Greene SWCD

Greene SWCD and Soil & Water Conservation Week Oct 14-20

October 18th marks the 30th anniversary of the Enhancement of the Clean Water Act of 1972. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Greene County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) are moving forward in the effort to protect and improve the quality of our water resources.

Concerned about the reports of high nitrate levels in Greene County rivers and streams, Greene SWCD, headed by assistant commissioner Sheila Hebenstreit, organized a cadre of local volunteers to take samples weekly at designated points in these water courses. Those samples are then tested for nitrates following a protocol developed by Sheila, in conjunction with Des Moines Water Works using a spectrophotometer, sophisticated equipment capable of testing for multiple pollutants.

Farmers in Buttrick Creek watershed are working toward improving the nitrate and phosphorus levels in that creek by using filterstrips, oat and hay plantings, and nutrient management (controlling the fertilizer applied according to projected yields and current soil tests).

These same conservation measures along with terraces, grassed waterways, grade
stabilization structures and notill farming are being adopted throughout the county.
Most landowners and producers are conscious of the consequences their farming practicesmay have on drinking water.

Johnetta Harms, Greene SWCD Chairperson, reminds residents that clean water is everyone’s job. Both town and country residents should be careful what and how much is applied on their lawns or fields or dumped in ditches or down the drain. She urges careful handling and proper disposal of chemicals.

For more information about Backyard Conservation call 1-888-LANDCARE (526-3273) or the website: www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/backyard/. The staff at the USDA Service Center in Jefferson are available to assist you with your conservation needs.

		1703 N Elm Street Jefferson, IA 50129 Phone: 1-515-386-3817 Fax: 515-386-4328

	Greene SWCD and Soil & Water Conservation Week Oct 14-20 October 18th marks the 30th anniversary of the Enhancement of the Clean Water Act of 1972. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Greene County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) are moving forward in the effort to protect and improve the quality of our water resources. Concerned about the reports of high nitrate levels in Greene County rivers and streams, Greene SWCD, headed by assistant commissioner Sheila Hebenstreit, organized a cadre of local volunteers to take samples weekly at designated points in these water courses. Those samples are then tested for nitrates following a protocol developed by Sheila, in conjunction with Des Moines Water Works using a spectrophotometer, sophisticated equipment capable of testing for multiple pollutants. Farmers in Buttrick Creek watershed are working toward improving the nitrate and phosphorus levels in that creek by using filterstrips, oat and hay plantings, and nutrient management (controlling the fertilizer applied according to projected yields and current soil tests). These same conservation measures along with terraces, grassed waterways, grade stabilization structures and notill farming are being adopted throughout the county. Most landowners and producers are conscious of the consequences their farming practicesmay have on drinking water. Johnetta Harms, Greene SWCD Chairperson, reminds residents that clean water is everyone’s job. Both town and country residents should be careful what and how much is applied on their lawns or fields or dumped in ditches or down the drain. She urges careful handling and proper disposal of chemicals. For more information about Backyard Conservation call 1-888-LANDCARE (526-3273) or the website: www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/backyard/. The staff at the USDA Service Center in Jefferson are available to assist you with your conservation needs.
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