Conservation INsight
May 11, 2022
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Calling All ICP Staff: Invasive Plant ID Training Coming Your Way!
The ICP Training Committee and SICIM are planning seven in-person Invasive Plant ID Trainings across the state beginning May 31. Registration for the Southern locations will open soon. These will be held 10 am to 2 pm (Eastern). Bring your own lunch. Cost: $12/person (to cover costs of ID booklet).
- May 31 - Knox County
- June 2 - Muscatatuck Wildlife Refuge
- June 3 - Brown County
- June 21 - Rogers-Lakewood Park
- June 22 - Shades State Park
- June 23 - Allen County
- June 24 - TBD
Space is limited. Watch your inbox for an announcement when registration goes live!
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2022 ISDA/NRCS/SWCD
Partnership Meeting for Staff
Save the Date! July 28 in Hendricks County
9:30am - 2:30pm
(Check-in 8:30am-9:15am)
Registration goes LIVE June 1
$12/person (includes lunch)
Main Guest Speaker . . . Matt Havens!
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Click on photo for larger view of flyer |
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June 8 Deadline: River Friendly Farmer Nominations
Annually, each Indiana county Soil and Water Conservation District may nominate up to two farmers for the River Friendly Farmer Award. Nominate those who do an outstanding job of protecting their rivers, lakes and streams through their every day conservation management practices on the farm.
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Passing of Conservation Friend, Warren Baird
G. Warren Baird, 82, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 4, 2022. A lifetime resident of Tipton County, he was born in Windfall on November 17, 1939 to Chester and Martha (Findling) Baird. Warren was a former Vice-President of the National Woodland Owners Association and President and Treasurer of the Indiana Forestry and Woodland Owner's Association. He was a member of the Indiana Natural Resources Commission Advisory Council, Tipton County Council, Northern Nut Growers, American Forestry Association, Walnut Council, Indiana Forestry Educational Foundation, Indiana Project Learning Tree, Indiana Wildlife Federation, and Woodland Steward Institute.
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All District Staff and Supervisors -
This Gathering is for YOU!
Summer District Meetings
SAVE THE DATE!
Four Meetings held throughout the State
Choose your date and location
August 23 - White County
August 25 - Decatur County
August 29 - Daviess County
August 31 - Huntington County
5:00 - 8:30 pm (EST)
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Recordings of IASWCD
April Lunch 'n Learns
Now Available
All four April IASWCD Lunch 'n Learns are now posted on the 'For Districts' webpage of the IASWCD website. A link to each recording and the presentation slides are there for you to view at your convenience.
Thank you to those who were able to join us live. If you would like to provide any feedback on the sessions you attended or watched later, please take a few minutes to fill out this form. We always appreciate your feedback!
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PWQ: Volunteer Sign-Up Opens June 1 at 8 am (Eastern)
Pathway to Water Quality (PWQ) is a conservation exhibit sponsored by the Indiana Conservation Partnership (ICP). The exhibit is located at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Every year, PWQ hosts approximately 60,000 visitors who visit our premiere conservation exhibit during the 18-day Indiana State Fair. Part of what makes the exhibit successful are all of the ICP staff who volunteer at Pathway.
This year, volunteer sign-up for staffing Pathway to Water Quality at the 2022 Indiana State Fair will open at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, June 1st. The state fair will run from July 29th to August 21st with the fairgrounds closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
As you promote volunteer sign-up to your staff and volunteers, please let them know that we are offering an opportunity to volunteer for “a day at Pathway.” If a group from the same area, region, or multi-county area registers for a day at Pathway, they would be responsible for filling all of the volunteer positions for that day (9-14 positions in total). The advantage of group registration is that it holds the day your group prefers to work at the Indiana State Fair. We will offer this ahead of the official opening of registration to ensure that you can reserve the date that your group prefers. To reserve your group day at pathway, simply email Sara Peel at pathwaytowaterquality@gmail.com by May 20th. Registration for a day at pathway occurs on a first-come-first-serve basis. Once your day is reserved, one person from each team is responsible for gathering contact information (name, email and cell phone number) for all volunteer positions for your desired date and sending that to Sara no later than July 1st. Please visit http://pathwaytowaterquality.org for an overview of the positions in the training video and information about the pathway. Tickets and parking passes are expected to be delivered in digital format again this year.
