A special publication of the Fillmore County Journal
Monday, February 2, 2015
2015 Tree Order Form page
2
Intern experience
page
SWCD new employees
5
page
6
Fillmore SWCD Scholarships page
Kingsland Rain Garden Project
8
page
Fillmore Soil & Water Conservation District Conservation
11
Chronicles
John and Deb Bruihler named 2014 Outstanding Conservationists By Jeanette Serfling Administrative Assistant The Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District has named John and Deb Bruihler of Rushford as their 2014 Fillmore County Outstanding Conservationists. The Bruihlers were also selected as one of eight Area Finalists by the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Districts (MASWCD) in the 2014 Outstanding Conservationist Program. The Bruihlers were recognized at a luncheon at the MASWCD convention on December 9 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel BloomingtonMinneapolis South. The MASWCD recognizes farm families, individuals, conservation organizations, and other groups for their accomplishments in implementing and improving
Minnesota’s natural resources. Farming 1,500 acres in Minnesota and Iowa, John and Deb Bruihler, have most of their acres in a corn/soybean rotation. Since John started farming in the 1980’s he has no-tilled his crops. His yields weren’t great in the beginning, but John saw the advantages of no-till and has farmed that way ever since. The Bruihler’s experienced more erosion than what they felt was acceptable, even with the implementation of no-till. Waterways and buffer strips have helped, but they continue to look for ways to slow down soil loss. Over the last five years they have been planting cover crops to further reduce erosion and have experimented with various seeding mixes
and seeding dates, but have had mixed results. They now plant rye as a cover crop on almost every acre of corn going to soybeans. Taking an active interest in notill, John and Deb have attended ten national conferences and one Canadian conference where John has participated as a panel member and also has presented several times. As the Chair of the Rush-Pine Watershed Farmer Led Council, John has led the effort locally to encourage more cover crops. The Bruihler’s want to keep our land productive and our water clean and continue to move forward in the community with the experience and innovation that exemplifies the title “Outstanding Conservationists”.
John Bruihler in one of his no-till bean fields.
Photo submitted
Fillmore SWCD co-sponsoring two Eagle Bluff Dinner on the Bluff events
John and Deb Bruihler of Rushford, Minn., standing in a field on their farm.
Photo submitted
Time to think about spring tree planting needs! Jeanette Serfling Administrative Assistant It is time once again to think SPRING and about what your tree planting needs will be. The Fillmore SWCD 2015 tree program is underway and is now accepting tree orders. The SWCD offers a variety of bare root shrubs, deciduous trees and conifers and potted conifers. Good quality
trees are sold, but we offer no guarantee of survival. Limited quantities are available, so get your orders in early for the best selection. Your order should be received at the SWCD office by February 25, 2015 and should include full payment. Trees usually arrive mid-April and purchasers will be notified by postcard or email about the days, times and location for
tree pickup. Other items available for sale include fertilizer packets, tree mats and staples. The SWCD also has two tree planters available for rent and tree bars which can either be purchased or rented for easier and more efficient planting. If you are looking for a tree See THINK SPRING Page 2
By Donna Rasmussen SWCD Administrator The Fillmore SWCD Board of Supervisors is partnering with Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center to sponsor two Dinner on the Bluff events that advance the mission of the Soil and Water Conservation District. The SWCD’s mission statement is “to promote natural resource stewardship by providing educational, technical and financial assistance.” The first program on Saturday, February 7, is entitled “Connections - Soils, Plants, and You” by Douglas Piltingsrud Ph.D., CEO of BioLive Soils LLC. By understanding the important connections between soils, plants and human health, the effectiveness of nature’s system can be maximized for producing nutritious food. This minimizes damage from insects, diseases, and weed competition naturally. This program examines how all can benefit from these interconnections if plants are grown nature’s way. The program begins at 5:00 pm,
www.fillmoreswcd.org
and the cost is $25 per person (early bird-before the week of the event) or $30 the week of event. The Fillmore SWCD has actively promoted soil health practices for many years—no till, cover crops and managed grazing, in particular. The District houses the Area Soil Health Technician, Dean Thomas, who works in 11 southeast Minnesota counties to assist producers mainly with managed grazing and cover crops. He organizes field days and workshops, provides technical advice to producers and agronomists, and helps set USDA policies and practice standards for soil health practices. The position is funded by a Clean Water Fund grant from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources. Numerous partners, including canning companies (Lakeside Foods, Pinnacle Foods, Seneca Foods), Minnesota Farmers’ Union, MinneSee EAGLE BLUFF Page 10
Page 2
FILLMORE SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT CONSERVATION CHRONICLES
THINK SPRING Continued from Page 1
or shrub not listed on our order form, please call our office at (507) 765-3878 ext. 3 and we
can check availability from the nursery. Order forms are available elsewhere in this insert, on our website at www.fillmoreswcd.org or at the office in Preston at 900 Washington Street NW.
Monday, February 2, 2015
Gossmans are Region 4 Minnesota Tree Farmers of the Year for 2014
SWCD staff Jeanette Serfling and Anne Koliha assist a customer with their trees. Photo submitted
Early Birds
e best I find th the t deals a NTY
E COU
R FILLMO
Tim and Susan Gossman of Chatfield, Minn.
