Washington County Soil & Water Conservation District is a prominent leader in seeking traditional and no-traditional partners to promote the conservation and development of soil, water and related natural resources.  With the help of these partners, the District is able to provide the community with educational programs that meet immediate needs, as well as provide annual programs to obtain long term conservation goals.  Working with local, state and national government officials is also a priority of the District.  Public officials are invited to and recognized at all Soil & Water Conservation District events.  Letters are also written to state and national representatives to express the District's interest in conservation legislation.

An example of an educational program coordinated and promoted by the District that meet an immediate need in the agricultural community was the Nutrient Management Plan Workshop.  It assisted livestock producers in developing the necessary documentation to be in compliance with the Office of the Indiana State Chemist New Fertilizer Rules in 2013.

The Southern Region Soil Health Workshop began in 2012 to be an annual event to promote Indiana's Soil health Initiative in Washington County.  Since then, this day long workshop has maintained an attendance of approximately 100 people.  The participants are from a diversity of backgrounds including farmers, agribusiness individuals and conservation professionals all interested in soil health education.  In 2013, experts from across the state presented on the topics of:  cover crop utilization in Southern Indiana, applying manure with cover crops, nutrient management, 2013 new fertilizer rules and record keeping with fertilizers.  A panel of farmers utilizing cover crops and manure on their farms shared their experiences.

In addition to the above education programs, the District currently has two active 319 grants.  In 2013, the District applied for and received the implementation grant for the Mill Creek Blue River and Lost River Watershed Projects.  These along with two ongoing Clean Water Indiana grants have allowed conservation practices to be implemented on land in Washington County.

Conservation Partners

  • Soil & Water Districts: Crawford, Floyd, Harrison, Jackson, Lawrence, Martin, Orange and Scott
  • Indiana State Department of Agriculture
  • Indiana Department of Natural Resources - Division of Forestry and Wildlife
  • Natural Resource Conservation Service
  • White River Resource Conservation and Development
  • United States Fish and Wildlife Service
  • Farm Service Agency
  • Indiana Department of Environmental Management 319 Grant - Lost River and Mill Creek Blue River Watershed Projects
  • The Nature Conservancy
  • Southern Indiana Cooperative Invasive Management
  • Schools - Bradie Shrum Elementary, West Washington Elementary, East Washington Elementary, Salem High School
  • National FFA Organization - East Washington, Salem, West Washington
  • Farm Bureau Inc.:  Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Jackson, Lawrence, Scott and Washington
  • Purdue Extension - Agriculture & Natural Resources, 4-H, Good Earth Master Gardeners
  • Washington County:  Beekeepers Association, Cattlemen's Association, Pork Producers, Sheep Association, Farmers' Market, Health Department, Delany Park Board, Weed Control Board
  • Government Officials:  Council, Commissioners, City of Salem and Community Foundation - Long Term Recovery (2012 Tornado)

Conservation Programs

  • Arbor Day/Earth Day Programs
  • Catlin 5th Grade Farm Day
  • Salem City Wide Clean-Up
  • Clean Water Indiana Grant
  • Cover Crop Workshop
  • Hellbender Initiative
  • Keyhole Garden Workshop
  • Volunteer Water Monitoring
  • Washington County Ag Day
  • Washington County Fair/Kids Day
  • Wetland Education