Featuring: Jane Hardisty - elkcoswcd.org

Tuesday, February 28, 2017Dinner Starts at 6:30 p.m.

Featuring:

Jane HardistyIndiana State Conservationist,

USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service

75th Annual Meeting

The Farmer’s Exchange

SWCD SUPPLEMENT

Elkhart CountySoil & Water Conservation District

2016ANNUAL REPORT

February 10, 2017

17746-B County Road 34 • Goshen, Indiana 46528Phone 574-533-4383, Ext. 3 • Fax 855-408-4690

www.elkcoswcd.org

Martin Room, Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds17746 County Rd. 34 • Goshen, IN

Please make your reservations by calling or stopping in our office.There is no ticket fee, but consider supporting the

Elkhart County SWCD with a donation or an Affiliate Membership!

Abygale Royce

2 ELKHART COUNTY SWCD February 10, 2017

The 74th annual meet-ing of the Elkhart County Soil and Water Conserva-tion District was held in the Martin Room of the ECCC Building, on the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, in Goshen. 115 people at-tended. The meeting began at 6:30 pm with Alex Wait welcoming everyone to the meeting. Jim Hess gave the invocation. Dinner fol-lowed.

Before dinner, Alex Wait introduced Elkhart County SWCD board members, and government officials (present was David Hess, Elkhart County Council Member). After dinner Alex Wait then introduced the Elkhart County SWCD Associate board members and staff. They were ac-knowledged for their sup-port of the SWCD. Affiliate members were acknowl-edged for their support.

The minutes of the Feb-ruary 26, 2015 annual meeting were approved on a motion by Garry Wey-bright and John Ulmer. The motion carried. The 2015 Annual Financial Report was approved on a motion by Garry Weybright and John Ulmer. The motion carried.

Dale Leer, SWCD board member, conducted the su-pervisor election. He stated the requirements for being a candidate and for voting. He then presented the slate. Alex Wait’s term of office will expire at the close of this annual meeting, and he has chosen to run for re-election. David Blough

nominated Alex Wait and Garry Weybright seconded the motion. The motion carried. No nominations were made from the floor. Election committee mem-bers assisted in the elec-tion.

Awards were sponsored by the Elkhart County Soil and Water Conservation District. The awards were presented by Jim Hess, as-sisted by Supervisors and Associates, as follows:

The highest placing Elkhart County– Soil Judging FFA Team, Nate Bowser, Nick Bowser, Justin Bowser, and Grant Sanchez, (Fairfield High School), Kraig Bowers, Coach. Jr. High FFA Team, Alex Becker, Janae Brown and Gavin Erb, (Fairfield High School), Kraig Bow-ers, Coach.

Amanda Kautz, Dis-trict Conservationist with (NRCS) Natural Resourc-es Conservation Service spoke about Agriculture in Elkhart County, Nancy Brown, Program Manager for the (SWCD) Soil & Wa-ter Conservation District, spoke about Education, and Deb Jimison, Conserva-tionist spoke about Urban Conservation.

County poster contest winners were asked to come up front with their poster to be acknowledged. Poster Contest Cover Art-ist was Ashikha Amalna-than, Recycling Award was Cadence Medina, Soil & Water Science Award was Nathan Peterson, and the Wildlife Award was Jor-

dan Baker. River Friendly Farmer Award was present-ed to Darrell Shover. Con-servation Farmer was Lyle Burtsfield. Educator of the Year Award was Elkhart County Parks and was ac-cepted by Ronda DeCaire, Krista Daniels and Andy Langdon. Urban Conser-vationist of the Year Award went to Brads-Ko Engi-neering & Surveying, Inc. and was accepted by Barry Pharis, Hillary Chrisman-White and Tanya Miller. Friend of the SWCD went to Jeff Burbrink. Nancy Brown was presented with a special award from the SWCD board to commem-orate her 32 years with the SWCD.

Dale Leer, SWCD board member announced that Alex Wait was elected to a three-year term. The Oath of Office was administered by Elkhart County Coun-cil member David Hess to Alex Wait.

The meeting adjourned by Chairman Jim Hess, at 8:25 pm.

Tom KercherSWCD Board Chairman

Alex WaitSWCD BoardVice Chairman

Lyle Burtsfield SWCD Board Member

Dale Leer SWCD Board Member

Dean Rink SWCD Board Member

Lora CallahanRecording Secretary

Elkhart County Soil and Water Conservation DistrictMinutes of February 25, 2016 Annual Meeting

Mission StatementThe mission of the Elkhart County Soil and Water

Conservation District is to assist land users and other agenciesin the wise use of natural resources in Elkhart County.

The 75th annual meeting of the Elkhart County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will be held on Tuesday, February 28, 2017. Jane Hardisty NRCS State Conservation-ist will speak on the impor-tance of “Partnerships and Conservation in Indiana”. Along with looking back 75 years, we will high-light the conservationists and conservation activi-ties in Elkhart County that contributed to a great 75th year.

The meeting will be held in the Martin Room of the Elkhart County Commu-nity Building on the 4-H Fairgrounds in Goshen. Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. There is no fee to attend, but reservations are re-quested and donations or affiliate memberships are accepted.

This annual meeting provides the District with an opportunity to share activities and provide a fi-nancial accounting of the year. We will recognize the adults and youth who have advanced conservation ef-forts in the county in 2016. A preview of those receiv-ing recognition is available in this report.

As 2016 is our 75th an-niversary we are looking back and reflecting on how we got where we are and the importance of each partnership that worked together to get us here. As we remember the past, we also look to the future to continue to build a legacy of conservation for gen-erations and generations to come. An important item on the agenda is the elec-tion of a member to the Elkhart County Soil and Water Conservation Dis-trict Board of Supervisors.

Every county in Indiana has a Soil and Water Con-servation District. Each District is supervised by a board of local landown-ers who are responsible for the policies and programs of the SWCD. This board has five members; two are appointed for three year terms and three are elected for three year terms. Lyle Burtsfield passed away in June 2016, and Darrell Shover was appointed to complete his term which will expire in one year at the annual meeting held in 2018. Dean Rink holds the other appointed position and will be sworn in at the annual meeting. The elect-ed positions are staggered, with one elected supervi-sor’s term expiring each year. Alex Wait has two years remaining in his term of office and Tom Kercher has one. Dale Leer’s term of office will expire at the close of this annual meet-ing, and he has agreed to run for re-election.

Dale Leer, Goshen, has been an Elkhart County SWCD supervisor since 1996. Dale Graduated from Millersburg High School and owns a Clinton Township Farm. He raises corn, soybeans and hay. He is employed by Fairfield School Corp. in the main-tenance department. Dale is currently completing a three year term as SWCD supervisor where he serves as Annual Meeting Com-mittee Chairman. He is also involved with 4-H and the Fairfield FFA Advisory Committee.

Nominations can be made from the floor by anyone eligible to vote in the election.

Anyone who attends the annual meeting, is of legal

voting age and occupies land in Elkhart County is eligible to vote in this SWCD supervisor election. An individual may also vote if they attend; are of legal voting age; and rep-resent a firm, company, or corporation that occupies land located within Elkhart County. Eligible individu-als include the owner and tenant of the same land; as well as any owner’s or ten-ant’s spouse.

If you are interested in supporting the SWCD with an affiliate membership, you can be recognized at our 75th annual meeting. Individual/family affiliate memberships are avail-able for a donation of $25 or more. Your membership will be recognized at least twice a year in our month-ly newsletter Grass Roots, and during the slide show at the annual meeting. Sec-ond tier or business mem-berships are available for an annual donation of $125 or more. Second tier mem-bership guarantees at least two business card sized ads in our monthly newsletter Grass Roots and recogni-tion at our 75th Annual Meeting during the slide show. This year we are of-fering a decorated rain bar-rel for any affiliate mem-bership. So if you become an affiliate member you will receive two tickets. The winning ticket will be drawn at the conclusion of our annual meeting. You must be present to win.

Make your reservations for the 75th annual meet-ing of the Elkhart County Soil and Water Conserva-tion District by calling (574)-533-4383, ext. 3 or stopping in our office on the 4-H Fairgrounds in Goshen.

2016 Conservation Highlights Featured at 75th Annual Meeting

To Elkhart County Soil & Water Conservation District Supporters,

2016 is in the books and it was an exciting year. Program Manager, Nan-cy Brown retired at the end of August after 32 years of service. Jim Hess moved into the position of Program Manager from Conservationist. In No-vember we hired Jordan Beehler as Conservationist, filling the position va-cated by Jim. I'm happy to report the Elkhart County SWCD is fully staffed. Thanks to all the staff, board supervisors, and associate supervisors for all their hard work and dedication this year.

Through your participation and that of our many partners much has been accomplished. We've participated and promoted many events, meet-ings and projects. Whether it be Contractor, Rain Barrel, or Nutrient Man-agement workshops, filter strips, no till planting, cover crops, conservation in the class room, Forestry Field Days and much more, we all work together to promote and implement new ideas for conservation.

As we enter 2017, our challenges continue to be providing leadership, education and implementing practices to utilize and protect our resources to the best of our ability and be good stewards of those resources for cur-rent and future generations. "To leave it better than we received it."