AL
JOURN
find the newest listings by checking the Fillmore County Journal classifieds online every Friday afternoon
www.fillmorecountyjournal.com Fillmore SWCD
By Donna Rasmussen SWCD Administrator Tim and Susan Gossman were named 2014 Tree Farmers of the Year for the Southern Region by the Minnesota State Tree Farm Committee. The award recognizes the work they have done with the Lost Creek Hiking Trail and the projects
2015 Tree Order Form
900 Washington Street NW Preston, MN 55965 507-765-3878 Ext. 3
www.fillmoreswcd.org
Name:____________________________________________ Phone:__________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________ Alternate Phone:__________________________________ City, State, Zip: ____________________________________ E-mail Address:___________________________________
Variety
Shrubs
Deciduous Trees
Bare Root Conifers
Potted Conifers
Supplies Rain Barrels
Common Purple Lilac *Redosier Dogwood *Red Splendor Crabapple *American Cranberrybush *Common Chokecherry *Juneberry Red Maple *Black Walnut Sugar Maple *Red Oak *Bur Oak *White Oak *Hackberry American Hazelnut *Black Hills Spruce *White Pine Norway Spruce *Red Pine American Arborvitae White Spruce *Black Hills Spruce Dark Green Arborvitae Norway Spruce Techny Arborvitae White Spruce Tree Mat (1 – 3’ x 3’ mat w/5 staples)
Size 18”-24” 18”-24” 18”-24” 18”-24” 18”-24” 18”-24” 2’-3’ 18”-24” 2’-3’ 18”-24” 18”-24” 6”-12” 18”-24” 18”-24” 8”-12” 7”-15” 7”-15” 7”-15” 12”-18” 7”-15” 18”-24” 18”-24” 18”-24” 18”-24” 18”-24”
Fertilizer Packet Rain Barrel - Assembled Rain Barrel - DIY Kit
Please note: All Prices Include Sales Tax *Approved for CRP plantings
Tree descriptions can be found on our website: www.fillmoreswcd.org/treeSales.html Payment in full is due with order. Make checks payable to FILLMORE SWCD and mail to 900 Washington St. NW, Preston, MN 55965. The SWCD sells good quality trees, but offers no guarantee of survival. Order Deadline:
February 25, 2015
Trees per bundle 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 Each Each Each Each Each
Bundle Price $30.00 $29.00 $31.00 $43.00 $29.00 $34.00 $42.00 $35.00 $42.00 $38.00 $34.00 $38.00 $34.00 $35.00 $38.00 $35.00 $35.00 $35.00 $43.00 $35.00 $15.00 $15.00 $15.00 $15.00 $15.00
Each Each Each Each
$2.00 $.30 $50.00 $30.00
# of Bundles
Cost
to reforest former pasture and creek bottomland on their land. The 200 acre farm Tim and Susan bought 30 years ago is located in Jordan Township near Chatfield. They have named their place Thorn Apple Farm after the small native tree also known as Hawthorne growing in the Lost Creek val-
VARIETY
SIZE
MATURITY SIZE
Common Purple Lilac Redosier Dogwood
18” – 24” 18” – 24”
10’-15’ 10’ – 15’
Red Splendor Crabapple
18” – 24”
American Cranberry Bush
18” – 24”
16’
Common Chokecherry
18” – 24”
20’ – 30’
Juneberry
18” – 24”
8’
15’ – 25’
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
See GOSSMANS Page 3
DESCRIPTION A fast growing shrub with giant purple clusters of fragrant blooms in spring. Attractive red stems with creamy-white flowers followed by white berries. Red twigs create winter color. Tolerates most any location, growing in moist soils and in sun or shade. Excellent wildlife food source and cover. Tree of open graceful upright spreading habit. Reddish-green glossy foliage turns reddish-purple in fall. Very persistent fruits are dark red and showy. Dark green turning bright red in fall. Pair of reddish glands on petiole near base of leaf. White flowers in large flat-topped clusters bloom in June. Purple foliage color; new leaves emerge green and turn purple as they mature. Small white flower in May; small, reddish-purple fruit relished by birds. Plants naturally form many root suckers. Prefers well-drained soils. Most popular for its fruit production, is a hardy native of the Great Plains.
Deciduous Trees Red Maple
2’ – 3’
40’ – 60’
Black Walnut
18” – 24”
70’ – 100’
Sugar Maple
2’ – 3’
60’ – 80’
Red Oak
18” – 24”
60’ – 80’
Bur Oak White Oak
18” – 24” 18” – 24”
50’ – 80’ 50’ – 70’
Hackberry
18” – 24”
40’ – 60’
American Hazelnut
18’ – 24”
8’ – 15’
Black Hills Spruce
8” – 12”
40’ – 80’
Norway Spruce
7” – 15”
40’ – 60’
White Pine
7” – 15”
50’ – 80’
Red Pine (Norway)
7” – 15”
50’ – 80’
American Arborvitae
12” – 18”
15’ – 25’
White Spruce
7” – 15”
40’ – 60’
Black Hills Spruce
18” – 24”
40’ – 80’
Dark Green Arborvitae
18” – 24”
40’ – 60’
Techny Arborvitae
18” – 24”
15’ – 20’
Norway Spruce
18” – 24”
40’ – 60’
White Spruce
18” – 24”
40’ – 60’
Potted Conifers
$
ley on their farm. When they purchased their farm it was half wooded and half crop and pasture land. Now, 30 acres of the pasture land have been converted to forest. Managing and caring for the land has been a family affair. Their
Shrubs
Bare Root Conifers
Total
Photo submitted
Miscellaneous Supplies
Date Received: ________________________ Paid In Full Cash____________ Check #_____________
Tree Mat
Invoice #_____________________________
Rain Barrel – Assembled Rain Barrel – DIY Kit
Fertilizer Packet (16-6-8)
Rain Barrels
An excellent landscape tree. It has an oval to round crown, smooth gray bark as a young tree and red flowers in very early spring. The lobed leaves are a nice bright green and develop beautiful fall colors ranging from yellow to orange to vivid red. Requires full sun for best results. Moderately fast growing. Tall with deeply fissured brown bark. Important timber tree. Fast growing. Prefers moist, well drained soils. Nuts eaten by squirrels and red and gray fox. The largest of our native maples, somewhat slow-growing but desirable for symmetrical form and bright fall colors. Very hardy. Prefers rich, well-drained soil. Fastest grower of the oaks. Does best on moist or well-drained sites in full sun. Dense, lustrous foliage. Red to reddish-brown fall color. Valuable wood products tree. Acorns provide excellent wildlife food source. Large, hardy, long-lived tree. Slow growing. Prefers adequate moisture and clean cultivation. Does best on slightly moist to well-drained sites. Requires full sun. Valuable wood products tree. Acorns provide excellent wildlife food source. Purplish-red autumn color. Moderate growth rate. Prefers moist loam soil but tolerates both wet and dry sites. Has purplish-brown fruit and is readily eaten by birds and other wildlife. Grows in dry or moist wooded areas in full sun to partial shade. Has a male and female flower on one tree. Male flowers