2025

“I usually have to go out and find the gullies, try to smooth them out so we can at least cross them with the planter,” he explained. “There were no gullies in those traditional spots. The residue, the additional residue and the additional root structure from the previous year’s covers were enough to sustain and hold that soil where we wanted it.” 

Advice for other farmers: Start small, stay committed 

Erik’s story is one of perseverance and adaptation. His advice to other farmers considering cover crops is to start small and be patient with the learning curve. “Sometimes we get lucky, and sometimes we don’t. But you kind of have to stay committed to doing it,” he said. 

By embracing innovation and being willing to adjust practices based on real-world results, Erik Fisher has built a system that not only works for his operation but also benefits the environment. 

His journey serves as an inspiration for farmers looking to make conservation practices a lasting part of their farm management. 

For more information on how cover crops can benefit your farm, reach out to the Delaware County Soil & Water Conservation District. Their team can provide guidance, resources, and support to help you implement conservation practices that work for your land and your bottom line. 

My love for nature started at a young age. My father is an avid fisherman/hunter and my grandmother worked for our local recycling district as an advocate for keeping my hometown clean. My mother is very involved in the animal rescue scene, so I’m a huge animal lover as well. Caring for the world around me was ingrained into my life from the very start. 

Before college, I was conflicted on what to major in, until I went on my senior trip to Glacier National Park in Montana. I realized then, after seeing the beauty of a National Park, that I wanted to devote my life to protecting our planet, and the people that live here. 

I strongly believe that everyone deserves the right to have access to clean water, air, and land. I am a strong believer in the phrase “Think Globally, Act Locally.” 

I’m looking forward to accelerating my GIS skills to assist landowners in Delaware County, educate the public on natural resource conservation, and create conservation plans to promote sustainable agriculture practices. I am excited to teach the public about the importance of carrying out sustainable land management to keep Delaware County’s soil and water clean. 

One of the larger projects I am taking on in my role is completing Delaware County’s drainage mapping. The purpose of this project is to gather data to help reduce sediment and pesticide runoff in the various rivers/streams throughout the county. This service will help landowners in Delaware county immensely. I can’t wait to be a part of this project and organization! 

Blunt-leaved privet flowers in late spring with short panicles of white flowers that are often dense and unpleasantly fragrant. The fruit is shiny and blue-black with a white waxy bloom, smaller than ¼ inch in diameter that ripens in the fall and persists into the following Spring. 

Privet leaves are opposite, simple, oblong, 1 to 2 inches long, dark green above and lighter below with a rounded or blunt tip and base. The bark is smooth and gray with scattered lenticles. 

2024

Delaware County Soil & Water Conservation District 68th Annual Dinner Meeting

Thursday, February 27, 2025, 6:30 pm

The Delaware County SWCD invites you to join us for an evening of camaraderie, learning, and community spirit at our Annual Meeting. Enjoy a delicious dinner, friendly conversation with fellow conservation enthusiasts, and the chance to win exciting door prizes.

Reservations are just $10 per person and can be made by stopping by our office or mailing a check to 3641 N Briarwood Lane, Muncie, IN 47304. Please reserve your spot by Friday, February 17, 2024.

Jamie will rotate between her assigned offices to provide assistance regularly and attend monthly board meetings. Additionally, she will participate in IASWCD and NRCS activities and outreach like workshops, CRP initiatives, state meetings, and other public outreach. This is a grant-funded position that will run through 2028 with plans for renewal. Jamie looks forward to learning more about each of her counties and how she can best serve them - especially in bringing over ideas from her districts into others to improve each county’s successes.

Tree of Heaven was originally introduced in the United States in the late 1700s and rapidly spread throughout the continent, establishing its strong presence today. In Indiana, Tree of Heaven is almost always present along railroad tracks but is also present in residential, recreational, and commercial areas. They spread quickly because of their proficient production of seeds and root suckers along with their release of a toxin that inhibits the growth of other plants - crushing their competition. Most native insects will not feed on Tree of Heaven because of its bitterness, so their crowding-out of other plant species severely undermines the food chains of many ecosystems.

In the long term, amended soils have the potential to boost soil and plant health, reduce pathogens and infestations, increase carbon sequestration, and improve soil integrity. Soil amendments have the potential to turn unproductive soil into a productive garden with proper management and patience. 

Some plots of land are eligible for a program through the Natural Resources Conservation Society (NRCS). The Soil Carbon Amendment program is code 336 of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) which seeks to support land managers in adopting conservation practices.

The NRCS will help cover the cost of soil carbon amendments in areas with identified natural resource concerns.

This would entail a soil test during the application process to establish eligibility and then continued soil tests throughout the amendment process to ensure their effectiveness.

The payment rate depends on the area of treatment and type of amendment - compost, biochar, or a mix. For a small operation applying compost, you could receive $38.92/per 1,000 sq ft up to a maximum of 1 acre ($1,750).

Reach out to your local NRCS agent to see what options are available for your land and to begin the application process!

NRCS Practice Highlight: Mulching (Practice Code 484)

Many urban and small farms use multiple types of mulch. This may be a combination of natural and/or synthetic mulches. Mulching can increase soil health over time by protecting the soil and increasing soil organic matter.

Mulches are effective alone, but when used with other practices such as cover cropping and reduced tillage, overall soil health will improve more rapidly. Mulches applied to the soil surface will help retain soil moisture and improve irrigation water use efficiency. Mulches are effective at weed suppression and can improve overall plant productivity and health.

Natural mulches commonly include straw, hay, compost, composted leaves, woodchips, and cover crop residue. Other biodegradable natural materials such as grass clippings, wool, sawdust, paper, newsprint, and cardboard may also be used as mulches. A range of natural mulches have diverse uses in production and non-production areas on any size farm and are widely applicable. The two most common synthetic materials used in farm settings are plastic mulch and landscaping fabric.

Invasive Species Highlight: Garlic Mustard

Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is a cool- season, biennial, herbaceous plant that typically grows up to 3’ tall.

 It was introduced from Europe for culinary and medicinal uses. It quickly spreads in disturbed habitats, preferring moist, shaded woodlands but tolerant of all but the wettest, driest, and most acidic habitats. 

Garlic mustard is thought to be successful at least in part due to its allelopathy and the absence of co-evolved predators and pests in North America. It also produces an alkaloid which gives the leaves a distinct garlic odor. It is widespread through the state.

First Steps Application

Apply for some FREE, expert consultation about how YOUR SPECIFIC PROPERTY can benefit from conservation programs.

Unlock the potential of your land in Blackford and Delaware County

First Steps in Conservation Planning is a FREE program through a partnership with the Blackford and Delaware County Soil & Water Conservation Districts to give property owners the information they need to begin the conservation planning process.

1. With your permission, a program specialist from the SWCD with examine your property to document site features and land use in a map-based portfolio. 

2. The specialist will develop a tentative plan that outlines different ways to make improvements and farm more efficiently based on soil types, slopes, and other variables. 

3. The specialist will visit with you and discuss the data and preliminary suggestions and then work with you to select and define your personal objectives. 

4. The SWCD will direct you to the people and programs who can help you find ways to pay for and implement the plans suggestions. 

2023

Reforestation is for the Birds - and a Whole lot More by Nick Werner

Delaware County’s John Newby has loved forests since childhood, when he spent countless hours in his neighbors woods. 

Several trips to rain forests in Ecuador and Peru as an adult further strengthened his passion for tree- covered landscapes and the wildlife that they support. So, 11 years ago, Newby decided to create more forest on his own, retiring 6 acres of farmland on his rural property and planting hardwoods. 

“I don’t really have any commercial interest plans in harvesting the timber, although my descendants might, but mainly just wanted to “grow my own forest” and provide wildlife habitats,” he said. 

Newby also serves on the Board of Supervisors for the Delaware County Soil & Water Conservation District (DCSWCD). Promoting timber management and conservation forestry is one of the primary objectives of First Steps, a free program through the DCSWCD to give property owners the information they need to begin the conservation planning process.

You can learn more about First Steps at conservationplan.org. 

When it comes to forestry, First Steps’ goal is two- fold -- to encourage landowners to begin actively managing existing forestland for timber and wildlife habitat and to encourage landowners to retire marginal farm ground and reforest it, just like Newby did. 