Yours for Conservation,

Thomas KercherBoard Chair,Elkhart County SWCD

ELKHART COUNTY s o i l a n d w a t e r c o n s e r v a t i o n

D I S T R I C T

SWCD - NRCSCONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP DIRECTORY

17746-B County Road 34, Goshen, IN 46528-9261Ph. 574-533-4383, ext. 3 • Fax: 855-408-4690

www.elkcoswcd.org www.stormwaterelkco.org

Board of Supervisors: Tom Kercher, Chairman Alex Wait, Vice Chairman Dale Leer Dean Rink Darrell Shover

Associate Supervisors: David Bontrager Joe Brown Brian Campbell Gary Kauffman Keith E. Miller

SWCD Staff:James Hess, Program Manager

Lora Callahan, Secretary/TreasurerJordan Beehler, ConservationistDeb Jimison, Conservationist

All programs and services of the Conservation Partnership and the Soil and Water Conservation District are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis, without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status or handicap.

Amanda Kautz, District ConservationistNRCS Staff:

17746-B County Road 34, Goshen IN 46528 • Phone: 574-533-4383, ext. 3 • Fax: 855-408-4690www.elkcoswcd.org www.stormwaterelkco.org

Abygale Royce has been selected as the cover art-ist for the Elkhart County Soil & Water Conservation District’s 2016 Annual Report

Abygale is the daughter of Steve and April Royce of Elkhart. At the time she entered the contest she was in Mrs. Szyarto’s 4th grade class at Pinewood El-ementary; this year she is in Mrs. Erlacher’s class at Pinewood Elementary. Her favorite classes are math, art, and science, and she wants to be a teacher when she grows up. Aby also enjoys drawing and partici-pating in volleyball and spell bowl. Aby’s winning poster will be on display at our Annual Meeting on February 28th.

Cover Artist j Abygale Royce

Back row, Left to right: Robert Kelly, Extension Educator 4-H Youth Devel-opment & Exten-sion Educator-Ag-riculture & Natural Resources, Teresa Evans, Secretary, Jeff Burbrink, Ex-tension Educa-tor- Agriculture & Natural Resources, Brandy Cavanagh, Office Coordinator, MaryAnn Lienhart-Cross, County Ex-tension Director, Extension Educator-Health & Human Sciences, Sthele Greybar, Extension Educator-4-H Youth Development. Front row: Suzie O’Donnell, Secretary, Susan Stine, Secretary, Nan-cy Borkholder, Secretary.

February 10, 2017 ELKHART COUNTY SWCD 3

There is still time to renew your membership for 2017, or to become a new supporter of con-servation in Elkhart County. The Elkhart County SWCD is again offering two tiers of Affiliate Membership. The first tier or individual membership is an annual donation of $25 or more. Your membership will be recognized at least twice a year in our monthly newsletter Grass Roots. The second tier or business membership guarantees at least two business card sized ads in our monthly newsletter Grass Roots and recognition at our Annual Meeting by way of a slide show. Second tier membership has an annual donation of $125 or more.

If you wish to become an Affiliate Member, you can mail a check or money order to: Elkhart County SWCD, 17746-B County Rd. 34, Goshen, IN 46528. Be sure to include your name as you would like it to appear in the upcoming editions of Grass Roots, and your full mailing address. For further information, contact the SWCD office at 574-533-4383, extension 3.

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR 2016 AFFILIATE MEMBERSBlough, David & MichelleBontrager, David & Mary EllenBrookview Farms (Richard Brookins)Brown, Joe & NancyCasey’s Erosion & Seed Solutions, LLC

(Doug Beasy) *Crop Tech, Inc. (Gary Kauffman)D2 Land & Water Resource (Al McAuliffe)The Farmer’s Exchange (Steve Yeater) *Garber, Jim & PeggyGroff, NancyHess, Jim & TereasaHibschman, Joe & DonnaHimes, Stephen G.Hinds, MikeKercher’s Sunrise Orchards, Inc.

(Thomas & Maureen Kercher) *Kuert Concrete, Inc. (Steve Fidler) *Lar-Lee Farms (Rick Yontz)Leer, Dale & RubyLo-Ke Dairy (Keith E. Miller)

Marbach, Brady, Weaver, Inc. (Chris F. Marbach) *

Morehouse Grain Farms, LLC (Matt Morehouse)

Neff, David & LuannNeff, Mike & AnnettePine Crest Farms, Inc. (Stan Miller)Reed Farms (Brent & George Reed)Richland Farm (Richard & Sue Snider)Rink, Dean & KateShover, Darrell & StephanieStroup, Martin & PennyStroup, SueSweet Corn Charlie Produce, LLC

(Chuck & Tami Mohler) *Swoveland, Tom & RondaTeall Tax Service (James Teall)Weybright, George & Rachel Family FarmYoder, Ainlay, Ulmer & Buckingham, LLP

(John Ulmer) *Zell, Bob & Laura

* Second Tier / Business Membership

Back row, left to right: Jordan Beehler (Conser-vationist), Amanda Kautz (NRCS – District Conser-vationist), Deb Jimison (Conservationist), Front row: Jim Hess (Program Manager), Lora Callahan (Secretary/Treasurer).

Back row: Dale Leer (Member), Keith Miller (Assoc. Member), Darrell Shover (Member), Dean Rink (Member). Front row: Tom Kercher (Chairman), Alex Wait (Vice Chairman). Other Assoc. Members not pictured: David Bontrager, Joe Brown, Brian Campbell and Gary Kauffman.

Left to right: Brenda Yoder, County Executive Director, Jenny Brosius, Program Technician, Angi Keim, Program Techni-cian.

SWCD Board

FSA Staff

Purdue Extension Staff

Elkhart County Conservation District & NRCS Staff

Annual Financial Report of Elkhart County SWCDJanuary 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016

Other $40,095.77INVESTMENT INVENTORYBeginning Investments $69,894.45Ending Investments $70,034.52Change (+/-) $140.07CASH BOXESPetty Cash $0.00Cash Change $35.00

USDA Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Conser-vation Reserve Program (CRP) is a voluntary pro-gram that contracts with agricultural producers so that environmentally sen-sitive agricultural land is not farmed or ranched, but instead used for conserva-tion benefits. CRP partici-pants establish long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees (known as “covers”) to control soil erosion, improve water quality and develop wild-life habitat. In return, FSA provides participants with rental payments and cost-share assistance. Contract duration is between 10 and 15 years. In its 30th year, CRP is authorized by the Food Security Act of 1985 and was reauthorized by the Agricultural Act of 2014 (the 2014 Farm Bill). The program is also governed by regulations published in 7 CFR, part 1410. The program is implemented by FSA on behalf of USDA’s Commodity Credit Corpo-ration.

CRP protects tens of mil-lions of acres of American topsoil from erosion and is designed to safeguard the nation’s natural resources. By reducing water runoff and sedimentation, CRP protects groundwater and helps improve the condi-tion of lakes, rivers, ponds and streams. The vegetative

covers also make CRP a ma-jor contributor to increased wildlife populations in many parts of the country.

Since it was established

on Dec. 23, 1985, CRP has: Prevented more than 9 bil-lion tons of soil from erod-ing, enough soil to fill 600 million dump trucks; Re-

duced nitrogen and phos-phorous runoff relative to annually tilled cropland by 95 and 85 percent respec-tively; Sequestered an annu-al average of 49 million tons of greenhouse gases, equal to taking 9 million cars off the road. Since 1996, CRP has created nearly 2.7 mil-lion acres of restored wet-lands. As of 2015, CRP is protecting more than 170,000 stream miles with riparian forest and grass buf-fers, enough to go around

the world 7 times. FSA administers CRP

while technical support functions are provided by: USDA’s Natural Resourc-es Conservation Service (NRCS); USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agri-culture (NIFA); State for-estry agencies; Local soil and water conservation dis-tricts and; Other non-federal providers of technical assis-tance.

Land must be cropland that is planted or consid-

ered planted to an agricul-tural commodity for four of six crop years from 2008 to 2013, and that is physi-cally and legally capable of being planted (no planting restrictions due to an ease-ment or other legally bind-ing instrument) in a normal manner to an agricultural commodity.

FSA provides CRP par-ticipants with annual rental payments, including cer-tain incentive payments and cost-share assistance.

The USDA Natural Re-sources Conservation Ser-vice can assist landowners and producers to address natural resources on their property using both tech-nical and financial assis-tance. Several programs regulated through the Farm Bill offer financial assis-tance toward implement-ing conservation practices identified through a con-servation plan that is de-veloped with your local NRCS office.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Pro-gram (EQIP) provides the opportunity to improve soil, water, plant, animal air, and related resources on agricultural land (crop

and pasture) and non-industrial private forest-land. These include prac-tices such as cover crops, pasture planting, nutrient management, invasive spe-cies control, and a wide variety of wildlife habitat practices.

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) helps you build on your existing conservation efforts while strengthening your operation. Whether you are looking to im-prove grazing conditions, increase crop yields, or develop wildlife habitat, we can custom design a CSP plan to help you meet those goals. If you are al-ready taking steps to im-

prove the condition of the land, chances are CSP can help you find new ways to meet your goals that may not be available through other program options.

The Wetlands Re-serve Easement Program (WRE) offers landowners the opportunity to pro-tect, restore, and enhance wetlands on their prop-erty through a voluntary easement program. NRCS provides technical and fi-nancial assistance to help landowners with their res-toration efforts. This pro-gram offers landowners an opportunity to establish long-term conservation and wildlife practices and protection.


