Conservation Update
September 9 - September 23, 2015 
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Conference News 

Dr. "Buz" Kloot to Give Keynote Talk at Annual Conference

Dr. Robin "Buz" Kloot has traveled the country researching and filming about soil health. In 2016 he will share his inspiring journey with us at the opening general session at Annual Conference. Read on to learn about Buz's background!

Dr. Robin "Buz" Kloot started his professional life as a chemical engineer and spent 12 years in the mining and mineral processing industry in Namibia. In 1999, he joined the University of South Carolina and has been involved in various projects related to agriculture and environmental quality.

Buz is passionate about working directly with farmers on soil health projects and research and how they can leverage the cover crop to improve crop performance both in terms of yield and savings in inputs. Buz's passion for soils has moved him into the roles of storytelling through video. His documentary "Under Cover Farmers" and his recent series on the "Science of Soil Health" and "The International Year of Soils" are examples of his work and passion.

Buz is currently an associate professor in the Environmental Health Sciences Department at USC's Arnold School of Public Health and holds degrees in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cape Town in South Africa, and an MBA and PhD from the University of South Carolina.

Programs & Opportunities

Apply for Watershed Leadership Academy!


The online application for the 2016 Indiana Watershed Leadership Academy is now available. If you're interested in water quality and watersheds, consider applying.

The Academy, organized by Purdue University with support from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and other Indiana conservation agencies and organizations, gives participants the chance to:
 
  • Engage in basic and advanced level watershed topics covering leadership principles, watershed science, organization and communication, technology and GIS, stakeholder involvement techniques and policy skills
  • Meet, learn from, and build a network of peers
  • Interact with topic experts
  • Gain strategies, skills, and resources for successful watershed management
  • Earn a Professional Certificate in Watershed Management
Find more information and apply here.
 
Enrollment deadline: November 6, 2015

Free Phosphorous Soil Sampling Program

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture has received funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a three year program to address water quality issues related to phosphorus within the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB). One part of this program is conducting soil sampling on farm fields to determine available, or extractable, phosphorus (P) levels in the soil. Please download the following information sheet for more details and contact information to help farmers in your district participate in the program

Kankakee Ecosystem Services Survey

A group of environmental studies students at Notre Dame University have completed a research survey on the social perceptions of land use ecosystem services from agriculture, hunting, recreation, as well as perceptions on climate change in the Kankakee Watershed. They would appreciate if you'd take 10 minutes to participate in their survey.
Funding

Time to Think about 2016 LARE Grants

With fall upon us, it's a good time to contact the Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) staff if you are contemplating applying for LARE grants in 2016. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2016

The LARE Staff hope to work with potential sponsors before January since if a site visit is warranted the best time to do that is before the snow falls or the ground freezes. You can download the LARE contact list to find the appropriate contact or visit the LARE website for more information.
Contact Us

317-692-7325

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Events

These are just a few of the upcoming events around the state. You can find many more on the Conservation Calendar and the Soil Health Events Calendar.







NACD Letter Sent to Congress Opposing Cuts to Conservation

NACD sent this letter to Congress last week opposing cuts to conservation funding. The letter will also be sent to the Office of Management and Budget who will soon be working on the fiscal year 2017 budget. IASWCD was among the many organizations who signed this letter to support important funding for conservation work!
Support IASWCD


Do you frequently make purchases on Amazon.com? You can help support conservation in Indiana by selected IASWCD as a recipient of AmazonSmile contributions when you shop on Amazon.com. Amazon will donate a portion of their profits to IASWCD at no additional cost to you. It's a simple way to support conservation in your day to day life!
Job Openings

Please email job descriptions, instructions for applying, and a deadline in a single PDF file to [email protected] to be included.

Stormwater Specialist - Oak Park Conservancy District

Wastewater Laborer - Oak Park Conservancy District



District Manager - Greene County

Executive Director - Owen County