Top News
District Showcase Winners Host Showcase Visits
On Friday, September 19, Clay County SWCD hosted the
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| The Clay Co. visit included a trip to a local park where trees from the project will be planted. |
ICP partners for a District Showcase visit centering around their winning tree giveaway project. Visitors learned about how the project sparked interest in conservation among local students, and how the partnership between the local parks department and the SWCD was strengthened.
On Monday, September 22, IASWCD visited Vanderburgh County SWCD at the University of Southern Indiana to interview partners from their winning "Big Read" project which focused on bringing alive the concepts of conservation in The Grapes of Wrath for local readers of all ages.
A video showcase of both districts' projects will be featured at the IASWCD Annual Conference in January 2015. Congratulations again to Clay and Vanderburgh Counties, and thank you for hosting these great visits!
Indiana Announces Conservation Innovation Grants to Improve Conservation On Agricultural Lands
Last week, USDA NRCS announced it is investing $15.7 million through grants that will help develop and demonstrate cutting-edge ideas to accelerate innovation in private lands conservation. Over two million dollars will be utilized for projects that impact Indiana.
Recipients of USDA's Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) will demonstrate innovative approaches to improve soil health, air and water quality, conserve energy, and enhance wildlife habitat in balance with productive agricultural systems. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service administers this competitive grants program.
"Conservation Innovation Grants activate creativity and problem-solving to benefit conservation-minded farmers," said Indiana State Conservationist, Jane Hardisty. "These grants are critical in sparking new ideas and techniques for conservation. I'm really proud that all three funded projects that will work in Indiana are focusing on Soil Health."
Learn more about Conservation Innovation Grants here.
Register for November 12 SWCS Hoosier Chapter Professional Development Event
The Hoosier Chapter of the Soil & Water Conservation Society invites you to join their fall meeting on November 12 in Muncie. Annual award winners will be revealed at the meeting and you will also have the opportunity to meet Ball State University's newest Professor of Natural Resources & Environmental Management Professor, Dr. Jessi Ghezzi.
Discussions will include habitat needs for crop-pollinating bees and other beneficial insects; how activities above the ground affect life below the soil's surface; how microorganisms work; growing healthier crops and improving farm economics by regenerating soil health; and testing for soil health. Speakers will include John Graveel of Purdue University, Mace Vaughn of the Xerces Society, and Gary Reding of Advancing Eco Ag.
Find more details and register here.