are showy yellowish brown catkins and female flowers appear in small reddish inconspicuous catkins. Nuts are commonly left for the squirrels and birds. Fall color ranges from orange, rose, purplish red, yellow and green to undistinguished, dull yellowish green. Noted for its dark green foliage and conical form. Slower growing. Prefers heavier soils, adequate moisture, and clean cultivation Hardy. Does best on moist to well-drained soils. Shade tolerant. Fastest growing of the spruce trees. Attractive drooping branches. Needles are 3”-5” long, very soft and flexible, and bluish-green color. Grows well in rich, moist soil, but does best in moist, sandy loams. Full to partial shade. Good lumber tree. Needles are 4” – 6” long, flexible and a dark yellow-green color. Prefers well-drained soils. Prefers moist soils, but will tolerate dry conditions. Shade intolerant. Moderate to rapid growth. Vigorous growing pyramidal tree developing a broad base and medium height. Foliage retains its dark green color year round. It has a medium growth rate. Needles are 1/3” – ¾” long and blue-green in color. Hardy. Does best in moist, well-drained, gravelly soils. Quite tolerant of hot, dry summers. Fairly rapid growth rate. Tolerant of considerable shade. Good wildlife cover. Noted for its dark green foliage and conical form. Slower growing. Prefers heavier soils, adequate moisture and clean cultivation. Vigorous growing. Prefers full sun to partial shade. More narrow in habit. 8’ – 10’ wide mature width. Compact, broad-based, upright, conical-pyramidal conifer. Dark green foliage that doesn’t turn yellow in winter. Prefers full sun to partial shade. Hardy. Does best on moist to well-drained soils. Shade tolerant. Fastest growing of the spruce trees. Attractive drooping branches. Needles are 1/3” – ¾” long and blue-green in color. Hardy. Does best in moist, well-drained, gravelly soils. Quite tolerant of hot, dry summers. Fairly rapid growth rate. Tolerant of considerable shade. Good wildlife cover.
1 – 3’ x 3’ mat with 5 sod staples. Mats block 92% of the sunlight to kill weeds and grasses for up to three years. By controlling weeds, each seedling can access all the water, minerals and nutrients available in the soil. Controlled-release coating dissolves only when the soil is warm and moist, the time when nutrients and water can be absorbed and used efficiently. These packets release nutrients over a period of 12 months. Fully assembled, ready to use, 55 gallon plastic rain barrel. Pre-drilled 55 Gallon plastic barrel, parts packet, and assembly instructions.
Trees will be available in April, 2015. Postcards will be mailed in early April notifying you of pick-up date and time.
Monday, February 2, 2015
GOSSMANS
Continued from Page 2 daughters, Sophia and Sarah grew up planting trees, shearing Christmas trees and helping with other woodland tasks. Today, after graduating from college, they return to the farm to help with projects and take time to enjoy the family forest. One of Susan and Tim’s major projects on the farm is reforesting the creek valley which had been overtaken by reed canary grass. Reed canary grass is a non-native plant that out-competes most native species and poses a major threat to wetlands. Two strategies were adopted, one for areas of the valley accessible by tractor and equipment, the other for areas inaccessible by tractor. In the accessible areas, the strategy over several years
FILLMORE SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT CONSERVATION CHRONICLES
is to control the reed canary grass through a combination of prescribed burning, herbicide application, mowing and tillage. Once the reed canary grass has been suppressed, a mixture of bottomland hardwoods and shrubs are planted by direct seeding. The mixture includes black walnut, burr oak, swamp white oak, Kentucky coffee tree, silver maple, black cherry, plus plum, dogwood and high bush cranberry, with most of the seed collected in the local area. After the trees and shrubs sprout, the challenge is to protect them from deer, which is done with annual bud capping and installing tree shelters. The shade provided by the trees will keep the reed canary grass under control as the trees mature. The strategy for those creek valley areas not
accessible by tractor is to plant fence post-sized poles of willow and cottonwood to compete with and eventually shade out the reed canary grass. Once the reed canary grass is diminished, other bottomland trees and shrubs will planted for additional diversity. Tim and Susan have also been active volunteers with the Lost Creek Hiking Trail. A group of community members and neighbors got together and decided to develop a hiking trail to share the rural beauty of the area with others. Today, the Lost Creek Hiking Trail extends six-and-a-half-miles from Chatfield to Thorn Apple Farm and crosses the land of six private owners who have generously offered public access to their land. Construction of the trail was done by volunteers
using donated materials and a state grant for signs. Support for maintenance of the trail comes from donations and the City of Chatfield. In cooperation with the Fillmore SWCD, 31 signs have been installed along the trail to point out good forestry practices. Tim says, “The signs make it possible for people to take an educational field trip anytime they want.” A brochure available at access points to the trail provides brief explanations of the practices with further information available on the Fillmore SWCD website (www.fillmoreswcd.org). The volunteers who maintain the trail are part of the Bluff County Hiking Club. The club recently received a grant to erect signs and boot brush kiosks at four trail access points to educate users about
Page 3
preventing the spread of garlic mustard and other non-native and invasive plants (see article in this issue). As a member of the Fillmore SWCD Board of Supervisors, Tim is involved with the forestry initiatives of the District, including the annual forestry field day. As Nominating Forester Lance Sorenson points out, “The Gossmans do an outstanding job of promoting the Tree Farm concept by setting an example. The family is open to trying any practice that would improve the woodlands and the watershed and riparian area on Thorn Apple Tree Farm.” Congratulations to the Gossman family for being named the Region 4 Minnesota Tree Farmers of the Year!