Practice Installed/AppliedAmending Soil Properties with Gypsum Products 1277 ac.Cover Crop 6215 ac.Fence 420 ft.Forage and Biomass Planting 24 ac.Grassed Waterway 2 ac.Heavy Use Area for Livestock 2950 sq ft.Integrated Pest Management 17 ac.Invasive Species Control 53 ac.Irrigation Water Management 1250 ac.Lined Outlet for Grassed Waterway 100 ft.Livestock Pipeline 2705 ft.Manure Storage Facility 2 facilitiesNo-Till 1050 ac.Nutrient Management 1085 ac.Roof Runoff Structure: Gutters 1 structureSubsurface Drain for Grassed Waterways 3067 ft.Tree/Shrub Establishment 2 ac.Watering Facility for Livestock 3 facilities

Total Acres of New Conservation Plans Written in 2016: 3,843

Conservation Reserve Program Helps Preserve Natural Resources

NRCS Programs Help Improve Land Stewardship

The “Come Graze With Us” field day at Darrell Shover’s Farm was a day of information and hands on learning. Susannah Hinds, our USDA-NRCS Grazing Specialist, talked to us about the importance of maintain-ing your pasture to keep it healthy and profitable. The participants were able to walk and discuss the dif-ferent configurations of the paddocks and how the water-ing system works. Hinds dis-cussed the stop/start grazing heights and how that effects the landowner, nutritional value to the animal, and the overall health of the pasture.

Amanda Kautz, USDA-NRCS District Conser-vationist, and Jim Hess, Elkhart County SWCD Pro-gram Manager, discussed the different conservation programs that are offered through NRCS and the Soil and Water Conservation District. There are many programs to get involved

with that help, not only with cost share but with technical

assistance as well. The group discussed the programs

and how they use them for startup, incorporating

different practices and trying new ideas.

Shover took the group out to observe and discuss the cover crop trials he has put in place on his farm. We were able to look first hand on how the different species grow, how the soil reacts, and how the residue is handled.

Thank you Darrell and Stephanie Shover for allow-ing all of us to come graze, learn and enjoy all the differ-ent conservation practices on your farm. If you would like more information on graz-ing practices, cover crops or any of our conservation programs, please contact the Elkhart County SWCD (574) 533-4383 ext. 3 for more information.

CROP FERTIILITY SPECIALISTS

•GPSMapping/ApplicationbySoilTypes

•CustomDryBlends•LimeSpreading•LiquidandDryStarters•ProfessionalApplication

•SmallSeeds•CropProtectionChemicals•FieldScouting•AgroChemParts•ServicingKosciuskoandSurroundingCounties

Business Hours:Monday-Friday 7:30am-5:00pm

37E 900NMilford, IN [email protected] or800-686-4158

Clean Water Indiana 2016

The Clean Water Indiana Grant is provided to the SWCD by the Indiana

State Department of Agriculture to help get conservation on the ground to

improve soil health and water quality.In Elkhart County we are using the opportunity to fill the gap when

federal cost share funds are not a good fit to provide help implementing

conservation practices.Elkhart County SWCD received $75,000

for 2016-2018. Land users in 2016 have planted 993 acres of cover crops,

restored 32 acres of pasture and installed 4 acres of filter strips.For more information about the CWI grant feel free to contact

the Elkhart County SWCD.

Susannah Hinds, USDA-NRCS Graz-ing Specialist, discusses the importance of maintaining pastures.

Shover explains how he uses cover crops on his farm.

Graze and Learn


Productive soils are the foundation of any healthy ecosystem. As the world’s population grows and demand for food production increases, it’s essential that we work together to protect and enhance our soils.

The Elkhart County SWCD is sponsoring a county wide poster con-test for students grade K-12 in conjunction with the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Stewardship and Education Committee’s 2017 Stewardship theme: "Healthy Soils Are Full of Life!" Stewardship Week will be officially cele-brated April 30 to May 7, 2017; but we encourage you to celebrate through-out the year. The dead-line for students to submit entries to our office for the local poster contest is close of business (4:30 P.M.) on May 5, 2017. Each entry should have a completed label attached to the back of the poster. A copy of the label is pro-vided below.

It is important to learn and understand the many ways that trees improve our environment and pro-vide valuable products that improve our lives. Students can find resources at school

or the public library, science books, local newspapers, nature centers, and from the NACD website www.nacdnet.org, Stewardship & Education section. With assistance from a teacher or parents the internet can also provide informa-tion on the value of trees. Students should ask their teacher about other possible resources in their commu-nity.

Poster contest catego-ries are grades K-1, 2-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. Entire classes may participate as a classroom project or indi-vidual students (including home schooled students) may enter by submitting their poster to the SWCD by the 4:30 P.M., May 5, 2017, deadline. We will award ribbons to the top three posters entered by any classroom. (Teach-ers: if you teach multiple classes be sure to indicate

how many classes are rep-resented, and which stu-dents are in each class.) All posters become the prop-erty of the Elkhart County SWCD.

Grand prizes of $25 gift cards will be awarded in each of the five grade cat-egories, and these posters will be entered into the state poster contest. Second place prizes of $15 gift cards and third place prizes of $10 gift cards will be awarded in each category as well. One poster will be selected for the cover artwork of the 2017 SWCD annual report, which will be printed in January of 2018.

For additional informa-tion on contest rules and the theme please call the Elkhart County SWCD office at (574) 533-4383, ext. 3 and visit the NACD website: www.nacdnet.org Stewardship & Education section.

Elkhart, Marshall, and St. Joseph Counties and Women4theLand partnered to hold their first Women’s Conservation Learning Circle on October 25th in Nappanee. This day provided a time for twelve women landowners and farmers to meet, learn how to apply conservation to their land, share ideas with each other, and gain information from local conservation professionals. This learning circle focused on the basics of soil health and conservation practices that can lead to healthier more productive soil on the land.

The morning was an indoor discussion held at the Nappanee Chamber of Com-merce Building. Abby Ciesielski, Marshall/St. Joseph County Farm Service Agency, and Jenny Brosius, Elkhart County Farm Service Agency, started the morning by explaining the farm programs and conservation programs offered by their agency. They also explained the highly erodible land and wetland regulations that USDA cus-tomers and landlords are required to follow. To wrap up the morning Celia Tharp, NRCS District Conservationist for Carroll County and lead facilitator guided a con-versation about basic soil health. She explained what soil health was and how to gauge a soil’s health. There are four main things that were focused on to improve soil health: keep the soil covered, increase diversity, disturb as little as possible, and keep a living root year round. Hands on demonstrations were also done to show the differ-ence between a healthy soil and an unhealthy soil.

In the afternoon, after enjoying a lunch sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-Amer-ica, the women vis-ited several field sites to view conservation practices that improve soil health in action. Several types of cover crops were observed and the final field site was a no-till field with a cover crop con-taining 14 species! At this site shovels were handed out, and participants got to dig and test out their soil health assess-ment skills. This site had very healthy soil, so many soil crit-ters were found and good soil structure could be observed. Darrell Shover, who farms this field, also stopped by to visit with the participants and give his perspec-tive on why conser-vation and soil health are important, not only to him, but to the community. Elkhart County would like to thank all our partners, participants, and field site hosts for a great day. Everyone got to dig a little and learn a lot!

Elkhart County SWCD POSTER LABEL 2017(attach to the back of each entry)

Name: _________________________________________ Age:______

Address: __________________________________________________

City:________________________________ Zip:__________________

Parent’s Name: ____________________________________________

Phone: ___________________________________________________

School:______________________________________ Grade:_______

Teacher: __________________________________________________

2017 Poster Contest and Stewardship Week Theme

Women’s Conservation Learning Circle a Success

The Indiana Master Natu-ralist Program is sponsored by the Indiana Depart-ment of Natural Resources (INDNR), the Indiana Asso-ciation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (IASWCD), Purdue Exten-sion, and Resource Con-servation and Development Councils (RC&D). Locally, the Elkhart County SWCD in conjunction with Elkhart County Parks, Middlebury Parks, and other local parks departments and nature centers provide interesting sites and qualified speakers for the 11 class program. The classes are focused on conservation but range in topics including: soils, geol-ogy, plants, wetlands, fish, insects, birds, trees, mam-mals, and urban conserva-tion.

Over the past 9 years that Elkhart County has hosted Master Naturalist classes, 172 area naturalists have gone through the program.

At the completion of the program, graduates have the opportunity to join the Elkhart County Indiana Master Naturalist Alumni Group. The Alumni Group gathers regularly for cama-raderie, education, and to volunteer.

Alumni volunteer at

various county parks, city parks, nature centers, and schools across Elkhart County spreading the love of the natural world and caring for the wildlife and wild areas. To date, the Elkhart County IMN Alumni have volunteered over 18,325 hours.

172 Area Naturalists Have Completed IMN Program

We at Wakarusa Nutritional Service want to say THANK YOU to all those that are

dedicated to the preservation and protection of America’s future through our

Soil and Water Conservation Programs.Your efforts are PRICELESS!

Where Quality Nutrition Begins

600 S. Indiana Avenue • Wakarusa, Indiana 46573 • (574) 862-1166

If We Don’t Have It. We Can Get It.