A changed landscape 

Before European settlement, Delaware County was almost entirely forested, part of a vast hardwood ecosystem that covered most of the Midwest and Eastern United States. Now, about 3 percent of the county remains forested, much of it in small, disconnected fragments. 

Indiana, as a whole, was about 85 percent forested, with prairie covering northwestern Indiana and scattered in pockets throughout the rest of the state. Right now, the state is about 20 percent forested, according to Dan Shaver, Indiana State Forester with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.

“Even though we may lose forestland to development or row-crop agriculture, we’re reforesting acres every year,” he explained. 

The federal government’s interest in reforesting land isn’t about recreating a lost moment in our region’s natural history. It’s about balancing society’s current needs while also limiting soil erosion, improving water quality, supporting wildlife, and creating clean air for us to breath. 

In Indiana, 96 percent of land is privately owned, so almost all conservation victories happen on private land.

There are many reasons private landowners embark on reforestation, Shaver said. 

Some are simply tired of farming marginal ground and pouring time, money, and resources into land that is too steep or too soggy. Others are getting out of the livestock business and no longer want to maintain pastureland. 

Some are motivated to create more hunting or birdwatching opportunities, or they want to do their part to sequester carbon and reduce impacts from climate change. 

Rarely is timber harvesting a primary motivator, since a harvest would likely not happen in the landowner’s life. From reforestation to first harvest is typically between 30 and 70 years, Shaver said. 

“It’s very much a mix of those different objectives,” Shaver said. “And one of the things we stress when working with private landowners is understanding what their objectives are for their land.” 

For landowners interested in wildlife, the benefits are almost immediate. “Within just a, a year or two of planting trees, you’re going to have songbirds show up and start utilizing that habitat,” Shaver said.

Federal programs available 

Indiana farmers interested in reforesting their farmland can take advantage of several federal programs that provide financial incentives and technical assistance. 

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) offers incentives to landowners for establishing long- term conservation practices on eligible land. 

Through the CRP and CREP, farmers can receive upfront financial assistance for the cost of reforestation and also receive annual payments to help offset the loss of income from farming the ground. The program typically lasts 10-15 years. 

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) also administered by the USDA, provides financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers who implement conservation practices on their land. EQIP offers cost-sharing for activities such as reforestation, tree planting, and forest management planning. By participating in EQIP, farmers can receive financial support to establish or enhance forested areas on their farmland, improving overall environmental sustainability. 

It’s crucial for farmers interested in participating in federal programs for reforestation purposes to consult with their local Soil & Water Conservation District office or USDA office. They will provide specific information on the current guidelines, eligibility requirements, and program priorities for enrollment in their area. 

“I think one of the great first steps is going to your county’s Soil and Water Conservation District and having a conversation with those local individuals,” Shaver said. “They are in the county, they’re part of the community.” 

It takes some effort 

One misconception about reforestation is that you can just quit farming or grazing livestock and let nature take its course, Shaver said.

The problem with that strategy is that your land could quickly become overrun with weeds and other non- native invasive species. Eventually, native tree species with seeds that are easily carried by wind, species such as yellow poplar and red maple, may blow in and establish a foothold. But your young forest will be lacking diversity. 

“We try to plant a mix of native hardwood seedlings,” Shaver said. “We plant a lot of oaks and hickories and walnuts and pecans. Some of these species that have bigger heavier seeds that have a hard time finding their way from adjacent forests.” 

Newby said invasive vegetation continues to try to make inroads into his woods, even after 11 years. This last fall he took out large amounts of bush honeysuckle and treated the stumps with an herbicide to discourage it from growing back.

He also battles multiflora rose, Canadian thistles, autumn olives, and even native invasives such as eastern red cedar trees. 

“It’s kind of like whack-a-mole” he said. 

As his forest grows up and the mature trees create a canopy and a shady understory, the battle against invasives should become more manageable. Nonetheless, Newby said the project has been well worth it. 

“We’re pretty pleased with our six acres of forest,” he said. “I’ve got a nice hiking trail cut through it. Our dogs love to take a walk through there and go crazy with all of the wildlife scents.”

Ivy Tech STEM Camp

We were thrilled to be able to share our Augmented Reality Sandbox at this year’s Ivy Tech Community College Girls STEM Camp! What a great way to promote STEM education among girls and inspire the local community. Thank you to all the dedicated organizers and enthusiastic attendees! Learn more about the AR Sandbox at https://www. delawarecountyinswcd.org/projects/the-ar-sandbox

White River Clean Up

Join us September 16th for the White River Clean Up, an annual event hosted by both Muncie-Delaware Clean and Beautiful and the Muncie Sanitary District. The White River Clean-Up has removed tons of trash and hundreds of tires from the river. The Clean-Up is organized and driven by community volunteers.

Your Local SWCD by OrangeWave Creative Media

Local videographer Mikey Skoglund has created an overview video for the Soil and Water Conservation District. Check out the video on Facebook! 

The Soil and Water Conservation District is a subdivision of local government in Delaware County. Our primary purpose is to protect and improve natural resources within our community. Given that our soil and water resources plays a crucial role in the health of our rural economies, food and energy systems, and overall quality of life in Delaware County, we are dedicated to providing property owners with the necessary resources they need to effectively and sustainably manage their land. 

The District’s operations are overseen by an elected Board of Supervisors consisting of agricultural producers, rural business owners, and local experts that volunteer their time to improve our community. 

In 2019 the District helped to keep 16 million pounds of soil out of our local streams, 10 times more than in 2014. These actions help conserve farm ground, which is one of our most valuable economic resources.

In 2020, Delaware County Farmers implemented sustainable practices on 20,000 acres to prevent erosion and filter runoff, a 700% increase from 2016. The impact of practices like winter cover crops is cleaner water for both wildlife and Delaware County residents. 

Since 2019 three dangerous and unnatural low-head dams were removed or modified on the White River, which has led to safer recreational access to the White River. 

In the last 20 years the District has raised five million dollars in funding which has been reinvested into the county, helping hundreds of small business owners that make up our local agricultural economy. 

The District partners with organizations like the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Farm Service Agency, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Purdue Extension, and numerous local foundations. We collaborate to implement key initiatives.

Although there are many funding programs available to assist property owners in understanding and implementing sustainable land management practices, the extensive paperwork required to initiate the programs may be overwhelming for some individuals. 

So the District started a free program that gives landowners information they need to begin the conservation planning process. 

Once given permission by a landowner, a program specialist from the District examines the land and documents site features to develop a tentative plan to improve the water and soil health through different sustainable practices. 

Then the specialist meets with the landowner to go over the plan and find specific goals based on what the landowner wants to do. After that, the District will direct the landowner to people who can help with funding and educating on how to best implement the conservation plan.

We’re also committed to making the public aware of the importance of maintaining healthy soil and water in our area. We’ve hosted several events open to the public with keynote speakers sharing their expertise on sustainable practices. We’ve produced numerous videos and news articles promoting these practices and have worked to keep our website and social media pages up to date to keep the public more informed and engaged in what we’re doing. 

The health of our community’s natural resources is an essential part of the well-being of Delaware County and its citizens. 

The Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District in partnership with our rural community is making big strides towards a brighter future, but we must continue to reach more landowners and grow participation in our programs. We have an opportunity to become a state and Regional leader in the conservation of our natural resources. We hope you will join us in sustaining the health of our county’s soil and water now and for generations to come.

66th Annual Meeting Report

Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District 66th Annual Dinner Meeting was held February 23, 2023 at the Knights of Columbus Family Center. 

Chairman Erik Fisher opened the meeting, welcomed guests, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and introduced District staff and partners present. Vice-Chairman Joe Hamilton gave the invocation. The dinner was catered by Grand Grilling. 

Treasurer John Newby introduced Jeremy Russell as the Supervisor nominee named by the election committee. He then opened the nominations to the floor. Being none, a motion was made from the floor to close the election, this was seconded, and passed. Being the only nominee, Jeremy was re-elected as Supervisor by a show of hands. John administered the Oath of Office. 

David Heilman gave a presentation regarding the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) 205j White River grant held by the SWCD.