Hiking trail signs educate users about reducing the spread of garlic mustard By Donna Rasmussen SWCD Administrator The Bluff Country Hiking Club has combined outdoor recreation with outdoor education. With the assistance of the Fillmore SWCD, MN-DNR Play Clean Go and a People’s Energy Cooperative Operation Roundup Program Grant, the Club installed boot brush kiosks and signs at four locations along Lost Creek Hiking Trail west of Chatfield. The signs educate trail users about reducing the spread of garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolate) and provide facts about other non-native, invasive plants. The boot brushes
allow trail users to brush garlic mustard seeds from their shoes before going to other areas. A grant from the MN-DNR provided funding to hire two interns to install the signs. A few facts about garlic mustard: •Garlic mustard is a nonnative plant that invades the understory of high quality woodlands upland and floodplain forests, not just into disturbed areas. •Invaded sites undergo a decline of native herbaceous cover within 10 years. •Garlic mustard out-competes the native plants for sun-
light and nutrients and alters habitat suitability for native insects which, in turn, affects the birds and mammals that would use the forest. •This European exotic occurs now in 27 midwestern and northeastern states and in Canada. •Garlic mustard is designated a restricted noxious weed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. •The seed and plant parts are carried from one place to another on our shoes, vehicle tires, by the wind and flowing water. The signs are part of a larger effort by the Bluff Country Hiking Club to educate people about forest management. There are also 31 locations along the Lost Creek Hiking Trail with signs that point out forest management practices and unique landscape features. A brochure that is available at kiosks at each end of the trail contains brief explanations for each of the signed locations, and further information about the practice or feature can be found on the Fillmore SWCD website (www. fillmoreswcd.org). The trail has provided a great venue for field days for numerous groups to highlight these practices.
Newly installed educational sign and boot brush kiosk. Photo submitted
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Page 4
FILLMORE SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT CONSERVATION CHRONICLES
Monday, February 2, 2015
Grassed waterway operation & maintenance By Rick Grooters Resource Conservation Technician Grass waterways are put in areas of concentrated flow or where gully erosion is a problem. They are designed to carry surface runoff to a stable outlet without causing any erosion. The vegetation in the waterway is designed to trap the sediment and protect the soil from erosion caused by the concentrated flow. Waterways can be very beneficial to wildlife depending on the vegetative species and the management of the waterways. The value of a good grassed waterway depends on proper maintenance. 1) Inspect your waterways annually for any gullies or ditching. Small gullies are much easier to repair than a large ditch that
develops and can’t be crossed. 2) Maintain good conservation practices within the watershed. Reduced soil loss results in less sediment in the waterway. 3) Avoid end rows alongside waterways. When planting or tilling, always try to cross the waterway. This will prevent gullies forming on the outside of the waterway. 4) When applying herbicides, avoid spray drift and protect the grass cover by shutting off the sprayer when crossing a waterway. 5) Control annual and noxious weeds in waterways. Mowing periodically will control the weeds and promote dense sod formation. A stubble height of 6” for cool season grasses is
recommended. Wait till after August 1 if possible to allow birds to leave their nesting areas. (Treatment of CRP waterways must be authorized by the FSA office). 6) Maintain the original designed depth and width of the waterway. Cleaning out silt and reseeding the waterway may be needed occasionally. 7)Do not use the waterway for a field road or a turn area which can result in damaging or destroying the seed cover. If you have questions about waterway maintenance or would like assistance in establishing new waterways, please stop by the SWCD office in Preston or give me a call at (507) 765-3878 ext. 3.
Area in need of a grassed waterway.
Photo submitted
Benefits of a conservation plan
Well maintained grassed waterway.
Photo submitted
Friends of the Root River seeks members By Donna Rasmussen SWCD Administrator A group of interested and enthused residents of the Root River Watershed have formed the Friends of the Root River. Their mission statement: “The Friends of the Root River engages citizens to protect, restore and
appreciate the water resources in the Root River Watershed.” They hope to build their group and soon become a non-profit organization. Their main action areas will be education, advocacy, connecting with other groups and organizations, and engaging citizens in activities
and programs that benefit the land, water and people in the watershed. For more information, contact Donna Rasmussen at the Fillmore SWCD office at (507)7653878 ext. 3 or email donna. rasmussen@fillmoreswcd.org.