NUTRITIONAL SERVICES

WAKARUSA

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PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

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MISCELLANEOUSYanmar Skid Loader 1650 – 2 HRS ONLY!..................... $26,000Gehl 1060 Chopper w/ Corn & Hay Heads ...................... $4,000NEW Porter 40 Bu Grain Wagon ..................................... $2,400JD S680 Combine, 725 Eng/475 Sep., LOADED...........$269,000JD 1770 NT 16 Row Planter............................................ $65,000JD 318 Skid Loader, Pilot Cntrls, 2400 Hrs ..................... $12,500JD 635F Hydra Flex ........................................................ $12,000NEW Summers 30’ Super Roller .................................... $33,500

TRACTORSNEW Deutz Fahr 7250, 264 HP, TTV Trans., Front PTO,

3 PT........................................................................ $199,000NEW Deutz Fahr 7230, 230 HP .................................. $169,000NEW Deutz Fahr 6190, 4WD, Cab, Air, TTV Trans., FWA, 34

MPH, Susp Cab, Susp Axle, 190 HP............................$65,000NEW Deutz Fahr M620, Tier 3 Engine, 166 HP .................$99,000NEW Deutz Fahr 430, 4WD, Cab, Air Pwr Reverser, 4 REM$65,000NEW Deutz Fahr 410, w/Loader, 90 HP ........................ $58,000NEW Deutz Fahr Agrolux 75, 75 HP, 4WD.........................$25,900NEW Deutz Fahr Agrolux 65, 2WD, 62 HP.....................$21,000Deutz Fahr Agroplus 95 w/Loader, 4WD, New Tires ..... $39,000JD 5085E with Cab & Loader, 130 Hrs........................... $45,000JD 8295R 2010, Front/Rear Duals, Pwr Shft, 2800 Hrs ... $139,000JD 7920, IVT Trans, 4835 Hrs........................................ $90,000

MANURE HANDLINGNEW Diller Manure Transport Tanker, 8,000 Gal .......... $55,0005000 Gal w/ Cat Trac System.........................................$18,000Ford LN9000 Truck w/ 5000 Gal Tank w/ reload system$18,000Jamesway 7400 Gal. Max Track Tri-Axle Spreader.................. CALLNEW 1880 VB Pik Rite Dry Manure Spreader.................$67,000USED 1190 VB Pik Rite Dry Manure Spreader ............... $33,000NEW 790 PIK RITE MANURE Spreader .......................... $30,900NEW Jamesway 42’ Ultra Pumpellar............................. $24,900NEW Jamesway 52’ Ultra Pumpellar..............................$27,000Used Jamesway, 8” Discharge, 42’ Ultra Pumpellar .......$19,900Jamesway Heavy Duty Loading Carts...............................$3,075

SILAGE DUMPSPenta DB50 Dump Boxes-Tandem Axles, 1850 Cu Ft .... $49,000Coming in Penta DB50 Dump Box-Tri-Axle.................. $66,000

HAY EQUIPMENTNEW Pottinger 12’ Hydra Swing Disk Mower ................$27,900Used Pottinger X8RCNovaCat TripleMount HayMower....$20,000NEW Pottinger 3PT Mount Disk Mower, Tine Conditioner$14,900NEW Pottinger Rotary Hay Rake – Twin Basket..............$19,900

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Where Quality Nutrition Begins600 S. Indiana Avenue • Wakarusa, Indiana 46573(574) 862-1166 [email protected]

USED MIXERS2009 Navistar w/ 1120 Penta Mixer ........................$110,0001120 HD w/ Dual Cross Conveyor .................... $40,0006020 w/ Dual Cross Conveyor ......................... $34,0006720 w/ 4’ Flip Up........................................... $32,0004120 HD 4' Flip Up .......................................... $24,9004120 HD 4’ Flip Up .......................................... $23,900Knight Twin Screw, 500 Cu Ft, Dual Cross Conveyor .... $23,0003020 w/ 6’ Conveyor........................................$19,9002020 SD ...........................................................$13,9002020 SD ...........................................................$12,900

NEW MIXERS1120 HD w/ Dual Cross Conveyor .....................$75,0007520 2 Dual Cross Conveyor.............................$55,0004020 Corner Door ........................................... $26,5002020 Front Cross Conveyor, 4' Flip Up............. $22,5002020 SD 4’ Side Conveyor – Demo...................$17,000More New Arriving Monthly - Call for Specs!

MANURE EQUIPMENT10,000 Gal Balzer ...........................................$18,5004000 Gal w/ Cat Trac System..........................$18,000Ford LN9000 Truck w/ 5000 Gal Tank w/ reload system ...$18,000New 9600 Quad - Axle................................... $79,900New 7400 Gal. Tri-Axle Spreader - Coming ....$69,5007400 Gal. Tri-Axle Spreader - Used ................ $39,900New 1190 VB Pik Rite Dry Manure Spreader.........$42,500New Jamesway, 8” Discharge, 42’ Lagoon Pump......$17,900Used Jamesway, 8” Discharge, 42’ Lagoon Pump .....$12,500

FIELD CULTIVATORSPenta 30’ Floating Hitch..........................................CALL980 JD Field Cult - 30' ........................................ $8,900

New Field Cultivator coming.All the options!... Floating Hitch, Heavy DutyC Shanks w/Harrow & Rolling Basket

The Calf Housing Specialists

• Splash guard and dividers toprevent food contamination

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Dealer For:


CUSTOM PREMIXES, BLENDING, BY PRODUCTS & ANIMAL HEALTH

Vertical MixersUSED MIXERS2006 Volvo w/1120 Penta Mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $145,0002004 Sterling w/1110 Penta Mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $88,0001120 HD w/Dual Cross Conveyor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $46,0004120 HD Left Hand, 4’ Conveyor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $26,0004120 HD Right Hand, 4’ Conveyor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24,500Knight Twin Screw, 500 Cu. Ft. Dual Cross Conveyor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22,5004020 SC Corner Door - Nice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $18,0005710 Dual Cross Conveyor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16,000

NEW MIXERS

1120 HD w/Dual Cross Conveyor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $75,0007520 2 Dual Cross Conveyor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $55,0004020 SD 4’ Flip Up Conveyor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30,9002020 SD 4’ Flip Up Conveyor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22,500

EQUIPMENTJD 8130, 3900 Hrs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $115,000JD 4840 w/Axle Mount Duals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $18,90010,000 Gal Balzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $18,5004,000 Gal w/Cat Trac System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $18,000Ford LN9000 Truck w/5000 Gal Tank w/reload system . . . . . . . . . . . . . $18,000New 9600 Quad-Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $79,900New 7400 Gal. Tri-Axle Spreader - Coming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $71,500Demo 1880 B Pik Rite Dry Manure Spreader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $65,000New 1190 VB Pik Rite Dry Manure Spreader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $42,500New Jamesway 42’ Ultra Pumpellar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CALLUsed Jamesway, 8” Discharge, 42’ Lagoon Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,900


2014 Navistar w/1120 Penta Mixer ..................................................... $253,000

More New Mixers On Order!6020’s – 4020’s – 3020’s & 2020’s

FIELD CULTIVATORSPenta 30’ Floating Hitch . . . . $25,900Penta 30’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15,000980 JD Field Cultivator - 30’ . . $8,900

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Rachel FWWakarusaNutritional 3x5½ 6013 EMAIL PROOF TO DEBBIE

LARGEST INVENTORY OF MIXERS IN TRI-STATE AREA



ADVERTISER: WAKARUSANUTRITIONAL SER PROOF CREATEDAT: 9/10/2013 10:06 PMSALES PERSON: H001 LANNALEE PROOF DUE: -PUBLICATION: OH-FRE FARMERSADVANCE NEXT RUN DATE: 09/18/13SIZE: 5 col X 5.75 in

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See The New Penta 31 FtSoil Conditioner....$21,500

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Where Quality Nutrition Begins600 S. Indiana Avenue • Wakarusa, Indiana 46573(574) 862-1166 [email protected]

USED MIXERS2009 Navistar w/ 1120 Penta Mixer ........................$110,0001120 HD w/ Dual Cross Conveyor .................... $40,0006020 w/ Dual Cross Conveyor ......................... $34,0006720 w/ 4’ Flip Up........................................... $32,0004120 HD 4' Flip Up .......................................... $24,9004120 HD 4’ Flip Up .......................................... $23,900Knight Twin Screw, 500 Cu Ft, Dual Cross Conveyor .... $23,0003020 w/ 6’ Conveyor........................................$19,9002020 SD ...........................................................$13,9002020 SD ...........................................................$12,900

NEW MIXERS1120 HD w/ Dual Cross Conveyor .....................$75,0007520 2 Dual Cross Conveyor.............................$55,0004020 Corner Door ........................................... $26,5002020 Front Cross Conveyor, 4' Flip Up............. $22,5002020 SD 4’ Side Conveyor – Demo...................$17,000More New Arriving Monthly - Call for Specs!

MANURE EQUIPMENT10,000 Gal Balzer ...........................................$18,5004000 Gal w/ Cat Trac System..........................$18,000Ford LN9000 Truck w/ 5000 Gal Tank w/ reload system ...$18,000New 9600 Quad - Axle................................... $79,900New 7400 Gal. Tri-Axle Spreader - Coming ....$69,5007400 Gal. Tri-Axle Spreader - Used ................ $39,900New 1190 VB Pik Rite Dry Manure Spreader.........$42,500New Jamesway, 8” Discharge, 42’ Lagoon Pump......$17,900Used Jamesway, 8” Discharge, 42’ Lagoon Pump .....$12,500

FIELD CULTIVATORSPenta 30’ Floating Hitch..........................................CALL980 JD Field Cult - 30' ........................................ $8,900

New Field Cultivator coming.All the options!... Floating Hitch, Heavy DutyC Shanks w/Harrow & Rolling Basket


• Splash guard and dividers toprevent food contamination

CALL FORPRICING!