Colby Gray followed, presenting information about the SWCD’s First Steps in Conservation Planning Program, made possible through the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD). Clair Burt introduced the keynote speaker for the evening, Dr. Bangshuai Han, Associate Professor of Water Resources in the Department of Environment, Geology, and Natural Resources at Ball State University. Dr. Han spoke about the water quality of the White River, explained ways that both rural and urban communities impact water quality, and also discussed the effects of climate change on the water quality of the White River. 

Door prizes were handed out at the end of meeting. Erik made closing remarks and invited guests to experience the District’s Augmented Reality Sandbox as they departed. Erik thanked Jesse Landess, who was present, for raising funds to purchase the sandbox in memory of past SWCD Chairman, Ron Orebaugh. Following these closing remarks, the meeting was adjourned.

2023 Delaware County Farm Festival

As Susan Orebaugh noted on Facebook, a dream was finally realized at the Delaware County Farm Fest this March. Although it was the second time the Delaware County SWCD had an augmented reality (AR) sandbox at Farm Fest, it was the first time the District’s own AR sandbox was displayed. 

In addition to sand, an AR sandbox is made with a 3D camera, a computer equipped with special software, and a projector. It can be used to educate about many things, including topography, geography, contour lines, rivers, mountains, volcanoes, etc. 

Back in 2018, the District borrowed an AR sandbox from Elkhart County SWCD to display at Farm Fest. Susan’s husband, District Chairman Ron Orebaugh, was thrilled with this educational tool and the public’s response to it.

 As Susan continued in her Facebook post, “Ron had a desire to have an AR sandbox available for educational purposes for schools or groups to utilize.

Sadly, he passed away (in 2019) before his dream could become a reality. Thanks to his friend Jesse Landess who worked tirelessly to secure donations in Ron’s memory, a ‘sandbox’ was purchased...” 

Once again, Farm Fest visitors were mesmerized and delighted by this colorful, interactive, 3D, education tool. Both children and adults were amazed to see the lines and colors projected on the sand change as they moved the sand around. 

Moving the sandbox requires some heavy-lifting and a pickup truck. District Project Manager Colby Gray has been providing transportation for the sandbox, with District Director Clair Burt providing instruction and demonstrations. The next stop for the District’s AR sandbox will be Ivy Tech’s Girls STEM Camp this June.

Learn more at: https://www.delawarecountyinswcd.org/projects/the-ar-sandbox

Cover Cropping Spring Management Practices Event

The SWCD hosted Cover Crop Spring Management Practices on March 30th from 9am-noon at the Delaware County Fairgrounds. 

Barry Fisher, who was recognized as one of the 25 Living Legends of No-till at the 2017 National No-till Conference, gave the opening presentation. In addition to operating a grain and livestock farm in West-Central Indiana, Barry is a distinguished conservationist who served for 39 years in the USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), where his roles included State Soil Health Specialist, State Agronomist, and State Conservation Tillage Coordinator. Barry’s presentation focused on rebuilding soil health and function with cover crops, with an emphasis on springtime strategies to avoid circumstances that may limit successful integration, and management to optimize benefits. 

He emphasized that successful termination, termination timing, and adaptive nutrient management strategies are key to optimizing the system. 

Following Barry was Jim Hoorman, who presented on the topics of soil ecology, nutrient cycling, improving soil structure, and reducing soil compaction. Jim farms in western Ohio and has worked for both Ohio State Extension and the NRCS. While working for Extension, Jim’s wrote several factsheets pertaining to the topics discussed during his presentation, as well as others. During his time as a National Soil Health Specialist with the NRCS, he authored several factsheets about controlling slugs and voles in no-till and cover crop situations. All of these factsheets are available on Jim’s website. 

The event ended with a catered lunch. A big thanks to our Board of Supervisors, who helped to plan this event. The event was made possible through a grant from the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD). 

If you were unable to attend the event, but you’re interested in cover crop management, get in touch with us at delcoswcd@gmail.com

Grants Update 

Weed Wrangle 

Delaware County Invasive Plant Partnership (DIPP) partnered with Cardinal Greenways to host its first Weed Wrangle of 2023 at John Craddock Wetland Nature Preserve on April 29th. Volunteers removed invasive species and picked up litter. Invasive species removed were Asian bush honeysuckle, garlic mustard, and dame's rocket. A big thank you to all who participated!

NRCS Practice Highlight - Brush Management

Brush management techniques can be used in forestland to help landowners control invasive woody species problems such as bush honeysuckle, autumn olive, and multiflora rose. 

Woody invasive species are very prolific at seed production and sprouting, and are mostly shade tolerant. 

These characteristics give them a distinct advantage over native species and oftentimes, if not addressed completely, can take over and even replace native plants, trees and shrubs. 

Benefits of brush management: 

• Removes competition so beneficial vegetation can re-establish. 

• Creates desired plant community • Improves wildlife habitat 

• Enhances tree regeneration 

• Increases tree growth and health

There are several forestry conservation practices in addition to brush management that are used in Indiana. 

You can learn more about these practices at https:// www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/conservation- by-state/indiana/forestry-indiana. The above information was taken directly from this website. 

Brush management (practice code 314) is part of the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP). If you are interested in EQIP, contact your local USDA Service Center and let them know. A conservation planner will work with you to determine your eligibility. 

NRCS accepts EQIP applications year-round and funding is provided through a competitive process. State-specific application cutoff dates are set to evaluate applications for funding. If you are new to working with USDA, you will need to establish your Farm Record with the Farm Service Agency (FSA).

Invasive Species Highlight - Dame's Rocket

Dame’s rocket (Hesperis matronalis L.) is one of those invasive plants that are “pretty...awful!” as the Indiana Native Plant Society says. Be on the lookout for its large inflorescences of white, pink, or purple blooms atop tall stems. They are currently blooming in many areas, including along roadsides, forest edges, and drainage ditch- es. This herbaceous plant grows up to four feet tall and blooms from spring to sum- mer, producing a large number of seeds and shading out native vegetation. It was introduced from Europe in the 1600s as an ornamental. Despite being invasive, it is still sometimes included in wildflower seed mixes. 

Here are some more plant ID tips for Dame’s rocket: 

• Its leaves are alternate, lance-shaped, toothed, sessile or with a very short petiole, and have a distinct light green midrib. 

• Because it is a short-lived perennial or biennial, first year leaves are in basal rosettes. 

• Stems are erect, branched at base and top, and hairy. 

• Many seeds are contained in an elongated, slender pod that can be as long as 5 inches. 

Adapted from A Guide to the Regulated Terrestrial Invasive Plant Species of Indiana

Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District 68th Annual Dinner Meeting

Thursday, February 23, 2023, 6:30 pm

Knights of Columbus, 3600 W Purdue, Muncie, IN

Please join us to enjoy dinner, friendly conversation, and door prizes. There will be a brief business meeting to elect one supervisor. Our speaker for the evening will be Dr. Bangshuai Han, Ball State University. Reservations for the evening are $10 per person and can be purchased by stopping by our office or mailing a check to us at 3641 N Briarwood Lane, Muncie IN 47304. We request reservations be made by Friday, February 17, 2023. Please contact Clair in our office if you have any questions, 765-747-5531 ext. 3 or delcoswcd@gmail.com. Look forward to seeing you there!!

Rye with a side of Legumes by Nick Werner

Cereal rye and annual ryegrass are the standard for Indiana cover crops, but plenty of opportunities exist to experiment.

Delaware County’s Erik Fisher first dipped his toes into the cover crop movement in 2014, planting oats and radishes together on a small percentage of the acreage he farms. Things didn’t turn out as planned. 

The radishes emitted an unpleasant, sulfurous odor as they decomposed, and the oats died over winter, leaving the field barren by spring. 

Fisher, though, was unphased. After all, trial-and- error is simply a part of farming on the cutting edge. 

“We’re always experimenting,” he said. “We are always making tweaks here and there.” 

Since that first year, Fisher has found a method that works, depending heavily on cereal rye and annual ryegrass as his primary cover crops while continuing to experiment by mixing in a variety of supplementary species.

Rye and ryegrass: a track record of success 

It’s an approach that is starting to become more commonplace for corn and soybean farmers in the Midwest, according to Michael O’Donnell, a certified crop advisor with Recovery Agriculture LLC. More specifically, it looks like this: 

• Cereal rye after corn and ahead of next year’s bean crop. 

• Annual ryegrass after beans and ahead of next year’s corn crop. 