A conservation plan is the first step in managing natural resources in the landscape. The plans ensure that the land’s unique natural resources are managed in the best possible way, while maintaining sustainability and productivity. Land designated as HEL (Highly Erodible Land) must be protected from excessive soil erosion when used to produce agricultural commodities by implementing and maintaining a set of conservation practices in an NRCS approved conservation plan. Other benefits of a conservation plan: •May help landowner comply with environmental regulations •May qualify landowner for USDA conservation programs that can help them implement conservation measures •Adapts to changing farm or ranch operational goals Conservation planning is provided free of charge and does not take up much of your time. You
Preston Dairy & Farm
601 W. Hwy. 52 Canton, MN 507-743-2250
Catch up with the Journal • Local Features • Government News • Classifieds • And More
Fillmore County Journal
P: 507.765.2151 • F: 507.765.2468 E: news@fillmorecountyjournal.com W: www.fillmorecountyjournal.com
Lewiston 507-523-2161
wykoff
• Seeds • Chemicals • Feeds • Fertilizers 304 Fillmore St. E Preston, MN 507-765-2484
will just need to schedule a time to meet with Anne Koliha, Conservation Planning Specialist, to review all your HEL tracts of land that you operate either at your farmstead or the Fillmore SWCD Office. Call (507) 765-3878 ext. 123 or email anne.koliha@ fillmoreswcd.org to Anne Koliha to get started with updating your conservation plans.
507-352-2321
spring VaLLey 507-346-9899
e the relationship with our c “Wher usto mers is
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Monday, February 2, 2015
FILLMORE SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT CONSERVATION CHRONICLES
Intern experience
Drew Bahl and fellow Conservation Corps apprentice Dan Bradt of Chatfield measure water levels at the Lanesboro Fish Hatchery Spring. Photo submitted My name is Drew Bahl and I am currently a senior at Augs-
burg College in Minneapolis. I am pursuing a degree in
environmental studies with a minor in economics. The main reason I chose to major in environmental studies is because of my passion for the outdoors. I thought I would enjoy a career in the field of natural resources/ conservation. However, I wasn’t absolutely confident in the decision I made until I had the opportunity to intern for the Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District. I have been an intern at the SWCD for the last two summers and my experience has been extremely beneficial. My time as an intern has made me confident that I chose the right career path and has also allowed me to utilize the knowledge I have gained while pursuing my degree. My hands-on work with the SWCD has greatly complimented my learning at Augsburg and has prepared me for a career in the field of natural resources and conservation. My main focus as an intern has been on water quality monitoring. I assisted in the monitoring of three different water quality projects which involved 34 different sites throughout the Root River Watershed. This has been both my most time consuming and valuable experience throughout my time as an intern. Water quality immediately sparked my interest, and my experience has me seriously considering a potential career in water quality monitoring. The time I have spent at the SWCD has allowed me to work on all aspects of each individu-
al water quality project. From collecting samples and data in the field, to entering and analyzing data in the office, I have been exposed to it all. This has also greatly enhanced my attention to detail because each individual water quality project requires a specific procedure for both collecting and analyzing data. Initially, it was easy to get overwhelmed by the different projects and procedures. My first month at the SWCD was filled with rain, which required a lot of sampling. As stated by the Water Management Coordinator at that time, I would be “thrown right into the fire.” It was very difficult to keep up initially, with so much work to be done, but it was a very beneficial experience for me to overcome. I think my water quality work has been a great way to help prepare me for a career post-graduation. Water quality monitoring has accounted for the majority of my time at the SWCD, but I have also had many other great experiences as well. While interning I have also been exposed to: SWCD meetings, the annual forestry field day, site checks, surveying, rain barrel construction, lysimeter use, nitrate testing, farming practices, GIS mapping, community engagement, and more. This diverse list of experience was very beneficial because it greatly enhanced my education. As an intern, I was frequently offered the opportunity to work on something new, and I think
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this is a big reason I benefitted so much from my time with the SWCD. I was given a few of the typical “intern” jobs, but the majority of my time was spent working alongside members of the SWCD. This real-world experience has been invaluable to me. My intern experience has offered me a wide range of opportunities, which I believe will greatly benefit myself in the future. Overall, my experience at the Fillmore SWCD has been great. I now have a multitude of hands-on work experience to go along with the knowledge I have gained while pursuing my degree. I think the SWCD has really rounded out my learning and has greatly prepared me for a career after College. My experience has also allowed me to explore my interest in water quality, and may even greatly influence my career path. I am very thankful for the opportunity to work with the Fillmore SWCD, and I hope other interns in the future benefit from the experience as much as I have.
Got a News Tip? Have a Story Idea?
Contact the Fillmore County Journal P: 507.765.2151 F: 507.765.2468 E: news@fillmorecountyjournal.com www.fillmorecountyjournal.com
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FILLMORE SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT CONSERVATION CHRONICLES
SWCD welcomes new employees
Monday, February 2, 2015 ing nutrient management plans which may be required for compliance with state feedlot rules or for federal EQIP ag waste projects and working with farmers and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to set up and monitor on-farm demonstration plots to compare N fertilizer rates. John grew up on a farm in the Pilot Mound area and is active in the family beef cattle and farming operation. He attended the University of Minnesota ,obtaining degrees in Agriculture Industries and Marketing and Animal Science. He previously worked as a chemical applicator and as an area sales representative working with beef and dairy operations. If Caleb or John can be of assistance to you, please feel free to call them at (507) 7653878 ext. 3 or stop in at the SWCD office located at 900 Washington Street in Preston.
Nutrient Management Specialist John Boyum of Utica and Conservation Technician Caleb Fisher of Preston. Photo submitted
By Jeanette Serfling Administrative Assistant The Fillmore SWCD welcomes two new employees to its staff. In August of 2014, Caleb Fischer was hired as the Conservation Technician. Caleb’s duties focus on working with the Conservation Reserve Program, the Wetland Conservation Act, and water quality monitoring throughout the Root River Watershed. Caleb hails from the Harmony area but now lives in Preston with his wife Jenna and children, Jackson and Hayden. He grew up with an agricultural background and studied Crops, Soil and Pest Management at the University of Minnesota. Previous employment includes working at Poet Bio-Refinery and the Farm Service Agency before joining the staff at the SWCD. John Boyum was hired in October, 2014 as the Nutrient Management Specialist. The two main components of John’s job include writing and updat-
Wetland regulations to consider that you may not know about
Have you purchased your new Fillmore County Plat Book yet?
