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February 1 - 13
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Executive Director's Report
March Training for SWCD Supervisors and Staff
The Indiana Conservation Partnership (ICP) is sponsoring training for SWCD supervisors and staff in March. The workshops will focus on:
- The Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative's Regional Hubs: Expansion of the CCSI and What it Means to Your Soil Health Programs
- Building Relationships & Tools to Communicate with Local Officials and Community Leaders
- Taking Districts from Good to Great
- "Stoke the Fire Within You," presented by Charlie Adams, Inspirational Speaker and Writer
This is an excellent opportunity to network and gain valuable knowledge! There are four dates: March 5, 7, 18 and 19. Register now for the training nearest you. All workshops cost $20 (late registration is $25) and run from 5:00 o 8:15 p.m. EST.
"Don't Farm Naked" T-shirts: Limited Sizes, Discount Available
The popular "Don't Farm Naked, Plant Cover Crops" t-shirts are now available at discount prices in bulk! Purchase 5 shirts for $65, or 10 for $115. Individual shirts are still $15. The shirts are Made in the USA of super-soft, 100% organic cotton. We have limited sizes available (lots of 2XL's!). Email elizabeth-rice@iaswcd.org for more information and to place bulk orders.
District Success Stories Site Helpful in Displaying Results
Legislators and funders value results! Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann has reviewed the District Success Stories site in order to see reports of the results of federal and state funding. Help ensure ongoing support for Districts by sharing your 2011 success stories! Success stories are shared with elected officials, the media, at field days, and more. They are an invaluable source of information and support for Districts and the work they do at the local level! Success stories (less than 500 words) and photos can be lifted from CWI grant applications, an annual report, or similar documents. They do not necessarily need to be written anew. If you need instructions on how to submit your success stories, email DeeDee at deedee-sigler@iaswcd.org.
Help Plan Next Year's IASWCD Conference
If you would like to be a part of the planning committee for the 2014 Conference, please email elizabeth-rice@iaswcd.org. We will be meeting in downtown Indianapolis on April 10. Lunch and travel reimbursement will be provided. We are looking for fresh ideas! Input is welcome from any SWCD staff or supervisor, watershed coordinator, or ICP Agency partner.
IASWCD Supporting CWI Funding at Statehouse
IASWCD President Jeff Meinders gave testimony this morning at the House Ways and Means Committee regarding funding for the Clean Water Indiana program.
Jennifer Boyle Warner
IASWCD Executive Director
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Conservation News Digest
Grants Available to Bring High School Science Classes to Indiana State Museum
Indiana high school classes have the opportunity to explore the possibilities when it comes to the many career choices in the field of agriculture while experiencing the Amazing Maize: The Science, History and Culture of Corn Exhibit at the Indiana State Museum. There will be a one-day workshop for high school science, agriculture, and careers classes at the museum on March 13 titled Biotechnology, the Future of Food and Agricultural Careers. Lunch and museum admission is provided free for Indiana classes, and grants of up to $300 per school are available on a first come first serve basis for transportation to and from the museum. Contact Kelsey Cook at 317.234.1728 to reserve your spot by March 1.
12th Annual Tri-State Farming Conservation Expo
The Tri-State Conservation Farming Expo is sponsored by the St. Joseph River Watershed Initiative (SJRWI). The March 1 event attracts people from Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio and serves as way for individuals to obtain continuing education credits for Private and/or Commercial Applicators and Certified Crop Advisors. The goal of this year's Expo is to inform farmers of how the incorporation of good stewardship practices now can benefit future generations.
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| Get In Touch |
Feb. 15: Leadership Institute
Feb. 19: Wildlife Management for the Private Landowner Workshop
March 5, 7, 18, 19: Training for SWCD Supervisors & Staff (flyer)
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Upcoming Deadlines
Funding:
Farm-to-School Grants
The USDA has released their request for proposals (RFP) for the Farm-to School Grants. These grants help eligible schools improve the health and wellbeing of their students and connect with local agricultural producers. Learn more.
Feb. 22
The University of Michigan Water Center is soliciting applications for funding to support and enhance restoration efforts within the Great Lakes Basin.
View more grant opportunities here
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| In Brief |
SW Indiana Conservation Cropping Meeting: March 25
Renowned Soil Health and Cover Crop Expert Mike Plumer will be presenting at this meeting for producers. The meeting will take place on March 25 in Washington, IN. Learn more and register here.
The Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) is currently working on distributing a survey to cover crop users to gather some important use information about cover crops. This survey aims to collect valuable information to better promote cover crops and increase adoption of cover crops across the US. You can participate in the survey here.
Replay the Indiana On-Farm Ag EMP Webinar
Last week's webinar on "Indiana On-Farm Agricultural Energy Management Plans" can be downloaded in its entirety here:
Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence
Nominations are being accepted for the 2013 Awards. Projects must demonstrate significant and measurable results, be innovative, comprehensive and documented. The awards are open to all. Nominations must be received by IDEM by 5 p.m. EST on April 19, 2013. Learn more here.
Congratulations Haley Knox!
Haley's poster, pictured below, received an Honorable Mention in her age group in the 2012 NACD Poster Contest. Haley is in 7th grade and lives in Scott County. The 2012 contest theme was "Soil to Spoon."
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