Technical Assistance
NRCS, our partners and district staff are available to assist landowners with better understanding their landscape, farming methods and practices, natural resources and conservation concerns.
Terrace/Waterway Design and Construction
Whether you are receiving financial assistance for erosion control practices or not, we can assist with designing and staking out of terraces and waterways. We assist with MILES of terrace construction each year!
Livestock Grazing and Watering Systems
Rely on our years of expertise to help you design the most workable and efficient grazing system for your livestock operation. Watch the website and our Facebook page for field day opportunities and tire tank demonstrations.
Pond Reclamation
We are unable to provide financial assistance for pond clean-out but we can take a look at your problem pond and provide recommendations.
Vegetation Establishment
Whether you are working to establish a stand of native grasses and wildflowers or cool season brome, we can help you determine timing of planting, weed control regimen and brush management. You can also purchase native plant seed from us in custom or CRP mixes.
Growing in High Tunnels
Visit our Urban Ag Project page for more specifics on high tunnel resources.
Terrace/Waterway Design and Construction
Whether you are receiving financial assistance for erosion control practices or not, we can assist with designing and staking out of terraces and waterways. We assist with MILES of terrace construction each year!
Livestock Grazing and Watering Systems
Rely on our years of expertise to help you design the most workable and efficient grazing system for your livestock operation. Watch the website and our Facebook page for field day opportunities and tire tank demonstrations.
Pond Reclamation
We are unable to provide financial assistance for pond clean-out but we can take a look at your problem pond and provide recommendations.
Vegetation Establishment
Whether you are working to establish a stand of native grasses and wildflowers or cool season brome, we can help you determine timing of planting, weed control regimen and brush management. You can also purchase native plant seed from us in custom or CRP mixes.
Growing in High Tunnels
Visit our Urban Ag Project page for more specifics on high tunnel resources.
Financial Assistance
We aim to serve as a clearinghouse for many different sources of financial assistance for landowners, farmers and ranchers who wish to implement conservation practices. For more than 70 years the district has been the local conduit for Federal Farm Bill programs. We also administer state water plan funds and EPA Clean Water Act Funds through the Hillsdale Watershed Restoration program. We partner with other agencies to accomplish conservation goals as well, so never hesitate to contact us with your project idea.
Conservation and Environmental Education Programs
|
We offer an expanding array of conservation education programs throughout Miami County and the Hillsdale Lake Watershed. Topics available for grades 5-12 include:
Watershed Dynamics 25-40 minute unit with stream trailer (requires water/electricity sources). Subtopics include streambank erosion, deposition, riparian protection, sedimentation of reservoirs, non-point source pollution. Native Plants and Pollinators 40+ minute unit that may culminate in students planting their own pollinator garden or starting their own plants from seed. Secrets of Soil 40+ minute unit that may be customized for any subtopics that teachers wish. Examples include soil erodibility, soil biology, mineral content and soil color (painting with soils). This unit may include use of our soil tunnel trailer (subject to availability). Think Global 40+ minute unit using our 20 foot, to-scale, inflatable earth balloon. Customizable to many geography lessons including migration, oceans, climate change and more. Watershed Streams Week-long unit that culminates in stream-side water quality monitoring. Subtopics include impacts of land use on watershed, water chemistry, pollutant sources, watershed delineation using topo maps, macroinvertebrates. Earth Day Festival Each spring, we host Earth Day festivals for county fifth grades, with hands-on learning experiences related to soil conservation, native plants and trees, water pollution, local wildlife, air quality and more. Programs should be requested as far in advance as possible by contacting Suzie@miamicountycd.com. Many educational tools and staff are booked several months in advance. |
Volunteer OpportunityWe are always looking for bright and engaged volunteers to assist with our education programs. Perhaps you have a background in one of the topics that we offer or perhaps you are interested in learning more about our local natural resources so that you can share your knowledge with others. Let us know how you can help!
Teacher ResourceS...
|