By Caleb Fischer Conservation Technician/WCA Administrator Are you planning on tiling, excavating or placing fill sometime in the future? I want to take a moment to remind you that along with the federal rules there are also state regulations to follow when planning and acting on these types of activities if they occur in a regulated wetland. Many of you are already aware that you need to complete paperwork through FSA and NRCS to be in compliance with federal programs. But what you may not know is you should see the SWCD staff to consult on the state regulations that may also apply to your project. Whether you are in a federal program or not, MN State Wetland Conservation Act rules apply to everyone and need to be followed. Installing tile, removing sediment from a drainage ditch, repairing a waterway, placing fill or conducting any other activity that possibly could drain or fill a wetland must follow the requirements of the Minnesota Wetland
By Jeanette Serfling Administrative Assistant A new 2014 Fillmore County Land Atlas and Plat Book is now available at the Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District office located at 900 Washington Street NW in Preston. The plat book is a great reference tool for landowners and business owners alike. Maps include parcel boundaries, acreage data, ownership information, roadways, watersheds and more. Each township has both a parcel map and an aerial map, which provides a quick gauge
Conservation Act (WCA). Not to worry, more often than not, the work can be done while avoiding or minimizing wetland impacts. Stop by the office and talk to Caleb, the Fillmore County WCA administrator. Let us know what type of work you are interested in and we can discuss options available to you. If there are wetlands being impacted and you do not qualify for an exemp-
tion, a replacement plan must be approved. The minimum replacement rate is one to one for every acre impacted. If the wetland is impacted without prior approval of a replacement plan, this will require replacement of up to 2.5 acres for every one acre impacted. For more information or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact the office at (507) 7653878 ext. 3.
to the use of a particular parcel. The front cover of the plat book features the beauty found in Fillmore County as seen through the lens of local photographers, including David Ta c k e , S u s a n N a s h , Ahna Buntrock, Gary Erickson, and Brenda Lokker. Thank you for sharing your photos. Copies of the plat book are available at the SWCD office at a cost of $30 each. The book was produced by Rockford Map Publishers, Rockford, Illinois.
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Monday, February 2, 2015
FILLMORE SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT CONSERVATION CHRONICLES
Evaluation of annual cover crops for forage By Jim Paulson University of Minnesota Our extension forage team identified certain cover crop species that needed investigation to establish cultural practices and nutritional value if utilized for forage. To be more profitable, dairy and beef producers need forages that can fill slumps in grazing systems, extend the grazing season and provide emergency cover and forage. Cattle producers are looking for ways to integrate cover crops into their cropping systems. Therefore, our objectives for this research were: •Determine the nutritional
value of selected cover crop species and mixtures. •Demonstrate the forage potential and value of cover crops grown on Minnesota farms. The following cover crop species were evaluated:
Annual rye grass Lentils Forage rape Forage peas Rox orange cane Camelina Sunn Hemp
Pearl millet Berseem clover Tillage radish Soybeans Phacelia Spelt BMR sorghum
International Year of Soils
NRCS joins groups across the world to celebrate International Year of Soils in 2015. The 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly designated 2015 for the yearlong soils celebration as a way to
Plots were planted on a farm north of Lanesboro June 24 and harvested August 20. Stand and establishment data was obtained after seeding. A plot flail harvester was used and dry matter yields were determined. A sample of harvested
increase understanding of the importance of soil for food security and essential ecosystem functions. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is heading up efforts along with the
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Turnips Crimson clover Fodder beets Austrian winter peas Forage oats Teff
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forage was retained from selected plots for dry matter determination and forage quality analysis of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber digestibility and minerals. Forage quality analyses w conducted via wet chemistry at a commercial lab. Forage nutrient analysis differed among species and ranged from BMR sorghum/sudan Forage kale Sugar beets Vetch Grazing corn Buckwheat
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a high of 24.01% crude protein for fodder beet tops to a low of 10.90% crude protein for BMR sorghum/sudan. Total digestible nutrient (TDN) values showed the highest value for radish and turnip tops of 68.3% and 67.77% respectively; while being lowest for forage peas and lentils with 52.2% and 54.86%. Taller plants such as BMR sorghum/sudan and Rox Orange cane yielded greater amounts of dry matter while lush tops of radish, turnips and kale excelled in forage quality but were lower in dry matter yield per acre. From these data, we can better recommend combinations of species to fit certain cover crop and grazing scenarios. For more information, contact Jim Paulson at jcp@umn.edu.
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The RENT and REAL ESTATE section is the place to look for renting, buying or selling! Call 507-765-2151 or go to
Go to fillmorecountyjournal.com
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FILLMORE SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT CONSERVATION CHRONICLES
Monday, February 2, 2015
Southeast MN Nitrogen BMP Outreach Program Scholarships awarded by SWCD
Southeast Minnesota’s landscape consists of limestone bedrock overlain by shallow soils. This allows nitrate in the soil to readily move downward into the groundwater once it is below rooting depth. The more efficiently a crop uses the nitrogen, less is lost to ground water and that means less economic loss to the farmer. The objective of the Southeast Minnesota Nitrogen BMP Outreach Program is to reduce groundwater contamination from nitrate in southeastern Minnesota through assisting crop producers in adapting nitrogen fertilizer best management practices (BMPs) to their operations. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Nutrient Management Initiative (NMI) allows producers to compare nitrogen management practices in demonstration plots on their own land. The Nitrogen BMP Outreach Program combines the use of demonstration plots with farmer-to-farmer nitrogen management learning groups to evaluate how efficiently the crops use nitrogen fertilizer.
