Founded in 1959, the mission of the St. Joseph County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has been to provide guidance and education to the youth and adults of our county. The District also administers programs that preserve, improve and protect soil, water, air, plant and animal resources for future generations.
In 1985, the St. Joseph County SWCD organized our first Annual Conservation Tree Sale program. One of our proudest milestones is placing over a million trees and plants throughout the community over the last 25 years. Each year, we distribute 20-25 species of native and non-invasive bare-root trees and shrubs, as well as groundcover and wildflower seeds purchased from local wholesale nurseries. The species are chosen each year by our Forestry Committee and are well-suited for soil and water quality improvement, soil stabilization projects, windbreaks, wildlife habitats, or simply for beautification.
Each year, we rely on our partners with the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and over 100 volunteers who make it possible to organize the distribution of the plants. In recent years, our volunteers have come from area high schools, the St. Joseph County Parks, the St. Joseph County Master Gardeners, former board members, and other individuals. Simply put, we would not be celebrating our 25th Annual Conservation Tree Sale without these partnerships.
We are always open to working with new people for this program (and of course, for our numerous other programs, events, and projects.)
In 1985, the St. Joseph County SWCD organized our first Annual Conservation Tree Sale program. One of our proudest milestones is placing over a million trees and plants throughout the community over the last 25 years. Each year, we distribute 20-25 species of native and non-invasive bare-root trees and shrubs, as well as groundcover and wildflower seeds purchased from local wholesale nurseries. The species are chosen each year by our Forestry Committee and are well-suited for soil and water quality improvement, soil stabilization projects, windbreaks, wildlife habitats, or simply for beautification.
Each year, we rely on our partners with the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and over 100 volunteers who make it possible to organize the distribution of the plants. In recent years, our volunteers have come from area high schools, the St. Joseph County Parks, the St. Joseph County Master Gardeners, former board members, and other individuals. Simply put, we would not be celebrating our 25th Annual Conservation Tree Sale without these partnerships.
We are always open to working with new people for this program (and of course, for our numerous other programs, events, and projects.)