New Outreach Materials
Over the last few months, the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District has been developing outreach materials for agricultural water conservation tools related to irrigation.
FRSWCD SPONSORS EDUCATION GRANTS
The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), a local agency dedicated to the conservation and stewardship of natural resources, has announced that it will award up to $2,000 available in grant funds through an Environmental & Agricultural Grant for K-12 schools located within the District’s nine counties. The purpose of the grant is to promote conservation education in local schools and provide additional resources for an educator to teach students about agriculture and/or natural resources in a creative way.
NEW ERA OF CONSERVATION BEGINS FOR GEORGIA’S FARMERS AND RANCHERS
State Conservationist Terrance O. Rudolph of the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia and Chairman Marty L. McLendon of the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District announced today an October 16, 2015 application deadline for farmers and ranchers who are in either of the District’s two Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project areas.
Soil Health Workshops
Managing for soil health is one of the most effective ways for farmers to increase crop productivity and profitability while improving the environment. Positive results are often realized within the first year, and last well into the future. On August 25 and 26, the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District hosted workshops in Dawson and Americus, Georgia to emphasize the critical nature of soil health for both agriculture and the environment.
Conservation through Innovation
On July 8, 2015 the University of Georgia Stripling Irrigation Research Park and Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District hosted a joint Field Day and Regional Technology Conference. Nearly 150 people attended the event in Camilla. Speakers included researchers, scientists, graduate students, and state leaders. The purpose of the event was to highlight the innovative research conducted at the UGA Stripling Park as well as new and emerging conservation-driven technology practices. Covering a diverse spectrum of topics, attendees learned about new irrigation tools, the latest UGA Research trials, and conservation programs from the day’s presenters, which included UGA faculty and graduate students as well as government and industry representatives.
RCPP Signing Ceremony
On May 7, the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District and USDA-NRCS hosted a signing ceremony for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program at Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center in Columbus, Georgia. USDA-NRCS and District leaders gathered to mark the beginning of the Flint District’s national RCPP initiative for the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin, which spans Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.
2015 Natural Resources Conservation Workshop
Over $18,000 in college scholarships, back-to-nature field trips, and a true taste of college life will be on the line for students who attend this year’s Natural Resources Conservation Workshop (NRCW) on June 7-11 at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. The NRCW targets students with a desire to learn more about Georgia’s natural resources and the opportunities and responsibilities these resources provide. Experts from universities and local, state, and federal natural resource agencies will provide students with lectures and hands-on activities to enhance their understanding of Georgia’s vital natural resources.
WILDLIFE SHOWS
The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District partnered with the Georgia Southern Center for Wildlife Education again this year to bring conservation (and critters) to the classroom. Students throughout the Flint River District counties had the exciting opportunity to connect with nature and experience wildlife through this educational program. Steve Hein and Scott Courdin from Georgia Southern introduced the students to birds of prey, reptiles, and insects many children (and adults!) do not have the opportunity to see in the wild.
FLINT RIVER DISTRICT SUPERVISOR INDUCTED INTO GACD HALL OF FAME
Mr. Steve Singletary of Early County, a Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor, received the distinguished honor of being inducted into the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) Hall of Fame during the recent annual meeting.