Tidewater Soil & Water Conservation District Overview and Programs Carl Thiel-Goin Conservation/Education Specialist
Tidewater SWCD Office Technical/Administrative Staff: * District Manager * Conservation/Education Specialist Specialist * Conservation Assistant *Housed in USDA Service Center Service Center Gloucester, VA Gloucester, VA A Political Subdivision of the State
The mission of the Tidewater Soil and Water Conservation District is to promote the conservation of natural resources through stewardship, education, and outreach. Mission Statement
Board of Directors From Left: Robert Respess, Alan Sutherland, Jason Bray, Ronnie Lewis, Daniel Rilee, Keith Horsley, David Moore, Tyler Crittenden
Sources of SWCD Funding : State State Local Governments Local Governments Other: …grants Other: …grants …donations …donations
Pasture Clearing Plans Site Plan Reviews Site Reviews
Education SOL Programming Homeowner programs College Scholarships - $2,000 Youth Conservation Camp - $550 Envirothon Agricultural Programs Forestry Camp We participate and contribute to these educational activities
Conservation Association Poster Contest “Where Does Your Water Shed” First Place Students
Other School programming has included topics of soil health, topographical maps, soil erosion, and composting.
500 trees with 3 rd grade elementary school children in celebration of Arbor Day
Mathews Chesapeake Bay Days at Thomas Hunter Middle school
Rain Barrel Construction Day at Mathews High School
First Mathews Eco Expo at Williams Warf
Annual participation at the Urbanna Oyster Festival Education Day
Participated in Bay Warrior Days, Governors School, Kayak and Conservation Camp, Petsworth Education Day…. And other youth programs
Down on the Farm Tour Timberneck Farm Gloucester
Assist with Agricultural Field Days and NRCS Small Farmer Workshops
Best Management Practices (BMP) Cost-Share Program Best Management Practices (BMP) Cost-Share Program Administered by DCR thru local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs). Administered by DCR thru local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs). SWCDs recruit participants from areas that will make the greatest impact on water quality. SWCDs recruit participants from areas that will make the greatest impact on water quality.
Planting Winter Cover Crops absorb leftover nutrients in the field and decrease the likelihood of them entering our water bodies. Then release them for the next grain crop reducing the fertilizing needs. Tidewater SWCD assisted with the implementation of 4,778 acres of winter cover crops last year.
Split Application of Nitrogen on Small Grains and Corn totaled 15,587 acres This BMP practice allows farmers to target application of fertilizer at the most efficient time for plant uptake and reduce risk of loss to the environment
Nutrient Management Plan Writing and Implementation Nutrient Management Plans are working documents that farmers use for a environmentally friendly recommended amount of nutrients that their crops need. Tidewater SWCD implemented 19,894 acres of Nutrient Management Plan Writing. Nutrient Management Plans are working documents that farmers use for a environmentally friendly recommended amount of nutrients that their crops need. Tidewater SWCD implemented 19,894 acres of Nutrient Management Plan Writing.
Holly Springs Farm, Clem and Keith Horsley, winner of the Clean Water Farm Award for the York River Water Shed.
Alan T. Sutherlin winner of the Clean Water Farm Award for the Chesapeake Bay Coastal Water Shed
Spring 2014 College Scholarship Applications March 7 th Area III Spring Meeting hosted by TSWCD in Mathews March 12 th Cover Crop Breakfast March 18 th with VCE Tree planting with 3 rd Graders
Thank you