Dealer For:


CUSTOM PREMIXES, BLENDING, BY PRODUCTS & ANIMAL HEALTH

Vertical MixersUSED MIXERS2006 Volvo w/1120 Penta Mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $145,0002004 Sterling w/1110 Penta Mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $88,0001120 HD w/Dual Cross Conveyor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $46,0004120 HD Left Hand, 4’ Conveyor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $26,0004120 HD Right Hand, 4’ Conveyor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24,500Knight Twin Screw, 500 Cu. Ft. Dual Cross Conveyor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22,5004020 SC Corner Door - Nice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $18,0005710 Dual Cross Conveyor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16,000

NEW MIXERS

1120 HD w/Dual Cross Conveyor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $75,0007520 2 Dual Cross Conveyor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $55,0004020 SD 4’ Flip Up Conveyor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30,9002020 SD 4’ Flip Up Conveyor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22,500

EQUIPMENTJD 8130, 3900 Hrs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $115,000JD 4840 w/Axle Mount Duals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $18,90010,000 Gal Balzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $18,5004,000 Gal w/Cat Trac System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $18,000Ford LN9000 Truck w/5000 Gal Tank w/reload system . . . . . . . . . . . . . $18,000New 9600 Quad-Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $79,900New 7400 Gal. Tri-Axle Spreader - Coming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $71,500Demo 1880 B Pik Rite Dry Manure Spreader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $65,000New 1190 VB Pik Rite Dry Manure Spreader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $42,500New Jamesway 42’ Ultra Pumpellar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CALLUsed Jamesway, 8” Discharge, 42’ Lagoon Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,900


2014 Navistar w/1120 Penta Mixer ..................................................... $253,000

More New Mixers On Order!6020’s – 4020’s – 3020’s & 2020’s

FIELD CULTIVATORSPenta 30’ Floating Hitch . . . . $25,900Penta 30’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15,000980 JD Field Cultivator - 30’ . . $8,900

Dealer For prevent food contamination


Call ForPricing

See The New Penta 31 Ft. Soil Conditioner ......................$21,500

New Field Cultivator ComingAll the Options!

Floating Hitch, HD C Shanksw/Harrow & Rolling Basket

Now Available!Fuel Effi cient MixerTractor Option

New Dealer For:Hay Mowers and Rakes

Parts & Service

Optimum Health & Performance

Where Quality Nutrition Begins600 S. Indiana Ave. • Wakarusa, IN 46573(574) 862-1166 • [email protected]

Left to right: Nick Bowser, Justin Slabaugh, Grant Sanchez and Greta Yoder


Taylar McKinley is the daughter of Patricia McKinley of Elkhart. She is a 10 year member of 4-H, and she was in exploring 4-H two years before that. Taylar was a member of Crystal Valley Clovers 4-H Club, Shooting Sports, Genealogy Club and Camera Corps. Her main 4-H club is Crystal Valley Clovers 4-H Club, which is led by Jennifer Prough. She is a science Ambassador for Teens as Teachers through 4-H and is in Student Council and Symphonic Choir at Concord High School.

When she signed up for her 4-H project last year, she didn’t want to take Soil & Water Science because she didn’t think it would interest her at all. Her mom encouraged her to try it because it was the featured project, and, after she started doing more research, she realized she enjoyed it more than she thought she would.

Andrew Bailey is the son of Paul and Patti Bailey of Wakarusa and is starting his 6th year of 4-H. Andrew is a member of the Recycling, Rockets, and Feeder calf clubs. His favorite 4-H Club is Knee Deep in 4-H led by Patti Bailey. Andrew’s other 4-H activi-ties include Jr. Leaders, swine, dairy feeder calf expansion, and review committee. In school he is involved in cross country, band, and choir – Circle the State with Song musical.

Alison Robinson is the daughter of Andrew and Jeanette Robinson and sister to Jeni-fer. She is from Middlebury. Alison is starting her 8th year of 4-H. She is a member of Beef Club led by Jeff Lorenz and Kreative Kids led by Don and Colleen Prough. Her favorite 4-H projects are sewing, beef club, and forestry. Alison’s other activities include singing and dancing in the Northridge High School Starlights Show Choir. Ali-son is also a manager for the girls softball team and is active in her youth group at First United Methodist Church in Middlebury. Alison shows her beef cattle at open shows around the area.

Grace Anderson is the daughter of Bruce and Penny Anderson of Goshen, and is starting her 9th year of 4-H. Grace is a member of the Clever Clovers, Junior Lead-ers, as well as rabbit, dog, and goat clubs. Her favorite 4-H projects are wildlife, child development, sewing, foods, junior leaders, consumer clothing, photography, and dog club. There are many dedicated men and women Grace looks up to, but her favorite leader is Laura Holland, who leads the 4-H Clever Clovers. Grace’s other activities include Zion Missionary Church Youth Group, 5 Star Coach, JOY girls club, volunteer at Westside elementary school, Bible quizzing and soccer.

Taylar McKinley

Andrew Bailey

Alison Robinson

Grace Anderson

Soil & Water Science Award

Recycling Award

Forestry Award

Wildlife Award

CONSERVATION AWARD WINNERSFFA Senior Soil Judging Team

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PHILLIPS & SONIrrigation Sales & Service LLC

4th Generation Valley Dealer with 140 Years of Combined Service & Sales Experience

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574-848-4707

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UtilityShelters

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905 Nelson ParkwayWakarusa, IN 46573

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WE SUPPORT SAVING FARM LAND AND CONSERVATION

IN ELKHART COUNTY


Our 2016 Elkhart County SWCD Riv-er Friendly Farmer is Martin and Penny Stroup. The Stroup’s farm 600 acres in York Township near Bris-tol in the little Elkhart River Watershed. Since 1983 the farming op-eration has continued to use no-till practices, rye cover crops, and windbreaks to help re-duce erosion on their sandy soils. 80% of the land the Stroup’s farm is irrigated, so they use their corn and soybean rotation along with the rye cover crops to help man-age the water usage. Marty has been a part of the Elkhart County SWCD, serving as supervisor for many years. Along with promoting and implementing conservation practices, the Stroup’s maintain and preserve a 22 acre Fen that is lo-cated north of their property through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Marty and Penny were among 54 farmers who received the River Friendly Farmer award at the Indiana State Fair on Farmer’s Day August 17. On behalf of the Elkhart County Soil and Water District and the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, thank you Marty and Penny for the work you do on your land to protect Indiana’s natural resources.

Our Elkhart County SWCD Conservation Farmer of the Year is Reed Farms, consisting of George, wife Carolyn, son Brent, and his wife Ashley.

The Reeds have been involved with the SWCD for many years. George hosted the SWCD tours in 1984 and 1989 along with serving on the resource committee. Reed Farms implements no-till and minimum tillage as the main conser-vation practices on their operation.

In the early 80’s, George was the first farmer in Elkhart County to implement ridge till conservation which helped prevent soil erosion problems. In 1984, George put in a 15-acre grass water way with a drop structure with the help of the SWCD. Since then, the Reeds have incorporated cover crops along with the no-till and minimum tillage to help re-duce erosion, reduce nutrient leaching, and suppress weeds. These conservation practices have helped them improve the structure of their soil, reduce soil compaction, and improve water quality through the reduction of runoff carrying sedi-ment, nutrients, and pesticides.

Reed Farms has applied conservation practices to over 2000 acres. Currently, the Reeds have 20 acres that have been continuously no-tilled, 1000 acres that have at least 30% residue coverage, and have incorporated 650 acres of cover crops over the last 6 years. They have also included 140 acres of organic crops in the last 5 years.

The conservation efforts that they have applied in their operation have had a significant impact on the productivity of their land. Cover crops, no-till and minimum tillage have helped them save time, money, and resources. They have been able to reduce costs by using less chemicals for weed

control and by reducing runoff are able to save on fertil-izer cost. The conservation practices used on Reed Farm’s land have helped them save on fuel, labor, and machinery costs. The Reeds know that the benefits of conservation are not only a good investment for the environment but a wise investment for their farm.

CONSERVATION AWARD WINNERS

Reed Farms Conservation Farmer of the Year

Urban Conservationist Award

At left, Drop Structure in 1986.Above, current Drop Structure.

Martin & Penny StroupRiver Friendly Farmer

This year’s Friend of the SWCD goes to Jim and Peggy Garber. Jim and Peggy have been longtime sup-porters of the Elkhart County Soil and Water Conservation District. The Garber’s hosted the SWCDs Spring Walk in the Woods in May 2016. This is where we learned about wetlands, wildflowers, and species of birds. Along with the spring walk they hosted the 4 County Forestry Field Day held September 2016. There is a collection of photos from that field day in the Annual Re-port. The Garber’s shared their property as we learned about the history of the woods, timber management, and harvesting, plus alternative income in the woods. Always conscientious stewards of natural resources, Jim and Peggy Garber are quick to share their passion for, and knowledge of, natural resource management practices. The SWCD thanks them for their sup-port as affiliates and for their willingness to help us reach our goal of providing information on the best forestry and wildlife management practices. Thank you Garber’s for being a partner with the SWCD. We look forward to continuing to watch and work with them as their woods grows.

Jim & Peggy GarberFriend of the SWCD

Bob Pettit is Vice President of Support Services for Keystone RV Company. Headquartered in Goshen with fa-cilities in Pendleton, Oregon, Keystone is a leading manu-facturer of towable recreational vehicles and a subsidiary of Thor Industries, the world’s largest RV manufacturer.

Bob’s responsibilities include providing support for more than 40 facilities encompassing over 3.2 million square feet under roof, servicing over 5,000 employees.

With over 800,000 Keystone RV owners involved in outdoor recreation, good stewardship of our environment is of vital importance to Keystone RV. Thanks to Bob, this stewardship begins in our community at the factories, warehouses, and offices of Keystone RV.

Keystone also helps in other ways, with outreach to community children and veteran’s groups, and is recog-

nized as a leader in waste reduction, recycling and wise energy use.