Volunteer positions include four positions: a greeter, education area volunteers, counters and PWQ Ambassadors. There will be a total of 9 to 14 positions each day. There are three shifts each day of the Indiana State Fair as follows:
- 9 am to 12:30 pm: One greeter
- 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm: One greeter, one-two education area volunteers and one-two ambassadors
- 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm: One greeter, one-two education area volunteers and one-two ambassadors
- All shifts: one counter per shift
The soil health area is staffed separately and is not included in the day at pathway volunteer responsibilities.
Thank you for all you do to promote soil and water conservation and the Pathway to Water Quality exhibit. If you have any questions about the sign-up, don’t hesitate to contact Sara Peel, PWQ Coordinator at pathwaytowaterquality@gmail.com.
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CCSI Soil Health Newsletter |
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Training: Soil Health & Sustainability for Midwestern Field Staff
Registration is now open for the Soil Health and Sustainability for Midwestern Field Staff (3-Day Soil Health) Training. This is an advanced soil health workshop for Indiana Conservation Partnership staff (NRCS, SWCD, Extension, ISDA, IDEM, IDNR, FSA) and other ag professionals who work one-on-one with farmers and landowners. Attendees will learn to teach others about soil health, its importance and diagnosis, along with practices to improve soil health. The will also learn what to look for in a soil pit and learn from a local farmer/Eisenhower Fellow about his excellent Conservation Cropping Systems. This training is made possible by CCSI, Indiana SARE, and the Soil Health Nexus. In person June 21-23 at the Beck Agricultural Center, West Lafayette.
Pre-requisites: Several months (ideally over a year) experience working for your respective agency AND completed either undergraduate soils class or CCSI-SARE Core Soil Health and Cover Crops Training.
Seats are limited and have been reserved by agency. We will be taking waitlist names. On June 1, any unused seats will be distributed to waitlisted individuals and any remaining seats will be opened to the general public.
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Urban Soil Health Program News |
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NACD Announces New Recipients Through Urban Agriculture Conservation Grants Initiative
WASHINGTON (May 4, 2022) – Today, the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) awarded nearly $1 million in funding through the Urban Agriculture Conservation (UAC) Grant initiative to 31 conservation districts across 15 states.
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2022 IDEA Membership Map
159 Members Strong!
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Click on map for a better view |
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Poster Contest Sponsored by IDEA and Local SWCDs
June 3 is this year's deadline for Poster Contest Submissions. Click on the button below for all rules and information.
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Indiana shows strong conservation and water quality improvement trends
INDIANA (April 28, 2022) - The Indiana Conservation Partnership (ICP) announced its 2021 soil health and water quality accomplishments. The ICP works with Hoosier landowners to provide technical or financial assistance for the implementation of conservation projects. In 2021, landowners supported by the ICP installed more than 31,500 new conservation practices.
“Agriculture is big business in Indiana! Those words have always stood true, from the formation of our state to today,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Secretary of Agriculture for the State of Indiana. “I commend each of our Hoosier farmers and landowners who year after year break conservation records and ensure agriculture will continue to be a driving force in our state for many generations.”
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Indiana Agriculture Insider newsletter |
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Clean Water Indiana Competitive Grant Networking & Information Virtual Session
Join virtually to learn more about the 2023 Clean Water Indiana (CWI) Competitive Grants on May 24, at 11:30AM EDT. Information is for Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) and organizations interested in applying.
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Clean Water Indiana Upcoming Deadlines:
- July 1- Updates to Conservation Project Tracking
- July 31- CWI Updates in GMS
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Grant Writing and Grant Management Opportunities
• June 23, Grant Writing, with Amy Shankland, Green Avenue
• July 12, Grants Management
Contact your District Support Specialist (DSS) for more details.
