The Indiana Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts is seeking presentations for the 2025 Annual SWCD Conference, scheduled for January at The Westin in downtown Indianapolis. This conference offers training and networking for Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisors, Staff, and Conservation Partners, with an anticipated attendance of over 350. Presentation topics should correspond to three session tracks: "On the Ground" (covering conservation implementation/technical aspects), "District Management," and "Policy, Outreach & Education." The submission deadline is March 28 at 12:00 pm (Eastern).

Conservation Districts are gearing up for Stewardship Week, hosted April 28 - May 5, 2024. 

NACD has released a proclamation template and media kit, all centered around this year's theme "May the Forest Be with You Always." Conservation districts can use these in preparation of the week-long celebration. 

OP-ED - Agriculture: Growing a Climate for Tomorrow

By Damarys Mortenson, Indiana State Conservationist, USDA-NRCS

It’s nothing you haven’t already heard.  Climate change is altering our agricultural landscape as we know it. Indiana’s farmers and forestland owners are experiencing impacts like increased and more intense droughts and floods, as well as shifting weather patterns and growing seasons. These impacts threaten production as well as conservation efforts. More than ever, planning and decision-making need to account for the impacts of climate change. 

On March 13, 2024, NRCS announced it will invest about $138 million of financial assistance from the Inflation Reduction Act in 138 new climate-smart conservation easements, through which farmers and ranchers are conserving wetlands, grasslands and prime farmlands.

2024 Northwest Black Loam Conference

March 28

Merrillville, IN

The Black Loam conference builds agricultural relationships and networking opportunities These workshops will provide introductions to USDA programs and resources available to BIPOC and socially disadvantaged rural, urban and community farmers, growers and producers to assist and increase participation of USDA programs, loans, grants, sustainable agriculture practices, business planning, and community development. 

USDA Launches New Bobwhite Conservation Pilot and Announces General Conservation Reserve Program Signup

SIOUX FALLS, S.D., March 2, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the launch of a new conservation initiative – Working Lands for Wildlife’s Northern Bobwhite Pilot Project, as well as the signup dates for USDA’s General Enrollment signup in the Conservation Reserve Program (General CRP), which opens March 4. 

The mission of the State Soil Conservation Board (SSCB) is to provide information, advice, consultation and resources to Soil and Water Conservation District supervisors to assist them in carrying out their powers and programs. You can find the current board list and board minutes on their webpage.

The NACD Poster Contest offers students in grades K-12 an opportunity for local and national recognition of their artwork. Winning posters, based on the annual NACD Stewardship theme, showcase the efforts of conservation districts and associations in preserving and improving natural resources. The contest progresses from local to state levels, culminating in national recognition at NACD's annual meeting. In Indiana, the contest is sponsored locally by the Indiana District Employee Association and SWCDs.

Bernie Engel, the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture at Purdue University, has announced the appointment of Laura Bowling as the department head for the department of agronomy. She will officially assume the position on August 19, succeeding Jeff Volenec, who served as interim department head during the last year.

Engel credits Bowling’s many diverse accomplishments for making her an ideal candidate for this position. “Dr. Bowling is an outstanding member of the agronomy department and the greater university and research communities. She has received numerous awards recognizing her contributions including as University Faculty Scholar and the Charles B. Murphy Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award. She assumes this responsibility with exciting ideas for the department’s future.”

The Indiana Community Tree Steward Program is offered three times a year throughout the state. Participants learn about the basics of urban tree care and how to communicate the benefits of urban trees. Attendees are asked to then use their skills by volunteering 15 hours of service to local communities to improve or maintain the urban forest.

Upcoming Events:

• Apr. 4-5, 2024, Scottsburg
• Apr. 18-19, 2024, West Lafayette

The SWCS awards program is designed to recognize individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions in advocating for the conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources. Nominate an individual today!

SWCS also has three scholarship opportunities for all members. Take advantage today and apply!

The awards and scholarships application deadline is March 27.

Citizen Scientists Needed for Equinox, Eclipse

Between the spring equinox on March 21 and continuing until April 10, the IGWS is inviting anyone with a cellphone to contribute data to an eclipse-related research project. For best results, participants are needed from across the state, and contributors are asked to send data as many times as they can through a three-question online survey.

National Conservation Planning Partnership opens a Survey on Conservation Planning Needs, Barriers, and Opportunities

SPEAK UP INDIANA! NCPP is inviting all partners to share their opinions by completing a survey on conservation planning certification, advancement, and the overall conservation planning process.