Bob’s helpful spirit and willingness to work with the Greater Elkhart County Stormwater partnership in reduc-ing soil erosion at Keystone properties has immeasurable benefits protecting our surface water and municipal storm water infrastructure.

If a problem arises, Bob is quick to respond and pro-vides the equipment and manpower to correct the situa-tion as soon as possible. If more site managers were this responsive, it would make the SWCD’s job much easier.

We congratulate Bob for his award-winning attitude and appreciate him for working with the Elkhart County Soil and Water Conservation District. Let’s give Bob Pettit our appreciation for a job well done. Thanks, Bob.

Bob Pettit

The Elkhart County SWCD is proud to an-nounce that the 2016 Conservation Educator of the Year is retired Elkhart County SWCD Pro-gram Manager, Nancy Brown.

Nancy began her career with the SWCD as an educational technician in April of 1984 with a focus on putting conservation education into schools. During the 32 years Nancy worked for the District, she instilled the importance of conservation in school children in the county not only by presenting in the classroom, at fair booths, and other community events but by es-tablishing the importance of a conservation fo-cused curriculum to teachers through workshops such as Hoosier Riverwatch, Project Learning Tree, Project WET, and Project WILD.

Education doesn’t stop with our youngest conservationists though. Nancy recognized this and led the SWCD to include more conserva-tion education for adults. In 1986, she brought in the first no-till drill in the county and had test plots on the Brown farm to demonstrate the tech-nique and equipment to farmers. She helped start the 4 County Forestry Field Day, a field day this is still going strong and was hosted in Elkhart County this year. The Elkhart County Indiana Master Naturalist class, which now has over 170 graduates who have volunteered more than 18,000 hours in the community, would not have been as great of a success without Nancy’s com-mitment to adult conservation education. By teaching students of all ages and from all walks of life, Nancy’s impact is guaranteed to last for generations and genera-tions to come.

Nancy spent endless hours implementing programs, organizing partnerships, teaching students of all ages, and serving on boards that spread the word about con-servation practices in Elkhart County and beyond. If you have been even remotely involved in any SWCD event or read one of our publications in the last 32 years, Nancy has been a part of it. To list all of the programs, activities, meetings, and workshops she worked on that promoted conservation would be a monumental task so we simply want to honor, acknowledge, and thank her for her career-long commitment and passion for teach-ing all of us about conservation in Elkhart County.

Nancy BrownConservation Educator


The State of Stormwater Runoff Control on

Construction Sites in Elkhart County2012 - 2016

ACTIVE CONSTRUCTION SITES

2012 2182013 2312014 2592015 2992016 287

COMPLAINTS RECEIVED AND RESPONDED TO2012 112013 212014 152015 202016 17

CONSTRCUCTION PLANS RECEIVED AND REVIEWED2012 542013 722014 822015 872016 105

SITE INSPECTIONS CONDUCTED

2012 6212013 4742014 1922015 1752016 242

SITES REMOVED FROM ACTIVE

CONSTRUCTION SITE LIST

2012 752013 572014 502015 492016 55

The 4-County Forestry Field Day at Jim and Peggy Garbers was tree-mendous. We had a great crowd with lots of participation and very useful information. Jim Gar-ber started us out by discuss-ing the history of how their 80 acre woods came to be, and how it has been man-aged by the family. Jim and Peggy both emphasized to the crowd it takes patience both on the management side, as well as waiting for the har-vest and sales of the trees. Tom Crowe, Crowe Forest Management LLC, discussed the timber stand management and how trees are selected for harvest. Nick Brown with Shipshewana Hard-woods covered the impor-tance of a timber harvest and the benefits it has, not only for the owner, but the health and longevity of the woods. Both Crowe and Brown talked

about the sales of the timber and how each aspect of that is handled. IDNR District For-ester, Tim Eizinger touched

on how to enroll your woods in the IDNR Classified Forest & Wildlands Program. Jeff Burbrink, our Elkhart County

Purdue Extension Educator discussed options for alterna-tive income from your woods. We want to thank the Garber

family for helping organize and plan both the spring and fall field days. Thanks to all our speakers for helping make

this an informative event, and to all that participated thank you again for making this event TREE-mendous!

4 County Forestry Field Day

YEAR ACTIVE CONSTRUCTION SITES2012 2182013 2312014 2592015 2992016 287

218231

259

299287

ACTIVE CONSTRUCTION SITES

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

YEAR COMPLAINTS RECEIVED AND RESPONDED TO2012 112013 212014 152015 202016 17

11

21

15

20

17

COMPLAINTS RECEIVED AND RESPONDED TO

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

YEAR CONSTRCUCTION PLANS RECEIVED AND REVIEWED2012 542013 722014 822015 872016 105

54

72

8287

105

CONSTRCUCTION PLANS RECEIVED AND REVIEWED

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

YEAR SITE INSPECTIONS CONDUCTED2012 6212013 4742014 1922015 1752016 242

621

474

192175

242

SITE INSPECTIONS CONDUCTED

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

YEAR SITES REMOVED FROM ACTIVE CONSTRUCTION SITE LIST2012 752013 572014 502015 492016 55 75

57

50 49

55

SITES REMOVED FROM ACTIVE CONSTRUCTION SITE LIST

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

IT’S HARVEST TIME!When the planting season comes, you carefully

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As a tree hugger in a scien-

tific way, new studies that quantify a tree’s value by

means other than the board-feet of lumber it produces are interesting. The

February 2016 CSA (Crops, Soils, Agron-omy) News magazine has an article about

Urban Forests by US Forest Service’s Greg McPherson. His work puts a value to the benefits

trees supply to us in psychological, spiritual and physical ways. Those elements are difficult to

put a dollar value on, but they do contribute to our over-all happiness and well-being. Even in the largest cities, they’re

our constant but unseen compan-ions. Trees help in ways we are just

discovering. We’ve discovered that retail properties with trees have

more business, with visitors that stay longer and spend more. Hos-pital patients with views of trees recover faster. Trees shade out ul-traviolet light and their harmful effects on our skin and overall health. They also reduce pollut-ants including carbon monox-ide and particulate matter.

Hopefully you have a few to call your own. The maple tree in the backyard with the tire swing hanging from it. A picnic table in the shade of a grand old

sycamore. The giver of diverse color in the fall, with the composted leaves

completing the recycle of nutrients to the earth. But, have you ever thought

of your trees as part of an Urban Ecosystem?Urban areas are comparatively disturbed areas, covering about 4% of the earth’s surface. But the

parks, vacant lots, greenways, landscaping, wa-terways and retention areas are still intercon-

nected as a functional ecosystem. The plants are usually nonnative and invasive, with

low production that doesn’t improve soils. There are higher level of pol-

lutants, more extremes in tem-perature, weather, damage

and disease to plants, making bird and

animal habi-tats a tougher place in which to survive.

The urban heat island effect enhances storms, increasing their severity as they pass over the warmer roofs and concrete of developed areas. Ur-ban trees impact the storm by lowering wind speed. As storm runoff leaves damages, trees help stabilize the ground and treat and slow the release of rain. Studies find that three trees planted

around a building can save $50-90 a year in heating and cooling bills from the shade

and reduced wind. Healthy trees add approximately $402 per tree to the value of a property from their envi-

ronmental benefits and aesthetic values.

Ground ozone is reduced if tree species that aren’t sensitive are

planted in the right spots. This is important for those with lung problems. Noise reduction, recre-ation areas, biodiversity and rest stops for migratory birds are other important environmental contributions of Urban Forests. Another intrinsic value of the calming effects of outdoor spaces are important to us

all, maybe more to city dwell-ers.

Wherever you may call home, what naturalist John Muir said in

1912 still holds true, maybe even more so in today’s world where we’re

more distanced from nature: “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul alike”, from The Yosemite.

For more information, go to the US Forest Ser-vice’s website at https://www.itreetools.org/design.php where you can enter your address and get information on the benefits from your trees. Also, the Davey Tree Expert Group has a website at http://www.treebenefits.com/calculator/ where you can obtain the values.

URBAN ECOSYSTEMS

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The Elkhart County SWCD tried a unique soil microbiology experiment this summer. Soil microbiol-ogy is the study of the organ-isms in soil, their functions and how they affect soil properties. Our experiment was to determine if there is more soil biology living in no-till fields and less in conventionally tilled fields. Examination of soils shows billions of worms, bacteria and other species exist in a teaspoonful of healthy soil.

Our experiment consisted of placing 100% cotton t-shirts two inches deep into no-tilled crop fields with cover crops and conven-tionally tilled fields with no cover crops. One sleeve was left above ground to recover the shirt. We left the under-wear buried 7 weeks in the

bean fields and 8 weeks in the corn to see what would happen. First observation: Whew! It Worked! The re-sults were pretty amazing. There were concerns that the microbes might be affected by the drier than normal conditions, but we did see obvious differences between the tillage systems.

Our results showed that the long term no-till corn field with over 15 years of cover crops had the highest biological activity. The shirt was 100% consumed by the worms and other soil life. The no-till soybean field

with 5 years of cover crops was also biologically very

active with 40% of the shirt eaten away. This site may

have had more success if we could have left it buried longer.

The conventional corn field without cover crops didn’t have as much eaten away. The shirt was dam-aged by a cultivator, but only 20% of the cotton material was gone. The conventional soybean field with no cover crops has the least active biologically, with 5% of the shirt eaten. A shirt we buried in our native flower garden in front of the SWCD office was buried 6 weeks and 60% of the shirt was consumed. Those critters love native

plants, they’re made for each other!

