Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District

Newsletter

 

The Mission of Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District

The mission of the soil and water conservation district is to conserve the soil and water resources of the county; promote the wise use of these resources through education; protect residents from undue hardship caused by erosion, sedimentation and flooding; protect the agricultural soil base to ensure continued productivity; and preserve the quality of water and water courses within the county.

Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District Can Help Missourians

Did you know that 93 percent of Missouri's land is owned by private citizens? This makes private landowners vital partners with Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District provides information, technical assistance and financial assistance to landowners who qualify to implement practices that improve or sustain our natural resources. Crops and livestock benefit from practices such as improved grazing systems, alternative watering methods, waterways, new ponds, interseeding pastures, spring developments and many other practices.

The Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District works with other agencies, such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Missouri Department of Conservation to provide services that are not available through the district. Whatever your land use, the district has programs in place that can help increase productivity while enhancing natural resources.

Practical stewardship by private landowners is the key to making sure Missourians continue to enjoy the benefits of a diverse and healthy environment. Whether it is agriculture, forests, ponds, streams, wildlife or natural communities (such as wetlands, prairies or glades) we are here to assist you in what is best for your land. You decide, and we are here to provide the information or help in any way that we can.

JCSWCD Has Soil Survey Books and Soil Survey CD's

Jefferson County has the updated 2005 soil survey books with maps and the soil survey CD's available to those who would like a copy. This updated 2005 survey book and CD covers all of Jefferson County. Just come by and request a copy at your convenience. 

15 Things You Can Do To Help Protect Water

For soil testing, contact your local Jefferson County Missouri Extension office at 636-797-5391. For well water testing, visit the Jefferson County Health Department to get a testing kit. The department is located at 405 Second St., Hillsboro, MO.

Water Is Life

“Water is Life” is the theme for this year’s 2008 poster contest. All the students in fifth grade that live in Jefferson County are eligible to enter the contest. District technician, Shannon Dean, has been visiting the county schools and providing information, poster board, labels, incentive gifts and doing a PowerPoint presentation on conserving our natural resources. The Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District's goal is to help educate the students on the importance of conservation of our water and how important water is in our daily lives.

The annual National Conservation Poster Contest provides kindergarten through 12th grade students an opportunity to convey their thoughts about soil, water and related natural resource issues through art. It also highlights the educational outreach efforts of conservation districts and their state conservation associations, auxiliaries and agencies. The poster contest theme follows the annual stewardship theme. The contest is co-sponsored by the National Association of Conservation Districts and the National Association of Conservation Districts Auxiliary.

Each year, the poster contest starts at the district level. Individuals and teachers with questions regarding district contests should contact their local district. District winners advance to the state level. For questions regarding state competitions, districts should contact their state association. Finally, state winners advance to the national contest. National winners are recognized each year at the National Association of Conservation Districts Annual Meeting.

This year we had ten schools participate in Jefferson County and 543 fifth grade students. Each class has a first, second and third place winner, which are then judged against each other for a school winner. The school winners are then judged against each other for a county first, second and third place winner. The first place county winner is then sent to the state office for a state winner to be selected. The state winner then proceeds to national competition.

The Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District enjoys visiting the schools, educating the children on the importance of conservation of our natural resources and providing the materials and incentives to get the kids excited about the poster contest.