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The article discusses the experiences and perspectives of two farmers in Illinois, Paul Appell and Monte Bottens, who practice regenerative agriculture. Both farmers emphasize the importance of soil health and biodiversity in their farming practices. They advocate for minimizing disturbance, keeping the ground covered, maximizing biodiversity, and integrating livestock into their operations. The farmers also highlight the role of consumers in supporting regenerative agriculture and the need for financial support for farmers through programs like the Conservation Reserve Program. [Extracted from the article]

The article from Illinois Audubon discusses the importance of taking small steps towards environmental restoration and conservation. It emphasizes the need to restore 30% of Illinois by 2030, as less than 10% of the state is currently protected by government agencies. The article highlights various examples of individuals and organizations making a difference, such as converting yards to native habitat, planting native gardens at schools and senior living facilities, and practicing regenerative agriculture. The overall message is that transformative change is possible, and readers are encouraged to take their own first steps towards restoration. [Extracted from the article]

The article recounts John James Audubon's first journey through the Illinois wilderness in 1810-1811. Among the issues taken from his journals were his almost disbelief in the European invasion of the wilderness that had changed its landscape, a story about hunting black bear and trumpeter swans with the Shawnee, and the first time he saw ivory-billed woodpeckers along the Ohio River. Passages from his 1811 essay "The Prairie" relate Audubon's long walk through the Illinois grasslands.