Cereal rye and annual ryegrass have become staples of cover crop operations primarily because they are cold- weather (winter annual) species that are winter hardy. They offer many benefits, in that they reduce erosion, help control weeds, contribute to organic matter, and more. 

But they are more than just survivors. These two species also have specific attributes that work well in a corn/ soybean rotation. 

Beans, for example, thrive under high carbon-to- nitrogen ratio conditions, and as cereal rye shifts into stem elongation it shifts to higher C-to-N ratio. 

Conversely, corn requires a lower carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, and annual rye will be more vegetative in the spring prior to corn planting. 

“When it comes to a straight corn/soybean rotation, cereal rye and ryegrass have become go-to species on many farms,” O’Donnell said. “But you can definitely add some diversity in there with a mix.” 

Mix it up with legumes 

After the 2022 soybean harvest, Fisher added crimson clover and hairy vetch into a mix with annual ryegrass.

Both are winter-annual legumes, which fix nitrogen from the atmosphere through symbiotic relationship with ryzhobia bacteria (like soybeans). Other legume cover crops include alfalfa, red clover, sunn hemp, yellow blossom sweetclover, and cowpeas.

Legumes, however, require a bit more planning than cereal rye and annual ryegrass. Typically, they are planted after a soybean harvest in September. 

“They need time to grow to do their thing,” O’Donnell explained. 

You maximize the potential of a legume when you plant it earlier in the fall (ideally before September 15) and terminate it later in the spring (to maximize nitrogen fixation). Strategies for a longer cover crop growing season include: 

• Planting a shorter-season soybean that can be harvested earlier to make room for the cover crop mix. 

• Seeding the cover crop mix into standing soybeans with a high-boy seeder or aerial application. • Planting corn later into the spring. 

• Planting corn “green” into the cover crop prior to termination, giving the cover crop maximum growth time prior to termination. 

Legumes do their best work in spring, as they get closer to flowering. 

“With clover, the closer we get into full flower, we start to see exponential growth in nitrogen fixation,” O’Donnell said. 

Another great supplementary species is rapeseed, a non-legume broadleaf species from the brassica family. While not a legume, rapeseed has a long taproot that also scavenges nitrogen. And it has the added benefit of being a winter-hardy plant. 

Oats and radishes are also a good option, O’Donnell said. And planting with a low-seeding rate of radishes should avoid creating a stink. 

Alternatively, for a cover crop with less management ahead of corn, some farmers work with a simple cover crop mix that winter kills, negating the need for spring cover crop termination.

This could simply be a mix of oats and a low rate of radish, but this does require an early seeding date to give the winter-kill species time to grow in the fall before cold winter temperatures settle in. Ideally, the oats/radish mix would be seeded before September 15. If it’s seeded later, and early cold temperatures set in, the oats and radish will have little time to grow, leaving little residue on the soil surface through the winter. 

More opportunity with wheat and barley 

Some of the more experienced cover croppers are those who work wheat or barley into their cash-crop rotation.

The reason is simple, the wheat and barley harvest is in mid-summer, offering a much longer growing season for cover crops and the opportunity to mix summer annual and winter annual species. 

“There are growers seeding 10 to 16 or more species in a cover crop mix,” O’Donnell said. “But that’s generally where they are planting in the summer after wheat or barley. When we are planting after corn or soybeans, we are going to be much more limited since summer annual cover crop species should be avoided given the fall seeding dates.” 

Because beans and corn are more profitable and grow so well in Indiana, most Hoosier farmers pass on a wheat or barley rotation. 

Nonetheless, there might be time when wheat or barley makes sense. For example, there are seasons when a drainage tiling project or a hog manure application affects a farmer’s ability to plant corn or beans in the spring on a certain field. 

Why not plant wheat in the fall and follow up the next summer with a diverse mix of cover crops? 

“What we are trying to do with cover crops is to get more diversity into the system,” O’Donnell explained. “Different types of plants, different roots, different growing seasons. It all mimics more natural growing systems. We have this living soil, and if we are only growing corn and soybeans, it’s going to really limit the diversity of soil microorganisms.”

Cover crops help us maximize the number of days in the year that we are capturing solar energy, photosynthesizing, and getting carbon into the soil ecosystem, feeding the soil biology. 

In a corn/soybean rotation with no cover crops, we only have plants growing for about four months of the year, with the remaining eight months having no living root of growing plant, essentially starving the soil biology. Plant root exudates feed the biology, building soil organic matter and improving soil health. 

“Why forgo these benefits for over half the year?” O’Donnell said. “If you owned a manufacturing facility, would it be a wise business decision to idle the facility for eight months of the year?” 

In a corn/soybean rotation with no cover crops, that’s essentially what we’re doing with our soil resource. 

Never settle for status quo 

Long-term planning based on research and best practices is critical to cover crop success. But as is the case with cash crops, cover crop farming operates at the whims of Mother Nature. In some years, weather and other circumstances are as influential as choosing the right cover crop. 

When Fisher added hairy vetch and crimson clover in fall 2022, the region was in the midst of a dry spell. His cover crops didn’t emerge until late October, and he is uncertain about whether they will be mature enough before cold weather arrives to survive winter. 

“It doesn’t matter what practice you have,” he said, “there will be years that are in your favor and years that aren’t.” 

Even so, Fisher isn’t deterred. “My emphasis is to never settle with what you have,” Fisher said. “There’s always something new to learn. There’s always some kind of strip trial going on at our farm. If you are just doing the same thing over and over, you aren’t progressing your operation.”

Election of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors consists of three elected supervisors and two appointed supervisors. These supervisors serve three-year terms, encouraging conservation practices and activities throughout all of Delaware County. An individual of voting age or a representative of a firm, company, or corporation that owns or rents land/property located within the district/county may vote. (Eligible individuals also include the owner and tenant of the same land/property as well as any owner’s or tenant’s spouse.) 

Nominee for the 2023 election is Jeremy Russell of Muncie. In addition to this nominee, nominations may be made from the floor during the election process at the District’s Annual Meeting. 

The election will be held during the District’s Annual Meeting, February 23, 2023. 

The requirements to hold the position of elected supervisor for a Soil and Water Conservation District are stated in Indiana Code 14-32-4-1. 

These requirements include: 

1. Must be an occupier of a tract of land that is located within the district; 

2. Must maintain the individual’s permanent residence within the district; and 

3. Must be qualified by training and experience to perform the duties that this imposes on supervisors. 

The nomination committee is formed by Nov. 1 each year, and consists of three persons, which can include SWCD Supervisors and/ or concerned citizens. This committee determines nominees suitable to be supervisors and forwards those names to the Indiana State Soil Conservation Board by Dec. 1 for approval.

2022

How to get started in Cover Crops by Nick Werner

Curiosity had gotten the best of Delaware County farmer Joe Hamilton. 

Year after year, he had been tilling less and less until by 2017 he wasn’t tilling at all on his 2,500-acre operation. Never one to stop tinkering, Hamilton began to look for a new opportunity to shake things up on the farm, to test variables and inputs and optimize outcomes. So, he began experimenting with cover crops. 

“I’m an outlier in my area,” Hamilton said. “People drive by and probably wonder what I’m doing. But it works for me.” 

The benefits of cover crops are numerous. They suppress weeds, improve water infiltration for cash crops, break up compacted soil and introduce more organic matter into the earth. For the farmer, this means having soils that actually improve over time, with less investment in fertilizer and herbicide. 

Cover crop proponents report that their businesses are more stable, more self-sufficient, and better insulated against wild fluctuations in weather and markets. 

Additionally, there is a peace-of-mind element to knowing you are limiting your impact on the environment.

Like any new endeavor, diving into cover crops requires farmers to think differently and reconsider old ways that have generations of inertia. It’s a challenge, but like all challenges, it’s also rewarding. And, Hamilton and others are more than willing to share their advice on how to get started.

Get Connected

If you are considering joining the fellowship of cover crop farmers, there’s good news. The cover crop community is as welcoming to new folks as a country church potluck. 

No matter where you are, there are likely to be workshops, conferences, field days, and more. Hamilton suggests the National No-Tillage Conference, which takes place every year in January, as a great place to start.

Another Delaware County farmer, Jeremy Russell, got started in cover crops after attending a field day at the pioneering Dave Brandt farm in Ohio. Brandt has been planting cover crops since the 1970s. 

