With the celebration of Earth Day just last week, it is a good time to discuss the formation of the USDA Soil Conservation Service (known today as the Natural Resources Conservation Service) and the Conservation District (Wexford CD and the Missaukee CD).
The beginning of the soil conservation movement in the United States was started by Hugh Hammond Bennett in the early 1900s. Hugh Hammond Bennett, the Soil Conservation Serviceâs first Chief and the Father of Soil Conservation. A maverick and visionary, Bennett knew that productive soils would help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners protect their livelihoods. Even then, Bennett, a scientist, knew good science must be the foundation for voluntary conservation on private lands.
Warmups earlier this month have allowed farmers to get a head start on field work in preparation for planting at the end of April and beginning of May, marking a smooth start to the year so far following the hectic roller coaster ride that was 2020.
At Gingrich Meadows dairy farm in LeRoy, workers on Thursday were busy spreading manure on their fields.
Eric Martin was in charge of operating the âmanure boatâ via remote control. The boat floats over the 12-foot manure pit, using high-pressure spray nozzles to stir up the pitâs contents and make the manure more consistent for application on the fields.
Itâs time to think about getting ready for spring yard clean-up and summer gardens. Missaukee Conservation District, as well as the Osceola-Lake Conservation District, have another great opportunity to get you outside soaking up the vitamin D and breathing fresh, clean air! How about adding a native plant garden to your landscape?
Why Go Native?
We all set out to landscape our property with the best of intentions, however, some of the plants available in nurseries are alien species from other countries or other parts of our country and considered invasive here in Northern Michigan. Invasive plant species not only interrupt the food web among native animal species but also have become pests hard to eradicate. These invasive species outcompete native species for space, light, and nutrients needed to grow and degrade habitat in our remaining natural areas.
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Michigan Clean Boats, Clean Waters Program awards $19,800 to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species
Seven projects received funding to educate boaters on the importance of cleaning, draining, and drying equipment.
Many grant awardees are integrating boat washing into their projects. Recently Clean Boats, Clean Waters joined forces with the Michigan State University and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Mobile Boat Wash outreach program. Photo by Jo Latimore
The Michigan Clean Boats, Clean Waters program is funding seven outreach projects across Michigan to educate boaters about aquatic invasive species prevention. The awardees include lake associations, watershed groups, local units of government, and other nonprofit organizations. Grant funds will be used to communicate aquatic invasive species prevention information through outreach materials and in-person events. Projects range from the installation of signage at boat launches to boat and trailer