Conservation Update: Professional Development, CCSI Hubs, Soil Health Infographics

Conservation Update

Sept. 12 - 25, 2013

Executive Director's Report

Professional Development Opportunities Abound

There are several workshops, seminars, and trainings coming up in the near future. We have highlighted our favorites below, but don't forget to check the Conservation Calendar for all opportunities. We also list upcoming events in the right sidebar.

1) Basic Nutrient Management Training (for ICP staff)- four dates in mid-October.

2) Rain Garden Training (for ICP staff, professionals, homeowners) - five dates and locations during the week of October 21.

3) Annual Conservation Tillage Meeting - November 1.

Credit: IWLA

4) Watershed Leadership Academy - applications due November 1. Organized by Purdue University with support from IDEM and other Indiana conservation agencies and organizations.

5) Conservation Economics and Technology to Improve Soil Health - November 8. Hoosier Chapter of the Soil & Water Conservation Society fall meeting.

6) Advanced Cover Crops Training (for ICP staff and others) - November 12.

District Showcases: October 10 and 16

Two exciting District Showcase tours are coming up in October!

On October 10, join us as we visit the Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District for a unique 10-stop tour of diverse conservation efforts throughout the county. RSVP to the Monroe County SWCD at martha.miller@in.nacdnet.net or 812-334-4325 x12.
On October 16, we will be visiting with central Indiana's Fall Creek Watershed Partnership. This tour will highlight their growing backyard and urban conservation work with communities and partners. Save the date and stay tuned for details!

Have a great week!

Jennifer Boyle Warner, IASWCD Executive Director

CCSI News

Hub Farms Map

We have created an interactive map of all farms involved in the CCSI project. By clicking on each farm's location, you will be able to see the farmer's profile. Check it out!

Working with CCSI Hubs

Is your District or organization interested in partnering with CCSI to coordinate a soil health event? Do you have a soil health event you'd like to get on our public calendar? Make sure to connect with your regional Hub! Read more about the Hubs, then contact your regional Hub representative for information on how to get involved.

Join Our CCSI Event Mailing List!

Email ccsi@iaswcd.org to have your email address added to our list.

Keep updated with CCSI events on Facebook and Twitter.

Conservation News

Mother Jones Magazine Features Soil Health Champion

Earlier this month, the well-known publication Mother Jones published a story entitled "One Weird Trick to Fix Farms Forever: Does David Brandt hold the secret for turning industrial agriculture from global-warming problem to carbon solution?" The article features Nebraska farmer Dave Brandt's inspiring and profitable soil health practices, which in part focus on cover crops and long-term no-till.

Trees of the Midwest App

This new app, developed by Purdue Extension, is "not only is ideal for students who need to identify trees for schoolwork and other projects; it also will be handy for science teachers, Master Gardeners, foresters, operators of nurseries and others." The app is available for iPhone and iPad.

Soil Health Infographics from NRCS

From the NRCS website: "These informative graphics provide a glimpse of just some of those secrets, and newspaper and magazine editors are encouraged to download and publish these graphics (royalty-free) to help their readers 'Unlock the Secrets in the Soil.'"

Annual Conference:

January 6-8, 2014

Delegates:

Who will represent your District at the Business Meeting this year? Register your delegate online.

Get In Touch

Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts

Contact staff

Board and Region Directors

Upcoming Events

Sept. 30
Watershed Nitrogen Reduction Planning Tool (Webinar)

October 9:
Understanding Why Farmers Choose to Adopt BMPs (Webinar)

January 6-8

Annual Conference of Indiana SWCDs

December 5

World Soil Day

See all events, or Contribute an event

CCSI Events

November 1:
Annual Conservation Tillage Meeting
Register Now!

November 12:
Advanced Cover Crops

Other News

Allen Co. SWCD Request

The Allen County SWCD is considering purchasing some pop-up banner displays (examples). If any other SWCDs are using one, please contact Krista Voors at krista.voors@in.nacdnet.net. She would especially appreciate tips and photos!

Downloadable Soil Health Articles

If you are looking for expertly-written soil health articles for your newsletter or website, check out NRCS' listing. Most of the articles focus on cover crops.

Upcoming Grants:

View more grant opportunities here

October 25:

Grants for Cover Crop Research from the National Wildlife Federation. Proposals should not generally exceed $5,000. All proposals and questions should be sent to Trisha White at white@nwf.org

November 1:

SARE Youth Educator Grant

November 12:

SARE Farmer / Rancher Grant

**Note: Informational webinars about the SARE grants will be held at 6:30 p.m. EDT on Sept. 25 and Oct. 2. Email rballard@purdue.edu to register.

Countdown

to Conference!

Position Open

Individuals interested in soil and water quality and sustainable agriculture systems should apply for the project coordinator position with the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC). The complete job description provides more details on position requirements. For more information, contact Nicholle Vaughn at 765-494-9555.