“There are a lot of other guys across the corn belt who are experimenting,” Russell said. “There is a network of people who you can bounce ideas off each other. Everyone is very encouraging.” 

The best places to learn about these opportunities are your local Soil & Water Conservation District, your Extension Office, and the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. 

In addition to being a resource of technical know- how, the NRCS offers financial support as well through cost-share programs like EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program). 

You can also talk to your neighbors near and far in online forums such as the Facebook Group “Everything Cover Crops,” listen to podcasts such as “Cover Crop Strategies” and read books by farmer/authors such as Gabe Brown.

Start Small and Simple 

Like any new venture, your chances of failure are highest in your first year and reduce each year as you gain more experience and knowledge. 

With that in mind, Hamilton suggests not risking a whole lot in year one. In his first year with cover crops, he planted just 100 acres, and picked a field that had average productivity, with the idea that an average field made for a good baseline. 

Nonetheless, you could start just about anywhere, as long as you start small. 

“Five-percent of your operation is a good target,” Hamilton said. “If you don’t risk a lot, you won’t be too upset if it fails. That goes with about anything new as a farmer.” 

Hamilton also suggest keeping your cover crop strategy simple at first. 

One good option is planting cereal rye after corn and before soybeans using a no-till drill. Cereal rye is perhaps the most forgiving of all cover crops because it is so hardy. You can plant it all the way through the end of November. Freezing temps won’t kill it, and it will continue to grow on days where temperatures exceed 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

When it comes to all cover crops, cereal rye included, the earlier you can plant it the better. 

“Every day in September is worth five days in October,” Hamilton said. “The later in the year you plant the less growth you get.” 

Strong growth is critical in allowing the cover crops to do their work. 

Because cereal rye over-winters, you’ll have to spray it to terminate growth before planting your cash crop. If spraying is not an option for you, an alternative is to plant oats and radishes, which will die on their own before the cash-crop-planting season. Oats and radishes, however, should be planted by September 15 to allow growth before a killing frost. 

And, finally, if no-till drilling is not a good option for you, an alternative is to have your seed broadcast from above by airplane, which costs about $15 an acre plus seed, Hamilton said. 

One advantage of aerial broadcast application is that you can conduct it earlier in the season, before harvest of your cash crops. 

“If you are happy with that first year, then explore more species and grow your acreage,” Hamilton said.

Set a goal 

Cover crops are a big science experiment with plenty of variables. 

“Everything is so regionalized. What works for a grower 60 miles from here may not work well here,” Jeremy Russell said. 

Like any science experiment, you need a hypothesis to test, or a goal to strive toward. Having a hypothesis or goal gives you the incentive you need to tweak operations when things aren’t going well. 

Russell’s long-term hypothesis is that the organic matter in his soil will improve over time with cover crops. He hopes to achieve about 5.5 percent organic matter. His soils are trending in the right direction, although he knows achieving his goal will take years. 

“If you never start down that road, you’ll never get there,” he said. “It’s a long slow grind that picks up speed.”

While long-term goals are important, having a short- term goal as well can help build momentum and keep you energized. They satisfy the human desire for instant or near-instant gratification.

“The easiest one is probably weed pressure,” Hamilton said. “The first year you’ll see a reduction in weed pressure. If you have a dense cover crop growing you won’ see as many weeds coming up.” Within 2-3 years, you should be seeing better nutrient availability which should allow you to begin dialing down your fertilizer applications. 

Take the first step 

Even within the framework laid out in this article, there are many ways to tailor cover crops to your specific operation. 

No matter how you decide to tackle cover crops, the most important thing, according to Hamilton and Russell, is to just do it. “Get your feet wet and let your experiences guide you,” Russell said. 

If you’d like to get your feet wet in cover crops, a good first step is to learn more about the Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation’s First Steps program. See information below and contact our office for more information.

Albany Elementary Community Garden Update

A rain barrel, gardening tools, and a sign were delivered to Albany Elementary in September. The sign, reading “Albany Elementary Community Garden” in the school’s colors, will be mounted on the fence surrounding the garden. Students from several classes joined in. The rain barrel was installed, and teacher Sarah Parker explained to students how it will work. Funding for the garden project was generously provided by a Ball Brothers Foundation grant awarded to the SWCD.

2022 Tree Sale

Tree Sale brochures are available! To receive a brochure, call 765-747-5531 ext 3, stop by our office, email delcoswcd@gmail.com, or visit our website: www.delawarecountyinswcd.org. Orders with payment (cash or check only) are due Aug. 12. Trees will be available for pickup Sept 22 and 23 - 8am to 4pm. If you are thinking of ordering trees, shrubs, etc. this year, REMEMBER -- “Indiana 811 - Know What’s Below - Call Before You Dig”. Call 811 or 800-382-5544, or visit: https://indiana811.org/homeowners.

NRCS Program Highlight

The NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) helps you build on your existing conservation efforts while strengthening your operation. Whether you are looking to improve grazing conditions, increase crop resiliency, or develop wildlife habitat, we can custom design a CSP plan to help you meet those goals. We can help you identify natural resource problems in your operation and provide technical and financial assistance to solve those problems or attain higher stewardship levels in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner. For example, we can look at ways to address the amount of soil lost; mitigate the impact of excess water; reduce the contribution of agricultural operations to airborne soil particles and greenhouse gas emissions; improve the cover, food, and water available for domestic and wildlife species; or promote energy efficiencies for on-farm activities. If you are already taking steps to improve the condition of the land, chances are CSP can help you find new ways to meet your goals. Contact our office to learn more and to start the enrollment process.

Drinking Water Sample Completed

Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District has recently completed its free drinking water well sampling for homeowners in Delaware County. We are so grateful for the past support of this program from our local foundations! 

If you are interested in information about drinking water sampling, please contact us at 765-747-5531 ext 3 or delcoswcd@gmail.com. We would be happy to connect you with local companies that provide this service.

65th Annual Dinner Meeting 

Thursday, February  17, 2022, 6:30 pm

Please join us to enjoy dinner, friendly conversation, and door prizes. There will be a brief business meeting to elect one supervisor (see nominee on page 2). Our speaker for the evening will be Jeff Boyer, Davis Purdue Ag Center. Reservations for the evening are $10 per person and can be purchased by stopping by our office or mailing a check to us at 3641 N Briarwood Lane, Muncie IN 47304.

Delaware County SWCD Election of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors consists of three elected supervisors and two appointed supervisors. These supervisors serve three year terms, encouraging conservation practices and activities throughout all of Delaware county. An individual of voting age or a representative of a firm, company, or corporation that owns or rents land/property located within the district/county may vote. (Eligible individuals also include the owner and tenant of the same land/property as well as any owner's or tenant's spouse.) 

Nominee for the 2022 election is Joe Hamilton of Muncie. In addition to this nominee, nominations may be made from the floor during the election process at the District's Annual Meeting. The election will be held during the District's Annual Meeting, February 17, 2022

2022 Nominee for Supervisor

Joe Hamilton has been farming full time in southern Delaware County since 2015. His family raises corn and soybeans while focusing on improving soil health through conservation practices. He has transitioned the operation to no-till, implemented cover crops, and sought other innovative ways to increase output. 

Prior to returning to the family farm, he was an engineer in automotive design and electronics packaging industries and has degrees in mechanical engineering and product development from Purdue, Michigan, and Northwestern. 

Joe and his wife, Kirstin, have one daughter, Grace. Joe has served as a Soil and Water Conservation Supervisor since 2020. He is the current Vice Chariman. 

Grants Update

2019 Clean Water Indiana (CWI) 

This grant is now complete. Through this grant, Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District provided financial and technical assistance to producers planting cover crops in Delaware county. 

While we weren't able to hold as many educational events as hoped, due to COVID, we did discuss the benefits of cover crops with several producers one-on-one and consider this grant a success. 

This grant was provided through the Indiana State Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Division Clean Water Indiana program. This program provides grants for sediment and nutrient reduction projects, which will also improve soil health and water quality.

Stoney Creek Feasibility Study 

This grant through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) program has also been completed.

This study covered 10.5 miles of Stoney Creek within Delaware, Randolph, and Henry counties. Ninety-six sites were visited and evaluated. Based on these evaluations, nineteen areas of concern were identified. Six of the most severe were selected for conceptual design.

