Last week, SWCD staff and supervisors from around the state met with state legislators during the annual Soil and Water Conservation Districts Day at the Capitol.
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All articles filed in conservation
Numbers for the New Year
Since 2009, Washington County landowners have completed 5325 conservation projects ranging in scale from tiny front-yard pollinator gardens to large-scale conversions of cropland to native prairie.
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A secret world beneath the surface of the soil
When working with farmers to improve soil health, soil scientists will sometimes begin by digging a soil pit. It is somewhat like an archaeological dig, except the focus is on finding geological clues to the past, as opposed to pottery or dinosaur bones.
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Exploring land-based living: Habitat restoration, hobby farms, and more
On August 1, Brittany Wiitala and Matt Hardy will share their farming stories during a special workshop hosted by the Lower St. Croix Watershed Partnership: You’ve got Land: Exploring farming and land management options for 10-40 acres.
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Inspiring a Land Ethic
There are degrees and kinds of solitude. An island in a lake has one kind; but lakes have boats, and there is always the chance that one might land to pay you a visit. A peak in the clouds has another kind; but most peaks have trails, and trails have tourists. I know of no…
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Ten years of hard work result in big accomplishments for local water, land, and wildlife
The clock strikes midnight as another page turns over on the calendar of life. Goodbye nameless decade; hello roaring ‘20s! This week many of us are thinking about changes in our lives over the past ten years – children born, loved ones lost, new homes, new jobs, vacations, and special events. In the conservation world,…
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Like water flowing east
Clouds and mountains all tangled together up to the blue sky a rough road and deep woods without any travelers far away the lone moon a bright glistening white nearby a flock of birds sobbing like children one old man sitting alone perched in these green mountains a small shack the retired life letting my…
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Improving Soil Health, Measuring Economic Benefits, and Learning From Other Farmers
In 2016, Moore found that he no longer had to spend time or money to repair erosion in his fields and he observed fewer problems with weed pressure and white mold in soybeans.
Read MoreElected Board at Washington Conservation District Provides Leadership Behind the Scenes
Though board supervisors rarely end up in the spotlight, their leadership helps to guide land and water protection efforts across Washington County.
Read MoreWater Quality Certification Program Helps to Nudge Minnesota Farmers in a New Direction
Today, Arnold is somewhat of a trendsetter herself. She farms just over 40-acres of land along the St. Croix River in Scandia and has become an advocate for the river and other environmental concerns.
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East Metro Water 