RESTORING BIODIVERSITY Bob Nelson
Bob Nelson’s Journey of Conservation in Mascoutah In the town of Mascoutah, Illinois, a remarkable conservation journey has unfolded on the family farm of Bob Nelson, a seasoned lawyer and dedicated steward of the land. Collaborating with the Savanna Institute, Bob and his son, Dane, have woven together a tapestry of practices aimed at enhancing water quality, supporting pollinators, and breathing life back into the environment. For Bob, the motivation to embark on this journey stems from his deep appreciation for the natural world and the value he places on environmental preservation. As a board member of HeartLands Conservancy, he has witnessed firsthand the urgency of protecting our planet. “We value what we’ve been given,” Bob explains, his voice filled with conviction. “It’s a privilege to live here, and we’re aware of it.” With this conviction as their guiding force, Bob and his family set out to restore the riparian areas of their farm. By embracing initiatives like “No Mow May” and carefully planting a multitude of trees, they aimed to breathe new life into an ecosystem that had long been disconnected from its natural roots. “When you walk between rows of corn and rows of beans,” Bob reflects, “you recognize that there is no nature here. It’s important to bring back the connection between agriculture and the natural world.”
Photo courtesy of Savanna Institute
Central to their conservation efforts are the pollinator buffer strips that now grace the landscape of Bob’s farm. Inspired by conservation magazines and Dane’s unwavering passion for environmental issues, they recognized the immense value these strips held in supporting pollinators and nurturing biodiversity. With the support of the Savanna Institute and state assistance, these practices were not only implemented but made accessible to other landowners as well. “We installed the pollinator strips because they were available and easy to implement with the help of knowledgeable experts,” Bob explains with a sense of pride. “It’s gratifying to see the positive impact they have on biodiversity.” The collaboration with the Savanna Institute has been instrumental in Bob’s
24 MEANDERINGS SUMMER 2023