During this study's development, two public meetings were held to update landowners along the Stoney Creek on the progress and to learn of their concerns.

Indiana American Water Dam Modification

This grant is also through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) program. It provides for the construction of a rock riffle over the low head dam on the southeast side of Muncie. This riffle will provide safer recreational passage, while also enhancing fish and aquatic life passage and habitat.

All required permitting has been received and an access road has been established. Request for Proposals have been sent to contractors for bids. We expect construction to be completed in 2022.

Matching funds for this work have been kindly provided by Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Foundation, Inc.

Upper White River Watershed 205j 

This grant was awarded by the Indiana Department of Environmental Mangement (IDEM) to create a watershed management plan (WMP). Counties involved in this watershed are Delaware, Madison, and Randolph. 

Water from the Upper White River has been sampled monthly, beginning in March 2021. This sampling process will be completed in March 2022. The samples are examined by the Muncie Bureau of Water Quality. Additionally, macro-invertebrate sampling was completed in August. 

Other components of this grant are educational events and social media posts. Quarterly reports are sent to IDEM, showing the progress of the WMP and activites completed. IDEM provides guidance and suggestions throughout the life of the grant. 

This grant continues through November 2023. 

High Street Dam Feasibility Study

This is another grant through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) program.

High Street Dam 

This study is underway to determine if the dam can be safely removed, if it is better to modify the dam, or leave as is. 

This study will include considerations for the High Street Bridge piers, the Wheeling Avenue Levee, and utility lines that traverse the river. It will also consider projected maintenance issues of the dam, as well as the deterioration of the riverbank, and driftwood/debris deposition that continually occurs.

Ball Brothers Foundation has provided matching funds for this study. 

NRCS Practice Code 595 - Prest Management Conservation System

This Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) practice is defined as a system that combines an integrated pest management (IPM) decision-making process with natural resource conservation to address pest and environmental impacts. 

This practice is used to accomplish one or more of the following purposes: 

1) reduce plant pest pressure

2) reduce injury to beneficial organisms 

3) reduce transport of pesticides to surface and ground water 

4) reduce emissions of particulate matter (PM) and PM precursors (chemical droplet drift), and/or 

5) reduce emissions of ozone precursors (pesticide volatilizations). 

This practice applies on lands where pests are managed using crop-specific IPM systems, developed by a land grant university (LGU) or science based IPM professional guidance.

Targeted pests may include plants, insects, and/or pathogens.

To learn more about this practice or any other NRCS practice, contact your local NRCS District Conservationist.

2021

2021 Tree Sale

Thanks to our customers, we had another very successful tree sale. This year we had a tie for most popular item. White Oak tree and Heritage raspberry each had 13 orders. Second was Red Oak tree with 11 requests, third was Allegheny Serviceberry tree with 10 requests and fourth was Paw Paw tree with 9 ordered. 

We're very happy to be able to offer this service to our community and look forward to seeing our repeat customers and meeting new customers each year.

NRCS Practice Code 360 - Waste Facility Closure 

This Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) practice is defined for the decommissioning of a facility where agricultural waste has been treated or stored and is no longer used for the intended purpose. 

The purpose of the practice may be applied as part of a resource management system to support one or more of the following purposes: a) protect the quality of surface water and groundwater resources, b) mitigate air emissions, c) eliminate a safety hazard for humans and livestock, and d) safeguard the public health. 

This practice applies to agricultural waste impoundments that are no longer needed as a part of a waste management system and are to be permanently closed or converted for another use. These facilities include liquid/dry waste storage facilities, confined animal housing, feedlots, livestock yards, or composting facilities.

This practice applies where impoundments that will be converted to fresh water storage meet the current NRCS conservation practice standard to which the impoundment is proposed to be converted. This practice applies to remediation of soil contaminated by agricultural wastes that have been stored or treated on-site. 

This practice does not apply to sites contaminated by materials that require the issuance of hazardous waste permit, such as fuel or pesticides. Additionally, this standard does not address the cleanup or remediation of exisiting groundwater pollution problems caused by the waste impoundment. 

This practice does not apply to the demolition of components such as confined animal housing, feedbunks, or fencing. Please see Practice Code (500) Obstruction Removal for this purpose. Nor does it apply to an agricultural waste facility that will be expanded or rehabiliated. For these purposes, please see Practice Code (313) Waste Storage Facility or Practice Code (359) Waste Treatment Lagoon. For more information regarding this practice, contact your local NRCS District Conservationist.

Delaware County Cover Crop Planting History

Part of every Soil and Water Conservation District responsibilities in Indiana each year is to perform a county wide transect, recording tillage practices and the establishment of planted cover crops. These transects include the same fields each year and the results are reported to the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) for compilation . Following are the acres planted to cover crops we recorded each year: 

2014 - 8,490 acres 

2015 - 4,725 acres

2016 - 797 acres 

2017 - 6,671 acres 

2018 - 9,129 acres 

2019 - 10,041 acres 

2020 - 14,412 acres 

While 2015 and 2016 were down years, this otherwise steady increase in cover crops planted is also an indicator of less tillage being performed, which is an additional improvement for the soil health in the county, reducing soil erosion and providing a positive impact on water quality.

FREE Drinking Water Sampling

Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District is offering free drinking water well sampling for homeowners in Delaware County. If the house has metal pipes, testing will be performed for bacteria, arsenic, lead, copper, and nitrates. If the house has pvc piping, testing will be performed for bacteria, arsenic, and nitrates only. We are scheduling appointments now. Please contact us at 765-747-5531 ext 3 or delcoswcd@gmail.com to be put on our sampling list.

Upper White River Watershed Management Plan (WMP) IDEM 205j Grant Update

This is a grant awarded us by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). We have completed water quality monitoring at thirty-four sites three times to date, across Randolph, Delaware, and Madison counties. There are no patterns in the water data yet, but we look forward to seeing them develop in the next couple of sampling events. 

We also hosted an educational event, Urban and Suburban Landscaping and Fertilizer Use , July 8 at McCulloch Park. This event provided information on native and non-invasive

Tips to reduce your Ecological Footprint

What can you do to help your environment?

It may not be as difficult or time consuming as you might think. There are many simple ways to "make a change".

Some suggestions are: 

Water: turn off taps while brushing teeth or shaving; use a water-saving device such as a water-filled plastic bottle in the toilet cistern to reduce flushing water; use a rain barrel for garden watering, washing the car, etc.; water your garden in the evening to reduce evaporation; take shorter showers; wash full loads in the washing machine on low temperatures. 

Consume Less, Waste Less: try to buy goods with less packaging; recycle paper, plastic, tins, cardboard, and packaging; take your own plastic bags when shopping; compost household waste; pass on or share old clothes and toys to family, friends, or charity shops; remember "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle". 

At Home: grow a garden; sparingly use household and outdoor chemicals and pesticides and always use according to directions; encourage native and wildlife habitat; consider using eco-cleaning agents. For more tips and info visit www.soil-net.com 

Transportation: walk for short journeys; ride a bike; use public transportation; carpool; buy locally grown food. 

Energy: keep heat and air conditioning in by drawing curtains and shutting doors and windows; switch off tv, computers, and lights when not in use; purchase energy-efficient goods.

Women in Agriculture Webinars

The Purdue Extension Women in Agriculture Team offers these webinars as an extension of the Women in Agriculture Conference. Please visit: https://tinyurl.com/WIAWebinars21 for a list of upcoming webinars, as well as a list of recorded webinars available.

Know your Indiana Soils

The United States of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has several resources for you to learn more about our Indiana Soils. 

SoilWeb App - http://casoilresource.lawr.ucdavis.edu/soilweb/ - is a soil survey browser used to access USDA-NRCS detailed soil survey data for most of the United States on all type of devices (desktops, smarthphones, and tablets). 

Web Soil Survey - http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov - features official USDA soil information as viewable maps and tables for more than 2,300 soil surveys. Here you can view soils maps, make thermatic maps, run reports, and view soil survey manuscripts (where available). 

Soils 101 - http://vimeo.com/channels/soils101/videos - is a compliation of fifteen videos featurnig NRCS Soil Scientists. The videos include topics such as Soil Physical Properties, Soil Biology, Soils for Conservationists, Soil Survey, and Soils for Homeowners. 