Using information from cropland aerial imagery and specialized nitrate soil and tissue testing, the learning groups assess how well the various nutrient management practices worked or didn’t work to help plan future studies. Farmers interested in setting up demonstration plots on their farm can choose from these options: •Nitrogen Application Timing Evaluations (Examples: Fall vs Spring, Preplant vs. Side dress/Split) •Nitrogen Stabilizer Product Evaluations (Examples: Instinct, N-Serve, ESN or blends) •Nitrogen Rate Evaluations (Examples: 30 lbs./acre minimum rate separation) •Nitrogen used with Manure Evaluations (Example: Normal Nitrogen Rate plus Manure vs. U of M BMPs) •Nitrogen used after Alfalfa Evaluations (Example: Normal Nitrogen Rate after Alfalfa vs. U of M BMPs) The farmer and/or their crop advisor should contact John Boyum at the Fillmore SWCD
office at (507) 765-3878 ext. 3 or john.boyum@fillmoreswcd.org to sign up by April 15, 2015. Farmers can work with a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) or Certified Professional Agronomist (CPAg) or have John assist with setting up the plots. Treatments will be installed according to the layout the farmer plans with the crop advisor and John. The farmer receives $1000. The crop advisors are paid $500. MDA requires that individual identification be kept confidential.
By Jeanette Serfling Administrative Assistant The Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) awarded a $500 scholarship to Fillmore County high school senior, Andrew Love, of Fillmore Central High School. Andrew is the son of Jim and Shannon Love of Preston and is attending Iowa State University majoring in Agronomy. You, too, can apply for the $500 scholarship which is awarded each year to a Fillmore County high school graduating senior who is pursuing a degree in Natural Resources, Agriculture or other related field. Applications are available at the SWCD office in Preston or online at www.fillmoreswcd.org. Submit your completed application along with the required essay on “What Natural Resource Conservation Means To Me” by 4 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2015. The applications will be reviewed and a winner chosen by the Fillmore SWCD Board of Supervisors at their April 2015 meeting. The Fillmore SWCD also awarded a $500 scholarship to Bailey Duxbury of Chatfield. Bailey, the son of Tom and Sara Duxbury, is a returning college student who is attending Winona State majoring in Biology’s Environmental Science
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and Engineering Department. If you are a returning college sophomore, junior, or senior; are pursuing a degree in Natural Resources, Agriculture, or related field; are enrolled in classes for fall; and are not a prior scholarship recipient, you can apply for a $500 scholarship also. The process is the same. Complete the application, include the essay on “What Natural Resource Conservation Means to Me” and have it to the SWCD office by 4 p.m. on Friday, July 31. The application can also be picked up at the SWCD office or is available on our website at www.fillmoreswcd.org. The returning college student scholarship applications will be reviewed and a winner selected by the Fillmore SWCD Board of Supervisors at their August, 2015 meeting. More information may be obtained by contacting the SWCD office at (507) 7653878 ext. 3.
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Monday, February 2, 2015
FILLMORE SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT CONSERVATION CHRONICLES
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Healthy Soil: Foundational to Life January 2015 Snapshots Soil. It’s just dirt, right? Actually, billions of organisms reside in soil, representing 25% of the biodiversity on planet Earth. The United Nations has declared 2015 as the International Year of Soils to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of soil to our food security, ecosystem function, and very existence. Microorganisms, fungi, and other tiny life forms in the soil help build organic matter, providing moisture and nutrients to growing crops. Another crucial function of soil is water storage and filtration. Water is life, and no matter where you get your water, it has been filtered by the soil. Healthy soil means healthier plants, animals, and humans. Promoting soil health is a key part of the work we do at BWSR. From promoting practices to prevent soil erosion and floodwater damage to providing training to conservation staff statewide about best practices for healthy soil to awarding grants for implementation of these best practices, BWSR is committed to creating healthier soil across Minnesota. One major threat to healthy soil in Minnesota is erosion. Heavy rain or snowfalls can lead to floods, which often cause massive soil erosion. Not only does erosion remove nutrients from the land, leaving farmland less fertile, but it can also cause air and water pollution: as sediments are deposited in bodies of water, nutrients such as phosphorous and nitrogen are dispersed into the air and water and can negatively affect aquatic plants and animals. One of our roles at BWSR is to provide training and other resources about soils and soil health to our local government partners. At the 2014 BWSR Academy, a number of sessions were offered that related to soil, including a “Hydric Soil Indicator Lab,” in which participants practiced identifying hydric soils, as well as soil color and texture, and “Soil – How to be Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise,” which focused on promoting and implementing soil health practices in agriculture. The Soil Erosion and Drainage Law Compliance (SEDLC) program, run by BWSR, protects vulnerable soils and reduces soil loss on erosionprone land by applying existing soil erosion reduction and drainage ditch statutes. In the SEDLC program, Soil and Water Conservation Districts work with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to accelerate update of highly erodible land conservation plans.
Healthy soil means healthier air, water, and food. Changes in how we manage our soil can positively affect the Minnesota landscape for years to come.