Soil microbes are the engine that drives healthy soil systems. Healthier soils make healthier root systems, which makes healthier soils, and on and on. This leads to soils with increased production even with fewer chemical in-puts. They hold more water and act as a carbon sink, so we get more out of the land that is already in produc-tion. This reverses the trend of soils getting depleted of nutrients, requiring more chemical inputs to main-tain production levels.

Microbial activity helps plants be more resistant to drought and temperature changes because of their healthier root systems. Plants are also more re-sistant to pests because of increased vigor and plant growth. Chemical inputs can be reduced without sacrific-ing yield.

Perhaps you have a site or two on your property that you wonder about. This ex-periment is cheap and easy to conduct. Put some cot-ton undies in the ground and wait a while. Come back, dig them up and see what happened. Your microbes will be glad you fed them.

The Roller Coaster Con-servation Series “Cover Your Assets” covered it. Jeff Burbrink, Elkhart County Extension educator, started the morning out speaking on the “Farm Economics Spreadsheet”. He talked about the importance of seed costs, plant population, fertilizer options and yield goals. Study your varieties and make sure the seed cho-sen is best suited for your soil and your plan for the cropping season. Plant pop-ulations play a strong role in economics of your farm. Studies are showing cutting back on seeding rates on both corn and soybeans can decrease costs without de-creasing yeild. Use your soil tests to achieve the optimum fertilizer needs for your crop. You may save a few dollars by striving to stay in that maintenance range for the next couple growing sea-sons. Consider the econom-ics when reaching for your yield goal.

Cameron Mills, a Cass County Indiana farmer, spoke on how he uses cov-er crops to help leverage his assets and promote soil health. Mills emphasized the importance of attitude, patience, and creating the correct mind set to take on the cover crop approach. He stressed how we need to read herbicide and seed labels to make sure that everything we are using is compatible. He is using cover crops to scavenge nutrients for his crops and likes the slow nitrogen release process. Mills expressed competition is a great way of controlling weeds and cover crops do just that.

Burbrink and Amanda Kautz, NRCS District Con-servationist, walked ev-eryone through a Nutrient management plan. They explained the importance of knowing the value of resi-due, manure, and properly calibrating your equipment. Burbrink explained the dif-

ference between “Book Value and Your Value.” The “Your Value” can play a big role in the economics of your farm, just knowing the actual value of a load of manure or how much N is your soybean residue worth. Kautz brought everyone up to speed on what is a nutri-ent management plan and why it is important to your operation big or small.

Blake Hitzfield, a Roa-noke Indiana farmer, ex-plained the different types of grazing and how a practice needs to be designed around

your operation and do what works for you. Hitzfield de-scribed the importance of soil, grasses, and genetics to a strong successful pasture program.

Kautz and Jim Hess, SWCD Conservationist, finished up discussing the different cost share pro-grams available for Elkhart County landowners. Elkhart County SWCD has received a Clean Water Indiana grant that has many different op-portunities for local farmers to cost share conservation practices.


Jim DonahoeOwner/Operator

P.O. 325Syracuse, Indiana 46567

574-533-2597Fax 534-8230

[email protected]

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One thing leads to another

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It seems that water is in the news frequently these days. Sometimes there’s too much in the wrong place, some-times too little in the right place. One thing’s for sure, more attention to water use and quality must be paid. So, what’s that got to do with you and your property?

For each one inch rain, a half-acre lot receives 13,277 gallons of water. Goshen gets over 39 inches of rainfall an-nually, resulting in 534,529 gallons a year. Things can be done to reduce your run-off and the Greater Elkhart County Storm Water Part-nership is here to offer assis-tance.

Urban areas have a “flashy” response to a storm. Most of the ground is covered, so the untreated rain gets to storm sewers faster than in natural settings. The majority of pol-lution is usually in the first flush of rain. Rain barrels reduce the storm volume by

holding some water. Barrels can be as simple

and cheap or complex and expensive as you want. Stores offer kits that are easy to install. Some of you DIY types may assemble your own. Prices range from tens to hundreds of dollars. A container for water, some fix-tures and a hose are the basic components, just make sure the container didn’t previous-ly hold anything hazardous.

Rain gardens treat the water and slow the flow by diverting it into the gar-den and holding it. You can hire professionals or make it a weekend project. Roof drains, improvements, under-ground utilities and ground slope are considered, and then a plan is made. Using native plants helps all sorts of beneficial species by adding biodiversity. They’re a better fit because they coexist with our ecosystem, requiring less water, weeding and fertilizer.

We held a sold-out Build A Barrel rain barrel event in mid-January, where free barrels and plumbing were offered. We will be holding a Rain Barrel – Rain Garden

Workshop from 6:00-7:30 pm on May 4th at the Ox Bow Haus in Ox Bow Coun-ty Park near Dunlap. An-other Build-A-Barrel event will also take place later this

year. The Greater Elkhart

County Storm Water Part-nership and the Elkhart County SWCD offer bar-rel and garden incentive

programs. To qualify, you must live in the MS4 ar-eas of Elkhart, Goshen, Bristol or unincorporated parts of Elkhart County. Fill out an application, at-tend a workshop and you are eligible.

The Partnership pays $50 per rain barrel (2 per prop-erty allowed). Rain gardens get $250 towards native plants. Links to the applica-tions are available at (http://www.elkcoswcd.org) or at the SWCD office.

These activities may seem a small act for each of us, but together great things can be achieved. The cumula-tive effect of treating storm water for pollutants before it leaves our property im-proves the overall quality of our water. For additional information, please con-tact the Elkhart Co. SWCD at 574-533-4383 X 3 or email Deb Jimison at debra. [email protected].

Benefits of Rain Barrels and Rain Gardens

The Results of Soiling Our Undies

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It takes many people to make the Elkhart County Soil and Water Conser-vation District (SWCD or District) func-tion. Whether you implement conserva-tion practices, are an affiliate member, or a volunteer, we want to thank all of you who help us carry out our mission to assist and educate citizens, land us-ers, and other agencies in the wise use of natural resources in Elkhart County. Below are several opportunities for you to get involved with activities that help us accomplish that goal. If any of these interest you, please contact us for more information.

We also want to thank the Elkhart County Commissioners and Council and the Greater Elkhart County Stormwater Partnership, who provide policy guid-ance and the majority of our local fund-ing. We would not exist without support from the Elkhart County Commissioners and Council who recognize the need to promote the sustainability of natural re-sources, agriculture, and development in Elkhart County. Our relationship with the Greater Elkhart County Stormwater Partnership assists the County; the Cities of Elkhart and Goshen; and the Town of Bristol in implementing the state and fed-

eral requirements for Municipal Separate Stormwater Systems (MS4). This part-nership was created to insure equality in implementation of the regulations, and to meet the requirements in the most cost ef-fective way.

As members of the Indiana Conserva-tion Partnership, we are represented by the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts at the state level. Within the Indiana Conservation Partner-ship are other agencies that provide sup-port, guidance, technical expertise, and funding including: the United States De-partment of Agriculture (USDA), Natural

Resource Conservation Service (repre-sented locally by our District Conserva-tionist Amanda Kautz), the Indiana State Soil Conservation Board, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (repre-sented locally by our District Support Spe-cialist Jennifer Thum), the Indiana Depart-ment of Environmental Management, the Indiana Department of Natural Resourc-es, the USDA Farm Service Agency (rep-resented locally by Brenda Yoder, Jenny Brosius, and Angi Keim), and Purdue Extension (represented locally by our Ag/Natural Resource Educators Jeff Burbrink and Robert Kelly).

How Can You Help?February 10, 2017 ELKHART COUNTY SWCD 11

Participants shown at left are learning how to collect invertebrates so they can be identified according to their pollution tolereance rating. Participants in a Hoosier Riverwatch workshop learn how to monitor surface water quality by testing chemical properties of the water, evaluating the habitat in and around the water, and collecting benthic macroinvertebrates (“critters”) that serve as water quality indicators. Hoosier Riverwatch is a program of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), and its mission is “to involve the citizens of Indiana in becoming active stewards of Indiana’s water resources through watershed educa-tion, water monitoring, and clean-up activities.” This is a fun, hands-on citizen science activity that makes a difference in our community! If you want to learn about upcoming training opportunities, or if you have done the training and need a place to volunteer, contact the SWCD office.

Elkhart County has several very active local watershed groups. Shown at left is the Elkhart River Res-toration Association, Inc. (ERRA)’s annual rain barrel auction at Goshen’s First Friday in June. If you are interested in becoming a member and/or supporter of the ERRA learn more at www.elkhartriver.org. The Friends of the St. Joseph River work in the entire St. Joseph River Watershed. They help smaller watershed groups within the Basin complete projects, and sponsor river clean-ups and grants to protect and restore wet-lands. They can be contacted at: http://www.fotsjr.org/. A group of people from Indiana and Michigan formed the group Save Cobus Creek during the discussions of a potential waste water treatment plant that would have drained into Cobus Creek. You can learn more about them on the “Save Cobus Creek” Facebook page. The Elkhart Conservation Club is located where Cobus Creek meets the St. Joseph River. If you live in a different watershed and would like us to assist you, or if you would like to know more about a group in your watershed, please contact the SWCD office.

Want to be a local conservation leader? Help set conservation priorities in Elkhart County? Plan and volunteer at educational events and field days? The Elkhart County SWCD Board does all of this and more! Contact a board member for more information on how you can get involved. Not sure who to talk to? Call the SWCD office at 533-4383 ext 3.

