HENRY WHITE EXPERIMENTAL FARM

Cropland
Sixty-five of the farm's 94 acres are devoted to the cultivation of crops, mainly corn and soybeans. Farming provides research opportunities and revenue to offset operating expenses.

Research spans a variety of topics. Cover crop trials involving rye, hairy vetch and red clover help determine the planting cycle that best helps the land recycle nutrients. Finding optimum application levels that balance environmental concerns and profitability is the goal of herbicide and nitrogen rate reduction studies. Corn and soybean population trials investigate how different planting densities affect yields and profitability. The focus of comparisons between no-till and conservation tillage systems is expanding beyond production and profitability into other areas, including extent of soil compaction. Annual research summaries are available at the Agriculture Department's Bureau of Land and Water esources

Prairie
Prairie plants, such as black-eyed Susan, rattlesnake master, alumroot and blazing star, are interspersed with several kinds of grass, including big and little bluestem, Indian grass, side-oats grama and switch grass, on 4.3 acres of restored prairie. This area offers visitors a glimpse into Illinois' past and provides habitat for wildlife.

Wetlands
The farm's three wetlands impoundments, which encompass 6.3 acres, support fish, amphibians and a variety of plants. A dock extends over the largest impoundment so plant and animal life at various depths may be observed. Research into the growth and reproductive rates of fish may assist aquaculturalists in estimating the length of time needed to achieve optimum populations. Wetland sedimentation studies help gauge the effectiveness of conservation tillage methods practiced on the farm's cropland.

Woodlands
Planted in 1994, the 4.4-acre deciduous woods contain oak, maple, pecan, dogwood and other species of trees and shrubs. White pine, spruce and other evergreens grow in the 1.1-acre evergreen grove. As the wooded areas mature, they offer researchers a unique opportunity to observe the natural succession of plant and animal life.

Educational Opportunities
Guided tours are available for school groups and other organizations. Please make reservations by calling (217) 782-6297 at least two weeks in advance. Individual visitors are also advised to call ahead to ensure guides are available.
Informational presentations include slide shows and other visual displays.
Educational packets feature fun activities to teach children about agriculture, ecology and wildlife.
The observation trail leads visitors through the wetlands, prairie and woodlands areas.
Soil and water conservation methods, such as sediment basins, tile inlets, field border strips and tillage systems, are ue on the farm.
Visitors may observe ongoing studies on the farm's replicated research plots.
The wetlands observation dock allows visitors to observe plant and animal life at different depths.
Study stations along the bank offer youth-oriented educational activities.
The farm's annual field day occurs each year on the first Saturday after Labor Day. Specialists are available to explain how the farm benefits agriculture and wildlife.

Planning a visit to the Henry White Farm? Please note:
The farm features an Agri-science Learning Center constructed in 2000/2001 which is available for use during on-site visits.
The farm is located four miles southwest of Belleville on llinois Route 158.
Vehicles are permitted only on the entrance lane and parking area.
Adults must accompany minors and provide adequate supervision.
Weather may make conditions unfavorable for outdoor educational opportunities.
Please call ahead to make sure all areas of the farm are accessible.
The farm has no buildings to offer shelter.
To protect wildlife nests, pets are prohibited.

For more information, contact:

Illinois Department of Agriculture
Bureau of Land and Water Resources
P.O. Box 19281
State Fairgrounds
Springfield, IL 62794-9281

217.782.6297
FAX 217.557.0993