Water Quality Initiatives
Trees Forever works with landowners and communities to improve water quality by establishing streamside buffers that reduce soil erosion and decrease pollutants entering waterways. We work with volunteers to establish and maintain sustainable pollinator-friendly habitats through the use of deep-rooted native plants that will slow, cool, and absorb stormwater runoff. All of this is achieved through our Working Watersheds: Buffers & Beyond and the Illinois Buffer Partnership.

Working Watersheds: Buffers & Beyond
Up to $2,000 for a water quality project or demonstration site.
Next application round opening soon

Illinois Buffer Partnership
Up to $2,000 cost-share reimbursement for riparian buffers, livestock buffers, streambank stabilization projects, wetland development, pollinator habitat, rain gardens and agroforestry projects.
Next application round opening soon
“At the end of the day, there’s nothing more peaceful than sitting on the porch, listening to the owls hoot off in the distance, seeing the deer frolic at the edge of the woods, hearing the sounds of the pheasants and quail out in the prairie, and watching the butterflies fluttering from flower to flower before dark.”
Walter Clark, Normal, IL – participant in the Illinois Buffer Partnership