The Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) promotes conservation through many projects and initiatives. Without the help of Clean Water Indiana, our local government and the surrounding community, these projects and initiatives would not be availible. Our conservation initiatives include:
- Hardy Lake Sweep: Every year over 200 volunteers from 4-H Groups, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and individuals help pick up waste and debris in and around the watershed area of the Hardy Lake Reservoir. This event occurs on the last Saturday in April.
- Ag Day: Every year 400+ third graders throughout Jefferson County come together to learn about different aspecs of agriculture. The SWCD gives a presentation about the importance of soil and water conservation.
- Monarch Mania: In July, Jefferson, Clark, and Scott Couny SWCDs hosted this workshop for children eight to 12 years old to bring their American Girl dolls and learn about improving monarch habitats.
- Chicks on the Farm: Every year we work together as a multi-county group to plan a workshops designed for women to learn more about how to manage, conserve and enjoy the land they love.
- Forestry Field Day: This year the District hosted a forestry-themed field day. Speakers from many different agencies; IDNR, NRCS, private consulting foresters, etc., came to speak to landowners about current issues in forestry, cost-share assitance, and insect and disease control.
- Fair Week: The SWCD annually sets up at our county fair. A member of the board is at the booth, as well as other professionals to answer questions for people passing through the booth.
- Drill Rental: The District offers no-till drills for rent at low rates for county landowners.
- Plant a Tree for You and Me: This is a seven-county program which promotes planting trees. Our goal is 100,000 trees.
- Newsletter: Our newsletter is published quarterly. It is a way for the district to stay connected with landowners and to update them on cost-share assistance, upcoming events, etc.