BWSR State Soil Scientist Megan Lennon and Clean Water Specialist Matt Drewitz are currently working on a Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources initiative to accelerate the adoption of cover crops in southeastern Minnesota. This funding, if approved, will provide training,
cover crop studies, and demo sites to help improve water quality and soil health in the sensitive southeastern Minnesota Board of Water & Soil Resources • www.bwsr.state.mn.us Minnesota landscape. “The nation that destroys its soil destroys itself,” President Franklin D. Roosevelt said in 1937. The statement still rings true 78 years later. As the population increases and farmland decreases, we must remember that clean water, food, and air are at the root of life. Healthy soil is one of the keys.
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Is a proud supporter of the efforts of Fillmore Soil & Water Conservation District. Poet - Biorefining - Preston 701 N. Industrial Dr., Preston, MN 55965 poet.com/preston
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FILLMORE SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT CONSERVATION CHRONICLES
EAGLE BLUFF
Continued from Page 1
sota Milk Producers, SE MN Forage Council, Grazing Lands Conservation Association, CPSHarmony, National Wildlife Federation Cover Crop Champions, and the Area’s SWCDs, are all contributing funding to support the position. “Mysteries of the Driftless” is the second program co-sponsored by the SWCD. It will be held on Saturday, April 11, at 5 p.m. and will be introduced by George Howe M.S., M.E.P.D., Executive Producer. The Driftless Region in the upper Midwest is a geographical area that is unique in all the world; a large, diverse, and scenic area that has repeatedly escaped the effects of massive continental glaciers, while the land all around it was dramatically altered by the glaciers. Recently, a team of scientists and educators set out to tell the story of the Driftless. George Howe, Executive Producer of the nature-adventure documentary “Mysteries of the Driftless”, will share why this unique film was created locally and how it has affected people. Howe will present ideas for how the film and similar media products, can be utilized to help inspire and educate area youth, shape public opinion, and enhance area conservation efforts. The cost is $25 per person (early bird-before
the week of the event) or $30 the week of event. The karst geology of the Driftless Region creates land use challenges that the SWCD helps landowners overcome. Karst features (sinkholes, springs, and
disappearing streams) create many interconnections between surface water and ground water and makes our ground water particularly susceptible to contamination. SWCD programs promote use of grass waterways,
Monday, February 2, 2015
buffers and filter strips, contour farming, feedlot runoff control, and improved nutrient management to reduce the risk of bacteria, nitrates and sediments polluting our water resources. These practices reduce runoff
and soil erosion and improve infiltration of water into the soil. Understanding the characteristics of the Driftless Region can help us better manage our water and soil resources for long term sustainability.
Fillmore SWCD and NRCS staff: Front Row L to R: Donna Rasmussen (SWCD Administrator), Jennifer Ronnenberg (SWCD Water Management Coordinator), Jeanette Serfling (SWCD Administrative Assistant), Anne Koliha (SWCD Conservation Planning Specialist/Feedlot Engineering Technician), Dean Thomas (SWCD Area Soil Health Technician), Rick Grooters (SWCD Conservation Specialist), Caleb Fischer (SWCD Conservation Technician), Doug Keene (SWCD Conservation Specialist). Not pictured: John Boyum, SWCD Nutrient Management Specialist, Jessica Bronson (NRCS District Conservationist), Deborah Shea (NRCS Soil Technician), Brett Scheevel (NRCS Administrative Clerk). Photo submitted
Rain Barrels Are Available From the Fillmore SWCD We are now taking orders for 55- gallon plastic rain barrels for spring 2015. Quantities may be limited, so order yours now to assure availability in the spring.
Rain Barrel Price List: 2015 Fully assembled barrel: $50.00 Cut barrel with hardware kit : $30.00
Rain barrels are not painted, but with a little imagination and some creativity, you can paint your own.Use paint designed to cover plastic surfaces and give everything a final coat of spar polyurethane. You will then have a beautiful and functional rain barrel worthy of display!
Monday, February 2, 2015
FILLMORE SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT CONSERVATION CHRONICLES
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Welcome to the Kingsland rain garden project By Jennifer Ronnenberg Water Management Coordinator With the help of volunteer students and community members, Kingsland School in Spring Valley is now able to collect and treat storm water in their newly designed courtyard. Rain gardens and cisterns collecting rooftop drainage will give students and the community a firsthand look at how these specially designed gardens and treatment systems work. The Kingsland Courtyard Committee was awarded $2,180.00 through the Fillmore SWCD Stormwater Mini-Grant Program to create rain gardens and other stormwater treatment features in the overall plan for the new outdoor classroom. Elementary and high school students of the horticulture and science classes will use the courtyard to learn what storm water is, measuring volumes and conduct water testing experiments. They will also help keep the gardens and cisterns in good working condition. Estimations of the surface areas
draining to the courtyard was done using GIS mapping in the SWCD office. This is an important step to calculating the total volume of stormwater the site is collecting so the rain gardens and other features can be properly sized to handle as much stormwater as possible. Committee members and staff of the SWCD met several times to review plans and brainstorm ideas to help the project meet all of its goals. The existing drainage system in the courtyard helped keep it from flooding, but can also contribute to localized flooding and contamination when large volumes of water are delivered too quickly to Spring Valley Creek. The new stormwater treatment will not only reduce discharge quantity and improve water quality, but will be an invaluable addition to the outdoor classroom. Be sure to check back to see how well the rain garden works as it grows and all the future transformations of the outdoor classroom!
Volunteers of all ages pitched in to help.
Before the rain garden was installed.
Photo submitted
Photo submitted
Volunteers getting some dirt under their fingernails. Photo submitted
Volunteers Gabby and Jennifer Ronnenberg in front of the finished rain garden. Photo submitted
Volunteer Caleb Fisher assisting with the rain garden installation.
Photo submitted
ank You to Our Customers! Owner: RYAN OIAN Rushford, MN Licensed censed General Contractor Certi ertified in Erosion Control
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