By Donna Rasmussen Administrator 1942: The U.S. had just entered World War II. The nation was finally recovering from the Great Depression. The Dust Bowl of the 1930s had begun a movement to conserve our precious soils. And the Civilian Conservation Corps was winding down its work to install soil conservation practices. It was in this climate that the Fillmore Soil and … [Read more...]
Archives for February 2017
Meet the SWCD Board of Supervisors
The SWCD Board of Supervisors is comprised of five supervisors, one from each district of the county. Supervisors serve a four-year term and are elected in the general election. Fillmore SWCD supervisors are elected at large – meaning that all eligible voters throughout the county are able to vote for the open positions. This past November three supervisors were elected. … [Read more...]
Fillmore County storm water basins get facelift
By Jennifer Ronnenberg Water Management Coordinator A partnership opportunity between the Fillmore SWCD, Fillmore County, the Conservation Corps of MN, and the Fillmore County Sentence to Serve crew gave some local storm water structures a much needed facelift. Two existing water retention basins at the Fillmore County Office Building in Preston were renovated in November … [Read more...]
Have you considered CRP on your land?
By Caleb Fischer SWCD Conservation Technician The loss of grasslands has hurt native bird species, pollinators, and water quality, as well as pheasants. Between 2007 and 2014, populations of dickcissels declined by 72%, grasshopper sparrows by 50%, bobolinks by 45%, and meadowlarks by 22%. Pollinators like honeybees, native bees and butterflies, have declined at alarming … [Read more...]
Southeast Minnesota on-farm nitrogen trials
By John Boyum In 2015 and 2016, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) partnered with Fillmore SWCD, Wabasha SWCD, University of Minnesota, and University of Minnesota Extension to implement 103 on-farm nitrogen trials. Participating farmers and crop advisers were able to compare nitrogen rate, timing, source, stabilizer, rate after manure, and rate with first year … [Read more...]
What is a grade stabilization structure?
By Doug Keene Resource Conservation Technician A grade stabilization structure is an embankment built across a draw or drainage way to take runoff from a higher elevation to a lower elevation while preventing gullies from extending upslope. Grade stabilization structures not only provide many benefits to water quality, they also provide a water source for wildlife. They … [Read more...]
It’s that time of year…district tree sales have begun
The SWCD has once again begun its annual tree sales program. We offer a variety of bare root shrubs, deciduous trees and conifers and potted conifers. We sell good quality trees, but offer no guarantee of survival. Quantities are limited, so order your trees early for the best selection. Payment is required with your order and should be received at the SWCD office by Friday, … [Read more...]
Cover crops: Feeding the livestock underground
By Dean Thomas Area Soil Health Technician The soils on your farm cannot be taken for granted. Protection from water and wind eroding the soil away has been stressed for decades. By keeping your soils not only “in place” but also to keep them as healthy and productive as possible, you need to feed the “livestock” underground too. Your soil is full of living organisms … [Read more...]
Scholarships awarded by SWCD
In May of 2016, the Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) awarded a $500 scholarship to Fillmore Central High School senior, Lexi Dols, the daughter of Sean Dols and Deb Dols of Preston. Lexi’s future plans are to attend UW River Falls to obtain a degree to become a Veterinary Technician and also obtain a degree in Business Management. You can apply for the … [Read more...]
Arden Lenz
Memorial Services for Arden Lenz will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Spring Valley, Minn., with Pastor Betsy Dartt. Visitation will be held Saturday, February 4, 2017 from 10-11 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Burial will be in the Spring Valley Cemetery at a later date. Arden K. Lenz, age 77, of Spring Valley, Minn., … [Read more...]