Illinois Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Illinois the award is presented with IL Corn and the Illinois Soybean Association.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others to consider conservation opportunities on their land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold advocated for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Award nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may nominate themselves. The application can be found at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA.

The nomination deadline is May 1, 2025. Nominations must be emailed to IllinoisLCA@sandcountyfoundation.org.

Nominations are reviewed by an independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders from Illinois. Last year’s recipient was Richard Lyons, a farmer from Harvel. To view profiles of all past recipients, click here.

“The Illinois Leopold Conservation Award is one of the highest honors a farmer can receive in our state, and IL Corn is proud to be part of recognizing those who are leading the way in conservation,” said Jeff Scales, IL Corn Marketing Board Chairman. “This prestigious award highlights the critical role that conservation practices play in protecting our natural resources. Farmers who adopt sustainable practices are not only ensuring the health of our soil, water, and wildlife, but they are also setting an example for others to follow. Conservation is at the heart of a sustainable future for agriculture, and this showcases those making an extraordinary impact.”

“On behalf of the Illinois Soybean Association, we are honored to once again support the Illinois Leopold Conservation Award in partnership with our friends at IL Corn,” said Ron Kindred, ISA Chairman and farmer from Atlanta. “Recognizing farmers who prioritize conservation is vital – not only to celebrate their dedication to protecting soil and water quality but also to inspire their peers to embrace conservation practices on their own farms. By shining a spotlight on these leaders, we hope to encourage a ripple effect of sustainability across Illinois agriculture.”

“These award recipients are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO. “Their dedication to conservation is both an inspiration to their peers as well as a reminder to all how important thoughtful agriculture is to clean water, healthy soil, and wildlife habitat.”

“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of the award recipients,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that exemplary conservation involves the land itself, the practices employed on the land, and the people who steward it. This award recognizes the integral role of all three.”

The Illinois Leopold Conservation Award is made possible through the generous support of American Farmland Trust, IL Corn, Illinois Soybean Association, Sand County Foundation, Farm Credit Illinois, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Illinois, Association of Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts, Compeer Financial, Illinois Department of Agriculture, and the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership.

# # #