By Anne Koliha, Technician It’s winter in Minnesota and the blustery winds are blowing. Although some winters aren’t as cold and snowy as others, on the colder, windier days you may have wished for added protection against the elements. On those days it’s difficult to imagine that spring’s not far away. It’s not too early to begin planning a new windbreak … [Read more...]
Working with farmers to improve water quality through the MN Ag Water Quality Certification Program
By Anne Koliha, Technician When it comes to soil health and water quality, farmers have always been some of the most conscientious and concerned people. This is due to their deep, hands-on connections with soil, water, and nature. Over the years, great strides have been made in recognizing and improving soil health and water quality, due partially to the partnerships … [Read more...]
New Water Management coordinator hired in 2019
Hi! I’m Nikki Shaw, the new Water Management coordinator to Fillmore SWCD. I’m originally from Embarrass, Minn., where we have a much shorter growing season. The last few years, my parents and I have been trying out high tunnels and a variety of vegetables, namely tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. Our first high tunnel went up in the spring of 2016, and our second in the fall of … [Read more...]
Drinking Water Protection in SE MN Grant
The Drinking Water Protection in SE MN Grant is a new grant focused on Drinking Water Supply Management Areas and townships with high well nitrates results based on the finalized reports from MN Department of Health 2018-19 study. To view the final reports you can log on to www.mda.state.mn.us/township-testing-program#Results. In Fillmore county, these townships are Arendahl, … [Read more...]
Cost share funds available for conservation practices
By Doug Keene Resource Conservation Technician Change in weather patterns and the lack of conservation practices, heavy rains have caused excessive water runoff and soil erosion. We have seen increased interest for conservation practices such as contour farming, no-till, grassed waterways, terraces, grade stabilization structures and cover crops. Contact your … [Read more...]
Sealing unused wells: Cost-share assistance available in 2020
By Anne Koliha, Technician There is a potential for anyone, regardless of where you live in Fillmore County (farm, small town, city) to have one or more wells on your property. It may not be your main water source. It could have been there from prior to city water connection. Maybe it was there for secondary buildings, barns or use in watering lawn and gardens. As part … [Read more...]
Public meetings on invasive weeds along the Root River
Please come join us for two public meetings being held on November 29, 2018, to talk about invasive plant species – such as Japanese hops – along the Root River. The first meeting will be held from 3-5 p.m. at the MiEnergy building 31110 Cooperative Way, City of Rushford Village, Minn. The second meeting will be held at the Houston County Nature Center, 215 W Plum St, Houston, … [Read more...]
SWCD Forestry Field Day is July 25 in Rushford Why trees? Why prairie? Why goats?
On July 25, 2018, the Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will be hosting a field day to explore how terrain, soils and aspect affect timber productivity, the types of plant communities found on a site, and identifying trees and plants that will thrive depending on the site conditions. The field day will be held at Magelssen Bluff Park in Rushford. The event … [Read more...]
SWCD sponsors wildflower walk May 31 at Forestville State Park
The Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is sponsoring a wildflower walk on Thursday, May 31 at 6 p.m. at Forestville State Park. Meet at the park picnic shelter, which is about a mile east of the park office. One-day parking permits will be provided at no charge to the visitor. A light snack will be provided. The event is open to the public, and … [Read more...]
Fillmore SWCD celebrates 63rd Soil and Water Stewardship Week
No one can deny the love Minnesotans have for their rivers and lakes and the great outdoors. For over 70 years, Minnesota’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) have been hard at work protecting our resources by working with landowners on programs and practices that support conservation and healthy working lands. The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) … [Read more...]