Illinois Department of Agriculture

Pat Quinn
Governor

Robert F. Flider
Acting Director

Watershed Park

Watershed Park is an interactive and educational exhibit on water protection. Approximately one-acre in size, Watershed Park is located on the Illinois State Fairgrounds on the west end of Agri-Expo.

Featured in the park are thirteen exhibit stations where the public can learn about water quality issues in a watershed. Soil conservation, urban stormwater management, farm and home health and safety, integrated pest management, streambank protection, wetlands, and wildlife are among the topics covered in the park.

As visitors walk through the exhibits, they can enjoy the flowing stream, benches, and drinking water. The park is open during the State Fair and on special occasions such as Earth Stewardship Day.

The Department broke ground on May 3, 2001. The Park opened on August 10 during the Illinois State Fair. The project is a cooperative effort with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Additional major sponsors currently include: University of Illinois, Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Partners for Agricultural Literacy, Archer Daniels Midland, Caterpillar, Monsanto and Syngenta.

Watershed Park is open during the State Fair and on an appointment basis from April 15 through October 10, weather permitting. Please call (217) 782-6297 to schedule a tour of Watershed Park. We will need at least two weeks notice to schedule groups of 25 or less and four weeks advance notice to schedule groups larger than 25. When you call, please let us know the anticipated number of visitors, your preferred date and at least one alternate date. You will be contacted and a date confirmed for your visit.

For more information about Watershed Park contact Mike Rahe, project coordinator, at mrahe@agr.state.il.us or call the Bureau of Land and Water Resources at 217/782-6297.

Questions or comments.