Geospatial Data Gateway - http://datagateway.nrcs.usda.gov/ - Soils and other GIS layers may be found at this site. 

Soil Data Access - http://sdmdataaccess.nrcs.usda.gov/ - this site offers web services and applications designed for custom requests for soil data. 

Soil Data Viewer - http://soils.usda.gov/sdv/ - this site may be used with ArcGIS software to run tables and make thermatic maps. 

NRCS Soil Health - http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/soils/health - Improving soil health is key to long-term, sustainable agricultural production.

Attention Blackford and Jay County Producers/Landowners - Cost Share Funds Available

Easy Application. Flexible Program,. Pays up to $20/acre. Contact Bettie Jacobs @ 260-726-4888, ext 3015, email: bettie.jacobs@in.nacdnet.net, Karen Kitterman @ 765-348-1404, email: kkitterman@blackfordcounty.in.gov, or Tim Kroeker @ 260-766-1104 email: timkroeker7@gmail.com.

14th Annual White River Clean Up

This year's clean up is in honor of Tony Cecil's memory, a long time organizer and supporter of the clean up. 

The date for this year is Saturday, September 18, 2021. Location is West Side Park at the shelters furthest to the west. Preregistration is open now at the Muncie Clean and Beautiful website: beautiful muncie.org/white-river-clean-up/. Registration that morning begins at 8:00 am. 

If you're interested in being a crew leader, please see more information at the aforementioned website.

Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) Criteria - Practice Code 102

This Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) conservation plan includes a combination of structural practices, management activities, and/or land management practices for an Animal Feeding Operation (AFO) associated with crop or livestock production that collectively ensures that the purposes of crop or livestock production and preservation of natural resources (especially the conservation of air quality, soil erosion, and water quality as related to nutrient related impacts) are compatible. 

The CNMP shall meet the NRCS planning criteria for water quality (nutrients, organics, and sediments in surface and groundwater), soil erosion (sheet and rill, wind, ephemeral gully, classic gully, and irrigation induced natural resource concerns on the production area and the land treatment area), and air quality (emissions of particulate matter (PM) and PM precursors and objectionable odors). 

The CNMP must comply with Federal, Tribal, State, and local laws, regulations, and permit requirements and meet the producer's objectives. Additionally, it requires evaluation and documentation of compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, and other effects on the environment. The plan must be designed to assist owners/operators in taking voluntary actions to minimize potential pollutants from animal confinement facilities and land application of manure and organic by-products. 

The plan would include: Composting Facility (Code 317), Waste Storage Facility (Code 313), Conservation Crop Rotation (Code 328), Residue and Tillage Management, No Till (Code 329 and/or 345), and Nutrient Management (Code 590). It may also include: Contour Farming (Code 330), Strip Cropping (Code 585), Filter Strip (Code 393), and/or Field Border (Code 386). 

For more information regarding this practice, contact your local NRCS District Conservationist.

Minnetrista Garden Fair

We had a great time and two beautiful days at the Minnetrista Garden Fair June 5 and 6. Many visitors stopped by our booth to look over the free literature, sign up for the free DIY rain barrel, and to discuss various topics.

Congratulations to Tyler D. as the receipent of our free DIY rain barrel!! 

The Delaware Invasive Plant Project (DIPP) booth also had many visitors. Information was available regarding the Indiana Terrestrial Plant Rule, various invasive species, and stickers for kids. The main topic of discussion was honeysuckle control. 

Thanks to Liz, our regional specialist, for helping with our booth.

FREE Drinking Water Sampling

Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District is offering free drinking water well sampling for homeowners in Delaware County. If the house has metal pipes, testing will be performed for bacteria, arsenic, lead, copper, and nitrates. If the house has pvc piping, testing will be performed for bacteria, arsenic, and nitrates only. We are scheduling appointments now. Please contact us at 765-747-5531 ext 3 or delcoswcd@gmail.com to be put on our sampling list.

FREE Landowner Surveys

What is THAT growing there? Is it an invasive species - i.e. harmful/detrimental to the native environment? If so, how can I manage it? What can I plant in it's place that is helpful for the native environment? 

If you've been asking yourself these questions --- Ask us!! Call for a free landowner survey at 765-747-5531 ext 3 or email delcoswcd@gmail.com

Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District 64th Annual Dinner Meeting

March 11, 2021

Vice-Chairman Erik Fisher opened the meeting, welcomed the guests, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and introduced District partners present. Supervisor Joe Hamilton gave the invocation. Dinner was catered by Grand Grilling. Treasurer John Newby introduced Del Brinson as the supervisor nominee named by the election committee. He then asked for nominations from the floor. Being none, nominations were closed. Del was given a few minutes to speak about his occupation, education, interests, and goals. There being only one candidate, attendees were asked to raise their hand in favor, then the same motion for opposed. Del was named the new supervisor.

Becky Daugherty, Soil Health, Coordinator, provided 2020 District activities and other updates. Supervisor Jeremy Russell provided Natural Conservation Resources Service (NRCS) and Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) reports. Paige Story, Watershed Coordinator, gave a presentation regarding the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) 319 Upper Mississinewa River and 205j Upper White River grants and Grant Co.'s Clean Water Indiana (CWI) grant (Delaware Co. SWCD is a partner.)

Erik then recognized Dan Hiatt as our 2020 River Friendly Farmer (see following article for more information). Erik also presented Joshua Gruver, Past Chairman and Supervisor, with a Certificate of Appreciation from ISDA for his service. Joshua Gruver introduced our speaker, Janet McCabe, Director of the Environmental Resilience Institute. Ms. McCabe spoke regarding climate changes and ways to be resilient to those changes. Forestry Bingo was played for door prizes. Erik made closing remarks and the meeting was adjourned.

2021 Fall Tree Sale

Tree Sale brochures are available! To receive a brochure, call 765-747-5531 ext 3, stop by our office, email delcoswcd@gmail.com, or visit our website: www.delawarecountyinswcd.org. Orders with payment (cash or check only) are due Aug. 13. Trees will be available for pickup Sept 16 and 17 - 9am to 2pm.

NRCS "Conservation at Work" Video Series

These videos spotlight landowners across the country who share their own conservation stories and how the practices are helping them protect and improve resources and save time and money. 

Currently there are thirty short videos, approx. 90 seconds each, covering a broad range of practices grouped by conservation type: livestock, crops, forest, soil health, water quality, water quantity, and wildlife.

These videos are available at: farmers.gov/conserve/conservationatwork.

Upper Mississinewa Watershed IDEM 319 Grant Update

We have reached the end of our three year Upper Mississinewa Watershed Indiana Department of Environment (IDEM) 319 grant. This grant provided funds for cost share for best management practices (bmps) for conservation to producers, educational events for anyone/everyone, and water quality monitoring. 

We are very pleased to have encouraged and assisted producers in implementing conservation practices across over 3,400 acres and providing cost share to these producers totaling over $131,000. These practices were installed in the Tier 1 critical area of the watershed in Blackford, Delaware, Jay, Randolph, and Darke (OH) counties. 

Cover crops were the most implemented practice, with several acres being planted to forage and biomass. There were three waterways installed and one producer made an equipment modification.

Standard practice is to utilize the Region 5 modeling tool to calculate the impact of these conservation practices on our waterways. Over the three years, sediment was reduced by approx. 3,295 tons, phosphorus was reduced by approx. 4,461 pounds, and nitrogen was reduced by approx. 8,906 pounds.

A variety of educational events were offered. Among those were: private septic system management, pet waste management, rain gardens, rain barrels, cover crops, riparian forest buffer, invasive species, residue & tillage, two-stage ditch, and wetlands restoration. There were also four river clean ups held.

Water quality monitoring samples were drawn and analyzed monthly during the final year of the grant.

Upper White River Watershed Management Plan (WMP) IDEM 205j Grant Gearing Up

The Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District was awarded this grant in December 2020. This Upper White River Watershed grant includes three hydrologic unit codes (HUC) 10 subwatersheds: Killbuck Creek - White River, Buck Creek - White River, and Muncie Creek - White River. These three subwatersheds include parts of Delaware, Randolph, Henry, and Madison counties. 

During this three year grant term, we will be pulling water quality monitoring samples at thirty-four locations throughout the area. If you're interesting in volunteering to assist with the sampling, whether one time or several times, please contact us at 765-747-5531 ext 3 or email to delcoswcd@gmail.com.

