares residents to protect the land and waterways that drain into their rivers and community water supplies. Participants will learn from a multidisciplinary team of experts, including soil scientists, hydrologists, aquatic ecologists, forestry and stormwater professionals, emergency managers, and watershed practitioners. The course emphasizes real-world connections, helping participants understand how water moves across the landscape and how local land-use decisions influence water quality downstream.
Because rivers in west central Illinois support both rural and urban communities, improving water literacy at the local level strengthens long-term resilience for people, farms, fish, wildlife, and infrastructure. The program is designed for landowners, farmers, conservation-minded residents, and anyone interested in protecting local waterways.
The eight-week evening course will be held Mondays from 5:30–8:00 p.m., beginning February 23 and concluding April 13, 2026. Classes will take place at the Adams County Extension Office/Farm Bureau (lower level), 330 S. 36th Street, Quincy, Illinois.
The $84 course fee includes program materials, dinner at each session, soil test vouchers, and soil test vouchers. The course is funded in part by the Illinois Farm Bureau Nutrient Stewardship Grant Program.
“This course gives residents a meaningful opportunity to see how everyday decisions—on farms, in towns, and across natural areas—shape the water systems we all rely on,” said Amy Lefringhouse, Illinois Extension Natural Resources Educator. “We’re proud to bring this training to a region where rivers are central to our heritage, economy, and quality of life.”
Registration is open at go.illinois.edu/watershedsteward. For questions or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Amy Lefringhouse at heberlei@illinois.edu or call the Adams County Extension Office at 217-223-8380.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.