The SWCD partnered with another local nonprofit, Save the Dunes from Michigan City. By working together, these two organizations were able to make monthly visits to students. Youth learned about dune succession, storm water run-off, birds, wetlands, watershed dynamics, seasonal stream-flow, fish, invasive species, nonpoint pollution, and a whole host of other topics. Due to the students' increased awareness and desire to help, we facilitated a project for them where 54 storm drains around the school were labeled with "Do Not Dump / Drains to Lake Michigan" stickers.
The LaPorte County SWCD coordinates a Coastal Awareness Month event each year during Coastal Awareness Month. This year, we partnered with many local groups and agencies and brought in the W.G. Jackson research vessel. This boat, part of the Annis Water Resources Institute at Grand Valley State University, allows residents to get a first-hand glimpse of water quality in Lake Michigan. Participants went on a cruise and did water quality testing while aboard. Students also participated in a kayaking safety course and learned about native and invasive fish species in our Great Lakes.
The LaPorte County SWCD has a very successful Irrigation Water Management Program. In 2009, the District received an Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) grant. This grant has allowed the District to provide technical assistance, system testing and irrigation scheduling through the services of an irrigation technician. In 2011, the District expanded this service into Starke County by partnering with the Starke County SWCD. Both Districts utilized their Clean Water Indiana funds to maximize the services provided by the irrigation technician.
The Distict successfully manages and coordinates several different watershed plans. In 2009, the SWCD received a Lake and River Enhancement Program grant to complete a diagnostic study and watershed management plan for the Galena River Watershed. The District was able to partner with the Lake Michigan DNR Coastal Program and the Assessments Branch of IDEM to complete habitat and water chemistry assessments. The plan was approved by IDEM in 2010.
The Galena River Watershed Management Plan is now in its implementation phase. The District's first implementation project is currently underway. The District leveraged their 2010 Clean Water Indiana funds with Lake Michigan DNR Coastal Program funds to begin a riparian buffer cost-share and demonstration project. Through the technical assistance of a contractor, the District is vegetating stream banks and fencing out livestock throughout both the Galena and Trail Creek watersheds. We hope that this is the first of many implementation projects that will allow the District to be a leader in watershed management and conservation in the county.