Also through the life of this grant, we will be offering water quality educational events for both agricultural and urban residents.

Improved Cover Crop Decision Tool

It's been proven cover crops improve water quality and soil health, capture nutrients, and reduce soil erosion and compaction. However, choosing the right cover crop isn't always easy. 

The Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC) has rolled out an improved cover crop selection tool, http://mccc.msu.edu/cctesttool/ to assist farmers with making their cover crop decisions based on their goals.

On the website, the producer selects their state and county, then selects their goals utilizing cover crops. They may also include information about the cash crops planted and drainage info for their fields. Then the tool will suggest cover crop options. By clicking on a suggested cover crop, that crop's data sheet appears with seeding rates and more information. 

The MCCC is made up of representatives from twelve Midwest States and universities, including Purdue, the province of Ontario, and other agricultural stakeholders. 

The tool has recently been updated for Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, and Ontario. North Dakota and South Dakota were not part of the original tool, but have now been added. 

Indiana, Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska have recently been updated or added and expect to be updated again over the next two years.

Reminder - Fertilizer

As you consider purchasing and using lawn fertilizer this year, remember to purchase fertilizer that has as little phosphorus as possible. 

Phosphorus is represented by the "P" in the middle of the N-P-K information. Phosphorus is a known contributing factor to algae bloom and isn't really needed for an established lawn.

If you have a lawn service care for your property, ask them to use fertilizer with as little "P" as possible. 0 (zero) is great!!!

Minnetrista Garden Fair

June  5th, 8 am to 4 pm

June 6th 10 am to 3 pm

We'll have activity bags for the kids, informational literature, and our tree sale brochures. Stop by and say Hello!

FREE Drinking Water Sampling

Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District is offering free drinking water well sampling for homeowners in Delaware County. If the house has metal pipes, testing will be performed for bacteria, arsenic, lead, copper, and nitrates. If the house has pvc piping, testing will be performed for bacteria, arsenic, and nitrates only. We are scheduling appointments now. Please contact us at 765-747-5531 ext 3 or delcoswcd@gmail.com to be put on our sampling list.

National Pollinator Week - June 21st-27th

Feed Them - Plant native flowers in your yard or pots on your deck. Even a few pots can attract some pollinators to your neighborhood

Give them a drink - Keep clean water in a birdbath. You can also set out a dish of water with some small stones in it. The pollinators use the stones for a perch while they are drinking.

Provide them with a home - Makes homes for birds, bats, or bees. You can make them out of recycled containers and materials.

Cut down on the amount of pesticides and other poison sprays used around your home and in your yard - Learn

about natural remedies for unwanted pests.

Don't "bug" pollinators - When you see pollinators like butterflies, beetles, or birds, don't touch or frighten them.

Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District 64th Annual Dinner Meeting

March 11, 2021, 6:30 pm

Please join us to enjoy dinner, friendly conversation, and door prizes. There will be a brief business meeting to elect one supervisor (see nominee on page 3) and review 2020 activities. Our speaker for the evening will be Janet McCabe, Director of the Environmental Resilience Institute. 

Tickets for the evening are $10 per person and can be purchased by stopping by our office or mailing a check to us at 3641 N Briarwood Lane, Muncie IN 47304. We ask that reservations be made by Thursday, March 4, 2021 (see page 6 for reservation form). Please feel free to contact Becky in our office if you have any questions, 765-747-5531 ext. 3 or delcoswcd@gmail.com. Look forward to seeing you there!!

Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District Receives State Association "District Showcase" Award

October 28th, 2020

Indiana State Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (IASWCD) announced Delaware County was selected as one of three "District Showcase" awards for 2020. The "District Showcase" awards are awarded annually to Indiana Districts who demonstrate exceptional work and are making a difference in their local communities and beyond.

We were recognized with this award for our participation in projects that monitor water quality and remove or modify dams along the White River in Muncie. In collaboration with several partners, these projects have improved recreational activity and safety, wildlife habitat and the aquatic environment.

The IASWCD made the official presentation of the award during their Annual Conference Closing Ceremony on January 13, 2021 (held virtually this year).

Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District is very honored to receive this award.

Delaware Co. Invasive Plant Project Meetings

Monthly meetings for the Delaware Co. Invasive Plant Project (DIPP) have been planned for the second Wednesday of every month beginning at 4:00 pm. There is no charge to participate and network. You may be helping plan educational events, workshops, and the future of the group.

DIPP is the local group of a state wide Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA). The focus of the group is education regarding and eradication of invasive species.

Due to COVID-19, the meetings are currently being held virtually, but will return to in-person once it is considered safe to do so. For more information or to participate in the meetings, please contact us at 765-747-5531 ext. 3 or delcoswcd@gmail.com. You may also contact the group via our "Facebook " page.

IDEM Grant Received

Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District has been awarded a 205j grant by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). This grant is for $145,000 for the development of a watershed management plan for the Upper White River watershed. The watershed area includes the Muncie Creek, Buck Creek, and Killbuck Creek watersheds in Randolph, Henry, Delaware, and Madison counties.

The watershed management plan is to include the development and execution of water quality monitoring and the creation and execution of an education and outreach program over a three year span. The water quality monitoring plan, known as a "Quality Assurance Project Plan" (QAPP), will be created to provide guidance for the monitoring activities at twenty-six site throughout the watershed. The education and outreach program will discuss and encourage behavioral changes within the community to reduce non-point source pollution in the watershed.

The Delaware Co. SWCD will be partnering with multiple foundations and organizations such as the Muncie Bureau of Water Quality, Ball Brothers Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, and the White River Alliance to complete the watershed management plan.

FREE Drinking Water Sampling

Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District is offering free drinking water well sampling for homeowners in Delaware County. If the house has metal pipes, testing will be performed for bacteria, arsenic, lead, copper, and nitrates. If the house has pvc piping, testing will be performed for bacteria, arsenic, and nitrates only. We are scheduling appointments now. Please contact us at 765-747-5531 ext 3 or delcoswcd@gmail.com to be put on our sampling list.

Conservation Practices at work in Delaware County: Spotlight on Four Landowners doing their part for all of us

Lauren Didier, our 2020 Summer Intern, had the opportunity to visit with three of these four landowners to learn, and write, about their practices. Thank you to Lauren for her assistance this past summer.

IDEM 319 Grant Update

This Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) grant is for the Mississinewa River Watershed. This watershed includes sections in Grant, Blackford, Delaware, Jay, Randolph, and Darke (OH) counties. It provides for water quality monitoring, cost share for best management (conservation) practices for producers, and public outreach and education. It began in May 2018 and ends May 2021.

The outreach and education has been workshops for homeowner septic systems, rainbarrel installations, and river cleanups. This part of the grant has been difficult to manage since COVID broke out. We hope to offer more educational opportunities before the grant ends. 

The water monitoring sampling is being performed in three locations. Sites are located on Deer Creek in Grant county, Halfway Creek in Delaware county, and Bush Creek in Randolph county. Samples are analyzed locally by a private firm, then the data is uploaded to the Hoosier Riverwatch database. This is a public site and database. The website address is: www.hoosierriverwatch.com. 

Volunteers are welcome to participate in the sampling process. Please contact us at 765-747-5531 ext. 3 or delcoswcd@gmail.com to learn more.

Producers have received cost share for planting cover crops and forage and biomass, and we anticipate two will receive cost share for establishment of grassed waterways. All practices must be compliant with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) guidelines to receive cost share.

George and Frances Ball Foundation Grant Awarded

Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District has been awarded a grant to fund ongoing Regional Watershed coordination efforts through a Regional Project Manager. 

The Regional Project Manager will function in a supporting role to assist regional SWCDs in executing their strategic planning objectives. This will be accomplished by helping to support a group of diverse community members dedicated to enhancing, protecting, and rehabilitating the regional watersheds through education, participation, promotion, and implementation of on-the-ground practices designed to improve soil and water quality in the East Central Indiana Region.

Did you know?

• The average American family uses approx. 300 gallons of water per day at home. 

• Dripping faucets and spigots can waste as much as 2,700 gallons of water per year 

• Reducing your shower time by 2 minutes can save up to 1,800 gallons of water a year. 

• Turning the water off while you brush your teeth or while shaving, will save up to 4 gallons of water per minute.