In 2010, the Dearborn County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) received a Clean Water Indiana Grant for a demonstration area at the office for both suburban and rural landowners. Several types of agriculture fencing were installed, a Heavy Use Area Protection (HUAP), a travel lane, and roof runoff.
For homeowners, grant dollars were used to install a rain garden with a rain barrel coming from the storage shed to supply water to the rain garden in dry times. An open house was held.
By installing these conservation practices near the office, staff can take landowners and show them what these Best Management Practices look like and how they work. Several types of fencing meet NRCS specifications so landowners can see how their practice should look when completed. Many livestock owners have installed the HUAPs and travel lanes, and are quite pleased with their success.
The District also utilizes a large outdoor sign where information and designs can be posted for the public to learn more about these practices and to advertise upcoming events and programs.
The Soil and Water Conservation District thanks the State Soil Conservation Board and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture�s Division of Soil Conservation for awarding this Clean Water Indiana grant. These funds allow the District to further conservation efforts in Dearborn County. Stop by anytime and view this area.
In 2010, a new Backyard Conservation Program was launched. The program began with a kickoff meeting in June where almost 20 public servants, gardeners and members of the public learned about backyard conservation. There have been three additional meetings to discuss the structure of the program. In November, a logo was chosen for the program. This year there will be workshops and sales of rain barrels and composters to promote backyard conservation.