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State Soil Conservation Board Meeting
The next State Soil Conservation Board meeting will be May 17 from 9:30am-12pm EDT at Indiana Corn and Soy, 8425 Keystone Crossing #200, Indianapolis, IN 46240. There will also be a virtual option.
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April 28, 2022 - The Indiana Conservation Partnership (ICP) announced its 2021 soil health and water quality accomplishments. The ICP works with Hoosier landowners to provide technical or financial assistance for the implementation of conservation projects. In 2021, landowners supported by the ICP installed more than 31,500 new conservation practices.
“Agriculture is big business in Indiana! Those words have always stood true, from the formation of our state to today,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Secretary of Agriculture for the State of Indiana.
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April 28, 2022 - A new USDA video provides a closer look at the collaborative partnerships driving innovative water quality assessment and conservation in the Western Lake Erie Basin. The video, Science-Based Solutions: Leveraging Partnerships to Protect the Western Lake Erie Basin, shows how USDA’s Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) watershed studies in the Western Lake Erie Basin bring researchers, farmers, government agencies and nonprofit organizations together to develop science-based solutions and strategically place them where they can deliver the greatest conservation benefits.
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May 2, 2022 - Each May since 1992, the United States of America has celebrated the culture and contributions of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and native Hawaiians. This year the Federal Asian Pacific American Council calls on everyone to commit to working together to build a better future through their theme “Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration.”
May was designated Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) History and Heritage Month by Congress in 1992 following the creation of Pacific/Asian American Heritage Week in 1978 and its first celebration in May 1979.
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Hoosier Headlines
Indiana NRCS Newsletter
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USDA Accepts 2 Million Acres in Offers Through Conservation Reserve Program General Signup
WASHINGTON, May 3, 2022 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting more than 2 million acres in offers from agricultural producers and landowners through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) General signup, the first of the program’s multiple signups occurring in 2022. With about 3.4 million acres expiring this year, Vilsack encourages producers and landowners to consider the Grassland and Continuous signups, both of which are currently open.
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Farm Women are Decision Makers – Annie’s Project Prepares Them Well
Farm women are generating a cultural tide in American agriculture that is moving management, assets and opportunities to a new wave of farmers across the country. At Annie’s Project courses, women in agriculture become empowered to be successful through education, networks, and resources.
Annie’s Project is a six-session course that is a discussion-based workshop bringing women together to learn from experts in production, financial management, human resources, marketing and the legal field. There's plenty of time for questions, sharing, reacting and connecting with presenters and fellow participants. It's a relaxed, fun and dynamic way to learn, grow and meet other farm women.
Whether new or experienced, understanding the five areas of agricultural risk, knowing how to analyze agricultural spreadsheets and other necessary skills are vital. Learning them in a friendly environment where questions and discussion are welcomed, allow the learning process to flourish.
The next course begins virtually via zoom on Tuesday, June 7 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST and continues on June 9, 14, 16, 21 and 23.
The cost for the course is $65 per person, which includes a workbook and support materials for all sessions. Course size is limited, so please register by Friday, May 27 at link below or call 574-372-2340.
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Purdue Women in Agriculture Awards
Each year, the Purdue Women in Agriculture (WIA) Team recognizes Indiana women who are leaders and innovators and who have contributed to the success of Indiana's agricultural industry. The Purdue WIA Team is currently accepting applications for the 2021 Purdue Women in Agriculture Awards. Criteria for eligibility for the three awards, and the nomination forms are available at the link below.
Applications and letters of support must be received by June 1st to be considered for the 2022 awards.
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Enjoy your visit to a DNR property
There are many fun and unique events happening around the state at DNR properties. From Breakfast with the Birds at Hardy Lake to Fabulous Foxes at Chain O'Lakes State Park there is something for everyone.
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MyDNR: Indiana's Outdoor News |
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Wild Bulletin
Division of Fish & Wildlife newsletter
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The NCF-Envirothon iNaturalist project is an exciting distance engagement opportunity designed to help continue the hands-on, experiential learning that is foundational to the Envirothon program. iNaturalist offers a unique platform for ecological exploration and education, and it can be easily incorporated into Envirothon trainings and activities, even at a distance! Conservation districts looking for innovative ways to engage technologically savvy students are encouraged to check it out!
