Shiawassee Conservation District

Conserving water and soil resources helps to protect the land for our use now and for future generations. In fact, landowners often tell us the reason they request a conservation plan is to protect what is special about their land today, so that it will benefit their kids and grandkids once it is passed down . The connection between h umans and the land is a strong one. Like Hugh Hammond Bennet, the Father of Soil Conservation once sai d, “Take care of the land, and the land will take care of you.” The Shiawassee Conservation District offers free and confidential conservation planning assistance. Conservation planning offers many benefits, including learning wh at conservation programs you may be eligible to participate in. One of these programs is the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). CREP is part of USDA Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). It offers enhanced financial incentives to landown ers who agree to establish and maintain eligible conservation practices. This g...

  The leaves are falling, temperatures are cooling, and many of us are preparing our homes for winter. Fall is a great time for cleaning up around the house, but let’s not forget to keep water quality in mind while doing so. There are sources of water pollution that are unique to autumn, such as yard wastes, excess fertilizers, and many others. We have prepared a list of pollution prevention tips so that you can help protect water quality this fall! Leave the leaves. Leaf litter and other yard wastes dumped into streets or local bodies of water can cause flooding and harmful nutrient overload. If you can, leave the leaves on your property; they make for great additions to compost piles or can be mulched into your lawn. If you can’t leave the leaves, check with your township or city for yard waste collection dates. Fertilize with care. Many homeowners fertilize their lawns and gardens in the fall to give them an extra boost before spring. If you plan on using fertilizers, make...

  Soil is a living, ever-changing mixture of organic and mineral material, gases, and water. Life within soil is sustained through plant growth, nutrient and organic matter recycling, and water infiltration. Everything on Earth depends on soil, and often this vital resource is overlooked. It is our responsibility to care and nurture the soil so that we can have a healthy planet for us and for future generations. Healthy soil is like a filter. It absorbs and purifies water before it enters our groundwater, lakes, and rivers. Keeping roots in the ground throughout the entire year, minimizing soil disturbance, and reducing compaction creates larger soil pores, which helps increase water infiltration. When more water can penetrate the soil, there is less nutrient and sediment losses, more water available for plants to grow, and more water that is able to filter down into groundwater. When we benefit soil health, we protect water quality. Soil is fragile and can quickly become out o...