SWCD Supervisors (from left, back): Dale Leer, Board Member; Keith Miller, Associate Supervisor; Dar-rell Shover, Board Member; Dean Rink, Board Member; (from left, front) Tom Kercher, Board Chair; Alex Wait, Board Vice Chair. Other Associate Supervisors are: David Bontrager, Brian Campbell, Joe Brown, and Gary Kauffman.

Andy Langdon, Elkhart County Parks, (standing left) teaches the 2016 Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) Class about mammals on a hike at the Elkhart Conservation Club. The IMN Program allows interested adults to par-ticipate in a series of classes and then use their knowledge through volunteer service in the community. The Elkhart County SWCD sponsors IMN classes with the help of Elkhart County Parks, Middlebury Parks, and other local agencies and organizations. You can choose to do all your volunteer hours with one organization or agency, or work with several different groups. Some examples of volunteer activities include: leading programs, teaching classes, removing invasive species, local bird counts, helping to restore natural areas, monitoring riv-ers—and more! Contact Jordan Beehler for more information on how to become an Indiana Master Naturalist.

A conservation plan helps to meet your goals and protect your natural resources, allowing your farm to reach its full potential! A plan will combine your personal knowledge and experiences with NRCS technical assistance, putting the right conservation practice in the right place. It will serve as a record of your goals and progress toward them. Contact Amanda Kautz, NRCS District Conservationist, for more information.

No-till corn after wheat cover crop.

Hoosier Riverwatch

Local Watershed Groups

Contact a SWCD Board Member

Indiana Master Naturalist

Create a Conservation Plan


Elkhart County SWCD &Michiana Master Gardeners

Order Deadline: Friday, March 10, 2017Tree Pick Up & Sale: April 22, 2017

It is the desire of the Elkhart County Soil & Water Conservation District and the Michiana Master Gardeners to provide quality tree seedlings to those in the Elkhart County area who would like to plant small

quantities of quality hardwood and conifer seedlings. Look below to see what we have to offer.

2017 Tree Sale

Key

B-Border C –Cone D –Dry EC-Erosion Control F –Fast FL –Flower FR –Fruit FS –Full Sun M –Moist MD –Medium O-Ornamental PS –Partial Sun S-Shade SD –Seed SL –Slow T-Timber W-Wet WB-Windbreak WL-Wildlife

Species Information

Call Before You Dig

Call the Indiana Underground Plant Protection Service (IUPPS) before you dig. Please call at least 2 days before you begin your project and follow these steps:

(1) Outline your project with white paint (2) Call IUPPS at 1-800-382-5544 (4) Know your county and township where you are digging (5) Provide the name and phone number of the person digging (if not you) (6) Give the utility companies time to respond (7) Dig with care!

Species Mature Height

Growth Rate

Soil Drainage

Plant Products Light

Salt Tolerant Benefits

EVERGREENS American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) 30-60’ SL-MD Most Soils C, SD PS-FS No B, EC, WB, WL

Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) 75-100’ F M, D C, SD PS-FS No B, EC, T, WB, WL

Norway Spruce (Picea abies) 40-60’ MD– F Most Soils C, SD FS Moderate B, EC, WB, WL DECIDUOUS TREES

Chinkapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergi) 70-100’ SL-MD Various SD FS Low EC, O, WL

Red Maple (Acer rubrum) 40-60’ MD-F Various FL, FR, S PS-FS No EC, S, T, WL

River Birch (Betula nigra) 40-70’ MD-F M, W SD PS-FS Intermediate

Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) 70-80’ SL Most Soils FR, SD PS Low EC, WB, WL

Thornless Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos) 30-70’ F Most Soils FL, SD PS-FS Low EC, S, T, WL, WB Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) 70-100’ F M, D FL, SD PS-FS Intermediate EC, S, T, WL

Yellowwood (Cladrastris lutea) 30-50’ MD-F Moist FL, FR FS NO B, O, WB, BL SMALL TREES AND SHRUBS

American Plum (Prunus americana) 15-20’ MD M, D FL, FR FS Low EC, WB, WL Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) 25-35’ MD-F D FL, FR, SD PS-FS No EC, S, WL

Nannyberry (V iburnum lentago) 15-18’ SL Most Soils FL, FR S-FS No B, O, WB, WL

Redtwig Dogwood (Cornus sericea) 7-9’ MD Most Soils FL, FR PS-FS No B, O, WB, WL

Speckled Adler (Alnus rugosa) 15-39’ F Most Soils C, SD, FL, FR PS Moderate C, EC, WL,

ENTER QUANTITY OF PACKS AND TOTAL DOLLAR AMOUNT DUE BELOW

Species Seedling Height

Pack of 5 Pack of 10 Pack of 25 Total $$

American Arborvitae * 12-20” _____ X $5.00 _____X $8.00 _____X $17.00

American Plum * 12-18” _____ X $7.00 _____X $13.00 _____X $29.00

Chinkapin Oak * 12-18” _____ X $7.00 _____X $12.00 _____X $27.00

Eastern White Pine * 12-20” _____ X $6.00 _____X $10.00 _____X $23.00

Eastern Redbud * 12-18” _____ X $8.00 _____X $14.00 _____X $32.00

Nannyberry * 12-18” _____ X $11.00 _____X $19.00 _____X $43.00

Norway Spruce 14-24” _____ X $5.00 _____X $8.00 _____X $17.00

Red Maple * 9-14” _____ X $8.00 _____X $14.00 _____X $31.00

Redtwig Dogwood 12-18” _____ X $7.00 _____X $11.00 _____X $25.00

River Birch * 22-36” _____ X $11.00 _____X $19.00 _____X $43.00

Shagbark Hickory * 6-12” _____ X $11.00 _____X $20.00 _____X $44.00

Speckled Alder * 12-18” _____ X $7.00 _____X $12.00 _____X $27.00

Thornless Honeylocust * 12-18” _____ X $8.00 _____X $13.00 _____X $29.00

Tulip Poplar * 12-18” _____ X $8.00 _____X $14.00 _____X $31.00

Yellowwood * (Pre-order Only!) 1 gallon (usually 1-2’ tall) _____X $19.00

Landscape Package: (Two of each) Eastern Redbud, Redtwig Dogwood, and Tulip Poplar

Qty of Packs _____ X $10.00

$ .

$ . *Native to Indiana Total Due $ .

Terms and Conditions

Payment must accompany the order. Orders of 500 - 999 trees per species receive a 20% discount.

Orders of 1000 trees per species receive a 30% discount. (Call for pricing information.)

Only ONE discount per order is allowed. Orders must be postmarked no later than: March 10, 2017. Trees are available to anyone and may be planted without re-

striction. We reserve the right to make alterations if necessary. We DO NOT furnish replacements. Sizes may vary due to weather conditions beyond our control.

Make all checks payable to: Elkhart County Soil and Water Conservation District

17746-B County Road 34, Goshen, IN 46528 Phone: (574) 533-4383 ext. 3

_____________________________________ Name: _____________________________________ Address: _____________________________________ City: State: Zip Code: _____________________________________ Telephone: (We must have this for day of pick-up) _____________________________________

Where did you get this form???

OFFICE USE: CHECK #_____________ RECEIPT # ______________ CONFIRMATION# ______________

Elkhart County Soil and Water Conservation District Mission Statement:

To promote and implement the protection, conservation and wise use of natural resources

in Elkhart County through partnerships.

Michiana Master Gardener Association Mission Statement:

The Michiana Master Gardener Association is a not-for-profit educa-tional organization dedicated to the improvement of the community. Members of the Association have completed the requirements of the Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program, working in affiliation with the Purdue Extension Service of Elkhart County. Its specific aim is to im-prove the quality of life in the community by providing information and technical assistance in the area of home horticulture through the use of trained and certified volunteers.

The programs and services of the Elkhart County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Michiana Master Gardeners are offered

on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age or disability.

Michiana Master Gardener Association Mission Statement: The Michiana Master Gardener Association is a not-for-profit educational organization

dedicated to the improvement of the community. Members of the Association have completed the requirements of the Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program, working in affiliation

with the Purdue Extension Service of Elkhart County. Its specific aim is to improve the quality of life in the community by providing information and technical assistance in the area of home

horticulture through the use of trained and certified volunteers.

Elkhart County Soil and Water Conservation District Mission Statement: To promote and implement the protection, conservation and wise use of natural resources


ELKHART COUNTY

s o i l a n d w a t e r c o n s e r v a t i o n

D I S T R I C T

The programs and services of the Elkhart County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Michiana Master Gardeners are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race,

color, national origin, sex, marital status, age or disability.







ELKHART COUNTY


D I S T R I C T



Name

Address

City State Zip Code

Telephone (WE MUST HAVE THIS FOR DAY OF PICK-UP)

Where did you get this form???

Key


Species Information

Call Before You Dig




Growth Rate

Soil Drainage
















TERMS AND CONDITIONS• Payment must accompany the order.• Orders of 500 - 999 trees per species receive a 20%

discount. Orders of 1000 trees per species receive a 30% discount. (Call for pricing information.)

• Only ONE discount per order is allowed.• Orders must be postmarked no later than:

March 10, 2017.• Trees are available to anyone and may be planted

without restriction. We reserve the right to make al-terations if necessary.

• We DO NOT furnish replacements.• Sizes may vary due to weather conditions beyond

our control.







ELKHART COUNTY


D I S T R I C T



Key


Species Information

Call Before You Dig




Growth Rate

Soil Drainage
















Key


Species Information

Call Before You Dig




Growth Rate

Soil Drainage
















Documents

Featuring: Jane Hardisty - elkcoswcd.org