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Monthly Featured Pledge:
Lawn Fertilizer
Fertilizer is food, but is your lawn hungry? Use too much, and it can escape your lawn and go on to feed runaway algae growth in our waterways. Take the action pledge below to make a commitment to protect water by reducing or eliminating fertilizer use on your lawn.
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Forest Service Webinar Series
The Forest Service Urban Forest Connections webinar series brings experts together to discuss the latest science, practice, and policy on urban forestry and the environment. These webinars are organized by themes into three mini-series per year. Upcoming: Mitigating urban heat (Summer 2022); and, Climate change resilience and adaptation (Fall 2022). Tune in every other month on the second Wednesdays from 1:00pm -2:15pm ET.
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USDA Hosts Virtual Event on Mental Health Support for Farmers and Ranchers
America’s farmers and ranchers are resilient, but even the most stalwart face mental health challenges. In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) hosts a free, virtual convening over three days to highlight this important, but often overlooked issue. The title of the convening is Sustainable Livelihoods and Behavioral Health: Strategies and Partnerships to address Farm Stress and Suicide.
The virtual event takes place May 17, 18, and 19 from 1 – 5 p.m. EDT.
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The 11th International Drainage Symposium will be held August 30-September 2, 2022, in Des Moines, Iowa. Solutions to agricultural drainage challenges and opportunities will be the focus of this year’s symposium. Two days of sessions will highlight drainage research, practice design, implementation, and policy. The third day of the symposium will feature field tours highlighting some of the innovative drainage work happening in the local area. The symposium will provide an opportunity for the research, agency, industry, and practitioner communities to interact, share experiences, and address emerging issues related to agricultural drainage. |
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A Special Invitation for You from Women4theLand: *NEW* Discussion Leader Information
Women4theLand (W4L) is hosting a Zoom session on June 16, 12 noon Eastern time, for anyone interested in learning more about Women4theLand or becoming a W4L discussion leader. This session will be two parts: First, we will present on the purpose and structure of Women4theLand, and how this initiative works throughout the state to provide women-focused conservation focused programming. This portion of the meeting is an introduction and will be particularly useful for any new conservation employees and for district staff and supervisors. Second, we will discuss how any female ICP staff can become a W4L discussion leader. Formally known as facilitators, discussion leaders help guide the programs supported by W4L. We will discuss the role and responsibilities of discussion leaders with information you can share with your supervisors, and also announce a formal upcoming training date. For any questions, please contact Heather Bacher, state coordinator,at hbacher@women4theland.org
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77th SWCS International
Annual Conference
July 31-August 3, 2022
Denver, Colorado
After two years of virtual conferences, this stunning conference location offers an opportunity for the global conservation community to come together and collectively share solutions, combat obstacles, and accelerate conservation efforts.
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click on photo for more information |
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Job Postings :
Current list of Conservation Job Opportunities now posted on the IASWCD website.
Note: Job Postings can be submitted to Amy Work at: amy-work@iaswcd.org . Please include job description and deadline to apply in a single PDF file or with a link.
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Upcoming Conservation Events:
May 13-14 - Black Loam Conference, Urban Soil Health
May 17 - State Soil Conservation Board Meeting
May 24 - CWI Info session, ISDA
May 30 - Memorial Day
June 2 - Get the Dirt: Soil Conference
June 3 - Poster Contest Deadline, IDEA
June 8 - RFF nominations due
June 14 - ICP annual webinar
June 20-26 - Pollinator Week
June 23 - Grant Writing workshop, ISDA
July 12 - Grant Management workshop, ISDA
July 28 - ISDA/NRCS/SWCD Partnership Meeting
July 29 - District Showcase Award applications due
July 31-August 3 - SWCS International Conference
Sept 7-8 - Indiana Water Summit
*As more events begin to take place in person, please check the individual hosting organization's website and/or Facebook page for the latest information on locations, guidelines and details. Thank you.
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